A Rabbit Model for Prolonged Continuous Intravenous Infusion Via a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Continuous intravenous (IV) drug infusion is crucial for maintaining therapeutic blood concentrations and minimizing dosing errors in medical treatments.
• Existing animal models for continuous IV infusion are often complex, require surgical expertise, and utilize expensive equipment, limiting their application.
• There is a need for accessible and reliable animal models to test new drug candidates via continuous IV infusion in unrestrained subjects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a novel and simplified rabbit model for prolonged continuous IV drug infusion.
• To enable the administration and testing of new drug candidates in a free-roaming animal setting.

Main Methods:

• A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) was inserted from the rabbit's marginal ear vein to the superior vena cava.
• The catheter was connected to an externally carried ambulatory infusion pump for continuous drug delivery.
• Physiological parameters including body temperature, weight, and respiration were monitored daily via spirometry.

Main Results:

• The novel rabbit model successfully achieved steady, continuous IV infusion of saline or drug formulations at 3-6 ml/h for 11 consecutive days.
• Freely moving rabbits maintained normal physiological parameters throughout the infusion period.
• The method proved simple to execute, avoiding complex surgical procedures.

Conclusions:

• A simplified and effective rabbit model for prolonged continuous IV infusion has been developed.
• This model facilitates the administration and testing of new drug candidates in unrestrained animals.
• The established method can advance preclinical drug development and research.