Animal models to study the cardiopulmonary effects of artificial kidney membranes

Some adverse reactions occurring during hemodialysis have been suggested to be caused by the bioincompatibility of dialyzer membranes. Experimental sheep and swine models have been developed to study the biological effects of these membranes. Infusion of cuprophane-activated plasma into the animals produces drastic hematologic and cardiopulmonary alterations. Available data suggest that these alterations are mediated by complement activation products and arachidonic acid metabolites. The consistent and sensitive nature of these models makes them useful tools to further study the interactions between the blood elements and artificial kidney membrane surfaces.