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Updated: May 14, 2026
Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs
Published on: April 25, 2014
[Delayed-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for assessing a minipig myocardial infarction model established by
Qiaoxiang Yin1, Yusheng Zhao, Heng Wang
1Department of Elderly Cardiology, General Hospital of Air Force, Beijing, China. zmyyqx-20041129@163.com
Objective:
To assess a minipig model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) established by percutaneous balloon occlusion using delayed-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI).
Methods:
A minipig model of AMI was established by placement of a 2.0 mm×15.0 mm percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty balloon in the middle left anterior descending artery (LAD) through a percutaneous femoral puncture in the right inguinal region. The left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was occluded for 90 min, followed by assessment of the infarct size and cardiac function with DE-MRI, and the results were confirmed by pathological examination.
Results:
DE-MRI showed a mean infarcts size of 10.2∓2.9 cm3 in the minipig models. Compared to the control group, the minipigs with AMI had significantly increased end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (P<0.05) with a decreased stroke volume, ejection fraction and cardiac output (P<0.001). These DE-MRI values were matched with the microsphere values obtained from short-axis slices in pathological examination.
Conclusion:
We have established a feasible approach for evaluating minipig models of AMI as a platform for assessing the therapeutic effect of stem cell transplantation for AMI.
Insights
This study establishes a minipig model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using balloon occlusion. Delayed-enhanced MRI effectively assesses infarct size and cardiac function in this AMI model.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Animal Models
- Medical Imaging
Context:
- Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) poses a significant health burden.
- Developing reliable animal models is crucial for studying AMI pathophysiology and testing therapies.
- Delayed-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI) offers non-invasive assessment of myocardial tissue.
Purpose:
- To establish and validate a minipig model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
- To assess the utility of DE-MRI for quantifying infarct size and cardiac function in this model.
- To confirm DE-MRI findings with pathological examination.
Summary:
- A minipig model of AMI was created via percutaneous balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending artery for 90 minutes.
- DE-MRI accurately measured mean infarct size (10.2±2.9 cm³) and revealed significant alterations in cardiac function (reduced ejection fraction, stroke volume, and cardiac output).
- DE-MRI results correlated well with pathological findings, confirming the model's validity.
Impact:
- This validated minipig AMI model provides a robust platform for preclinical research.
- It enables precise evaluation of therapeutic interventions, such as stem cell transplantation, for AMI.
- The study demonstrates the feasibility of using DE-MRI for comprehensive assessment in AMI models.
