Murine hindlimb ischemia models: a narrative review

Area of Science:

• * Cardiovascular Research
• * Experimental Models
• * Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Background:

• * The murine hindlimb ischemia model is a key experimental system for investigating peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
• * Existing models encompass acute, subacute-to-chronic, and ischemia-reperfusion categories, each with distinct applications and methodologies.
• * Standardization remains a challenge for subacute-to-chronic models, hindering widespread adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To comprehensively review and compare various murine hindlimb ischemia models.
• * To analyze the methodologies, advantages, and limitations of each model type.
• * To identify critical factors influencing model establishment and experimental results for PAD research.

Main Methods:

• * Review of established and emerging techniques for inducing hindlimb ischemia in mice.
• * Categorization of models into acute, subacute-to-chronic, and ischemia-reperfusion.
• * Discussion of methods including ligation, electrocauterization, Ameroid constrictors, and others.

Main Results:

• * Acute ischemia models are widely used with established protocols (e.g., ligation, electrocauterization).
• * Subacute-to-chronic models (e.g., Ameroid constrictors) offer better chronic PAD relevance but lack standardization.
• * Ischemia-reperfusion models are valuable for studying revascularization complications.

Conclusions:

• * The murine hindlimb ischemia model is versatile but requires careful selection based on research goals.
• * Understanding model-specific factors is crucial for reproducible and reliable PAD research.
• * This review provides a guide for researchers to optimize experimental design and outcomes in hindlimb ischemia studies.