Experimental models of subarachnoid hemorrhage for studies of cerebral vasospasm

A multitude of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) models have been described but only several of them are still in use. All models to a different degree helped in understanding of pathophysiology of cerebral vasospasm after SAH. Their advantages and drawbacks have been reviewed in this paper. Since 2000, when the last review on cerebral vasospasm in animal models was written, new animal models of SAH were introduced and our knowledge about pathophysiology of CVS improved. The aim of present review was to update the information about well established and newly implemented models of vasospasm after SAH.

The MEDLINE searches were carried out using keywords that included 'subarachnoid hemorrhage', 'animal', 'model', as well as names of animal species such as 'rats', 'dogs', 'mice', 'rabbits', 'pigs' or animal groups, e.g. 'non-human primates'. Owing to a limited volume, only models of SAH in vivo were included in our review.

We identified 53 original models of SAH in considered groups of animals. For the past several years, use of rats and mice became increasingly common in vasospasm studies due to advancements of imaging techniques, new approaches in vessel morphometry and reduced costs related to small animals. However, dog model of SAH is still considered superior for vasospasm studies as the ability of murine models to model human vasospasm is disputed.

Testing new concepts of vasospasm etiology will require re-evaluation of in vivo models of CVS. The updated knowledge about their advantages and limitations is necessary for effective design in future studies of cerebral vasospasm after SAH.