Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Rat Model of Widespread Cerebral Cortical Demyelination Induced by an Intracerebral Injection of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
Published on: September 21, 2021
[An experimental study of a rat model with MODS as a result of trauma induced infection]
Yu Ban1, Hong Shen, Tan-shi Li
1Department of Emergency, General Hospital of The PLA, Beijing 100853, China.
Objective:
To reproduce an animal model of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) which was caused by two "hits" (injury and infection), to explore the potential aetiology and strategies of treatment.
Methods:
The rats' extremities were crushed, resulting in severe injury with multiple closed fractures and extensive contusion of soft tissues. After 12 hours, a thirty percent total body surface area III (TBSA III) burns contaminated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was inflicted upon the injury rats in MODS group. Rats'activities and wound appearance were observed, body weight, temperature, heart rate were recorded, and the blood lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level, the functional changes in all major organs, the occurrence rate of inflammatory reactions, the mortality of MODS and morbidity, and the pathological changes of the major organs were monitored at 24, 48, 96, 120 hours.
Results:
To compare with pre-injury states and control group there were marked increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBil), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) contents 48 hours after the injuries (all P<0.05). When compared with the control group, there was significant difference (P<0.05). After 48 hours, there were obvious changes in pathology, the rats were in the early stage of MODS along with signs of damage to several organs. There was a typical relationship between LPS and organ functional changes. The LPS level peaked within 96 hours after the injury, the level was 8.36 folds of basic level. After 96 hours, there was correlation between LPS and the change of organ function (r=0.927 2). The incidence of MODS was 86%, and the mortality rate reached 30% in 96 hours after injury. At 120 hours after the injury, MODS was found in all the rats and the mortality rate reached 50%.
Conclusion:
This model seems to mimick the development of MODS which occurs after serious injuries followed by infection. The process of infection is coincidental with clinical picture, and LPS was released steadily with full body reaction. This animal model provides us an excellent opportunity to explore the pathogenesis and treatment of MODS after trauma.
Insights
This study successfully created a two-hit animal model for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in rats, mimicking injury followed by infection. The model demonstrated significant organ damage and high mortality, offering insights into MODS pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Trauma and Injury Research
- Infectious Disease Modeling
- Pathophysiology of Organ Dysfunction
Context:
- Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) is a critical condition often resulting from severe injury and subsequent infection.
- Understanding the progression and mechanisms of MODS is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Existing animal models may not fully replicate the complex 'two-hit' nature of clinical MODS.
Purpose:
- To develop and validate a novel animal model of MODS induced by sequential injury and infection.
- To investigate the etiological factors and pathological progression of MODS in this model.
- To provide a platform for exploring potential therapeutic strategies for MODS.
Summary:
- Rats subjected to severe trauma followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa burn infection developed MODS.
- Key indicators such as liver enzymes, kidney function markers, and blood lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels significantly increased.
- The model exhibited high incidence of MODS (86% at 96 hours) and mortality (50% at 120 hours), with LPS correlating to organ dysfunction.
Impact:
- This validated animal model closely mimics clinical MODS development after trauma and infection.
- It facilitates the study of MODS pathogenesis, including the role of LPS and systemic inflammatory responses.
- The model serves as a valuable tool for preclinical testing of novel MODS treatments.

