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Temperature Control in Rodent Neuroprotection Studies: Methods and Challenges.
Ana C Klahr1, Colby A Nadeau2, Frederick Colbourne1,2
11 Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Canada .
Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management
|June 22, 2016
Summary
Therapeutic hypothermia shows promise for brain injuries like stroke, but animal research must use reliable methods. Accurate temperature monitoring in preclinical studies is crucial for successful clinical translation of hypothermia therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Translational Medicine
- Critical Care
Background:
- Therapeutic hypothermia has been successfully translated for cardiac arrest and infant hypoxic-ischemic injury.
- Preclinical research significantly influences clinical interest in hypothermia for conditions like stroke.
- Reliable animal models and research practices are essential for successful clinical translation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for inducing and maintaining hypothermia in animal models.
- To highlight the importance of clinically relevant protocols and monitoring in hypothermia research.
- To identify temperature confounds in neuroprotection studies, particularly for ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Review of physical and pharmacological methods for inducing hypothermia in animal models.
- Literature survey of ischemic stroke studies published in 2015.
- Analysis of temperature monitoring and reporting practices in preclinical neuroprotection research.
Main Results:
- Various physical and pharmacological methods exist for inducing hypothermia in animal models, each with advantages and limitations.
- A significant percentage of ischemic stroke studies in 2015 failed to accurately monitor and report temperature during surgery (23.5%).
- Many studies (46.0%) utilized pharmaceutical agents that could influence animal model temperature, yet temperature was not consistently monitored.
Conclusions:
- Ensuring the reliability and validity of animal models is paramount for the clinical translation of hypothermia.
- There is a continuing risk of temperature confounds in neuroprotection studies, necessitating improved monitoring and reporting.
- Increased awareness and discussion regarding temperature management in preclinical research are vital for advancing hypothermia therapies.
