A modified model of cardiac reverse remodeling following abdominal aortic banding and debanding in rats

Cardiac reverse remodeling (RR) after pressure unloading has been widely studied using abdominal aortic banding (AB) and debanding (DB) models. However, the DB procedure is technically challenging and associated with high postoperative mortality, limiting broader use. Here, we aim to develop a modified, film-supported ligature technique for AB and DB to improve procedural feasibility and survival and to generate a reproducible RR model.

A rat cardiac RR model was established using medical film-supported abdominal AB followed by DB. Rats underwent 4  weeks of AB and then 2  weeks of DB. Echocardiography and blood pressure measurement were performed to confirm successful establishment of pressure overload and subsequent unloading. RR was assessed by echocardiographic structural and functional parameters, cardiac histology and serum levels of BNP, ANP and GDF-15.

The modified DB procedure yielded a postoperative survival rate of 93.33%. AB induced significant hemodynamic changes at the constriction site and led to progressive cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction from 4 to 6  weeks. After 2  weeks of DB, cardiac function showed substantial improvement; serum BNP, ANP and GDF-15 levels, as well as cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis returned close to baseline.

The film-supported AB and DB model is a technically streamlined and reproducible rat approach that markedly reduces postoperative mortality and enables consistent induction and reversal of cardiac remodeling. This model provides a useful experimental platform for studies of RR.