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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Transthoracic Echocardiographic Examination in the Rabbit Model
Published on: June 1, 2019
[Alterations in myocardial function in early stage of sepsis in rabbits]
1Intensive Care Unit, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong Medical College, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
Objective:
To study the alterations in myocardial function in early stage of sepsis.
Methods:
Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. In the control group (n=10) only laparotomy was done, and in the sepsis group the animals received cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). In both groups left ventricular catheter was placed via right internal carotid artery. Left ventricular systolic peak pressure (LVSP), maximal positive change in filling pressure versus time (+dp/dt max), maximal negative change in filling pressure versus time (-dp/dt max) were monitored, and serum troponin I (TnI) was measured per hour for five times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours after operation).
Results:
Compared to the basic levels, LVSP, +dp/dt max and -dp/dt max decreased significantly an hour after CLP in sepsis group (all P<0.05), with the tendency of decrease with elapse of time. Serum TnI increased significantly an hour after CLP in sepsis group, and continued to increase with the passage of time. In contrast, no significant change was observed in control group.
Conclusion:
Cardiac muscle is injured, and myocardial systolic and diastolic functions are depressed in early stage of sepsis in rabbit model.
