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Ventriculographic evaluation in three rat models of cardiac dysfunction
X P Yang1, H N Sabbah, Y H Liu
1Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.
The American Journal of Physiology
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Coronary ligation and embolization effectively induce chronic cardiac dysfunction in rats, significantly reducing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Aorto-caval fistula models myocardial hypertrophy with minimal cardiac dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Animal Models of Disease
- Heart Failure Pathophysiology
Background:
- Chronic cardiac dysfunction is a significant health concern.
- Developing reliable animal models is crucial for studying heart failure.
- Understanding the distinct pathophysiological changes induced by different models is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare three distinct rat models for inducing chronic cardiac dysfunction: aorto-caval fistula, coronary ligation, and coronary embolization.
- To assess the impact of each model on cardiac function, hemodynamics, and neurohormonal markers.
- To determine the most effective models for studying specific aspects of cardiac dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Induction of chronic cardiac dysfunction in rats via aorto-caval fistula, coronary ligation, or coronary embolization.
- Assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using ventriculography 11-12 weeks post-induction.
- Measurement of cardiac output (CO), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), left ventricular volumes, pressures, and plasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), renin activity, and catecholamines.
Main Results:
- Coronary ligation and embolization significantly decreased LVEF (-36%, -30%) and CO, while increasing SVR. Aorto-caval fistula mildly decreased LVEF (-13%) but markedly increased CO (+82%) and decreased SVR (-47%).
- All models showed increased left ventricular end-systolic volume and end-diastolic pressure. Aorto-caval fistula and ligation increased left ventricular end-diastolic volume, unlike embolization.
- Plasma ANF increased substantially in all models, with the highest increase in the aorto-caval fistula group. Renin activity and catecholamines remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Coronary embolization and ligation are effective models for inducing significant chronic left ventricular dysfunction in rats, characterized by reduced LVEF.
- Aorto-caval fistula serves as a suitable model for studying myocardial hypertrophy and elevated plasma ANF, with only mild cardiac dysfunction.
- The distinct hemodynamic and functional profiles of these models allow for targeted research into specific aspects of cardiac disease.