Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026
A Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Model in Swine Using an Ameroid Constrictor
Published on: October 9, 2017
Coronary artery vasospasms in a microminipig occurred after placing an ameroid constrictor
Xin Cao1, Yuji Nakamura, Takayuki Aoki
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, 5-21-16 Omori-nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan.
Abstract:
A 12-month-old microminipig, weighing 12.6 kg, showed 3 repeated episodes of transient ST-segment elevation in 24 hr Holter electrocardiogram after placing an ameroid constrictor around the left anterior descending coronary artery. Ventricular fibrillation was noticed just after the cessation of the 24 hr Holter-electrocardiogram recording. Direct current defibrillations and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were performed; however, they were unsuccessful, leading to the animal's death. Its heart was excised for macroscopic analysis, which indicated that lumen of the ameroid constrictor was not narrowed and that there was no dissection, embolus or thrombus in the coronary arteries, indirectly suggesting that coronary artery vasospasm may have caused the ischemic attacks. Thus, microminipig may possess some potential to have coronary vasospasm.
Insights
Microminipigs may experience coronary artery vasospasm, as evidenced by transient ST-segment elevation and ventricular fibrillation in a young pig model. Further research is needed to confirm this potential in cardiovascular studies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Animal Models
- Physiology
Background:
- Coronary artery disease research often utilizes animal models.
- Understanding species-specific responses to cardiovascular interventions is crucial.
