[Animal model of acute respiratory distress syndrome]

Studying the animal models of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents a key factor in understanding the pathophysiology of this condition.

Creating a simple animal model of ARDS based on oleic acid injection, suitable for studying the alveolo-capillary membrane dysfunction.

8 common rabbits weighting between 3 and 3.5 kg were subjected to peripheral vein injection of 0.5 ml of oleic acid. During the first 75 minutes chest radiographs were performed at each 15 minutes. At the end of this period an arterial blood-gas analysis was done, the animals were sacrificed and a complete autopsy and a microscopic examination of the lung were performed.

Clinical, radiologic and histological features of ARDS were obtained in all cases after 75 minutes of oleic acid injection.

Intravenous injection of oleic acid consistently induces ARDS in rabbits. The model is simple, reproducible and suitable for animal experimentation.