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Reference values from M-mode and Doppler echocardiography for normal Syrian hamsters
Vera M C Salemi1, Angelina M B Bilate, Félix J A Ramires
1Cardiomyopathies Unit, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, Av Jandira 185 ap41B Moema, São Paulo 04080-000, Brazil. verasalemi@uol.com.br
Summary
This study establishes normal echocardiographic reference ranges for Syrian hamsters, crucial for studying cardiac diseases in this model. These values aid future research by providing essential control data for left ventricular function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Small Animal Models
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Echocardiography is vital for serial cardiac disease measurements in small animal research.
- Syrian hamsters are increasingly used as a model for human heart conditions.
- Normal left ventricular (LV) function reference ranges are lacking for hamster echocardiography.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference ranges for echocardiographic values of normal left ventricular function in Syrian hamsters.
- To provide essential control data for future cardiac research using this model.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution echocardiography was performed on 118 10-week-old female Syrian golden hamsters.
- Left ventricular (LV) mass, systolic function (fractional shortening), and diastolic function (myocardial performance index, MPI) were assessed.
- Mitral inflow pulsed-wave Doppler was used to evaluate diastolic function, noting E and A wave differentiation.
Main Results:
- Mean LV mass was 0.19+/-0.04 g, fractional shortening was 44.7+/-6.6%, and MPI was 0.39+/-0.1.
- E and A waves were discernible in 52% of animals.
- A heart rate >378 bpm increased the risk of E/A wave fusion 35-fold.
Conclusions:
- Echocardiographic characteristics for normal Syrian hamsters were documented.
- These findings provide essential control values for future studies utilizing this animal model.
- The data supports the use of Syrian hamsters for cardiac research, offering a basis for comparison.