[Caecal ligation and puncture in the minipig - a model of sepsis induction]

Sepsis belongs among the most serious conditions and animal models of sepsis are the basic tools to investigate the pathophysiological response to this condition.

A total of 16 adult minipigs with identical baseline parameters were randomized into two groups. In the sepsis group (n = 10), sepsis was induced using caecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The control group (n = 6) underwent laparotomy without CLP. Selected clinical and laboratory parameters as well as histological findings between the sepsis and control group were subsequently compared.

All animals undergoing CLP developed diffuse peritonitis and sepsis. Compared to the control group, experimental animals showed significant increase of body temperature and heart rate (while) requiring noradrenaline to maintain their perfusion pressure. No significant differences in the monitored biochemical parameters (including C-reactive protein levels) between the two groups were found. Histological findings in organs of experimental animals were consistent with changes of organs seen in sepsis, i.e., centrilobular liver necroses, acute tubular renal necrosis, serous fibrinopurulent exudate, myocardial malacias, and pulmonary edema.

Experimental caecal ligation with a predefined size of the perforation in the intestinal wall is a suitable model for assessing the pathophysiological changes occurring in the body in sepsis.