Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 26, 2025
An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model
Published on: September 2, 2021
Spontaneously occurring cardiovascular lesions in commonly used laboratory animals
Eugene Herman1, Sandy Eldridge1
1Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 USA.
Abstract:
The search for new chemical entities which are clinically effective and do not adversely affect the cardiovascular system is an ongoing objective. In vivo studies designed to detect potential drug-induced cardiovascular toxicity typically utilize both rodent and non-rodent species. An important component of such studies includes the microscopic evaluation of tissues for histopathologic changes. A factor which could potentially complicate this type of evaluation relates to the potential for laboratory animals to develop natural or spontaneous pathological cardiovascular lesions. Some types of these naturally occurring alterations are similar to those induced by chemical compounds and thus could confound accurate interpretation. Accurate morphologic analysis becomes contingent upon the ability to distinguish spontaneous cardiovascular changes from actual drug-induced lesions. A summary of some of the more frequently reported spontaneous cardiovascular alterations in commonly-used laboratory animals is presented below. Special emphasis is given to the spectrum of spontaneous background myocardial pathology that might be encountered during preclinical studies conducted to identify potential cardiotoxic actions of anticancer agents.
Insights
Distinguishing spontaneous cardiovascular lesions in lab animals from drug-induced effects is crucial for accurate preclinical toxicity testing. This summary aids researchers in identifying natural pathologies, ensuring reliable drug safety assessments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Preclinical Toxicology
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Drug development requires assessing cardiovascular safety.
- Laboratory animals are used for in vivo toxicity studies.
- Spontaneous cardiovascular lesions in animals can mimic drug-induced toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize common spontaneous cardiovascular alterations in laboratory animals.
- To aid in distinguishing natural lesions from drug-induced cardiotoxicity.
- To provide a reference for preclinical safety evaluations, especially for anticancer agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on spontaneous cardiovascular lesions in rodents and non-rodents.
- Focus on myocardial pathology relevant to preclinical drug testing.
- Morphologic analysis for differentiating spontaneous versus induced changes.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of frequently observed spontaneous cardiovascular lesions.
- Emphasis on myocardial lesions that can confound cardiotoxicity assessments.
- Identification of specific pathologies that require careful interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Accurate interpretation of drug-induced cardiotoxicity relies on understanding spontaneous lesions.
- Knowledge of background pathology is essential for reliable preclinical safety studies.
- This summary serves as a guide for researchers evaluating cardiovascular drug safety.
