Experimental Model for Heart Failure in Rats - Induction and Diagnosis

Abstract

Background: Clinical heart failure is generally preceded by hypertrophy. Many animal models (e. g. toxic heart failure models) do not consider this hypertrophy. We set out to develop a heart failure model in rats by inducing pressure-overload hypertrophy. Methods: We induced coarctation of the aortic arch with a tantalum clip (0.35 mm internal diameter) In 3-week-old rats (n = 17). Starting at seven weeks postoperatively, we measured ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS), end-systolic (LVESD) and end-diastolic (LVEDD) left ventricular dimensions by echocardiography each week. Heart, lung, and liver specimens were analyzed histopathologically at least eleven weeks after the operation. Results: Contractile function was significantly decreased in hearts from animals with aortic banding (EF: 45 ± 5 % vs. 73 ± 5 %, p < 0.01; FS: 20 ± 3 % vs. 35 ± 5 %, p < 0.01). At the same time, left ventricles were dilated (LVEDD: 9.1 ± 0.6 mm vs. 7.4 ± 0.5 mm; LVESD: 7.3 ± 0.6 mm vs. 4.8 ± 0.4 mm, p < 0.01). These observations were associated with clinical and histopathological changes characteristic for chronic left heart failure. Conclusion: Placing a tantalum clip around the aortic arch in 3-week-old rats consistently induces left ventricular decrease in contractile function and dilatation after eleven weeks.

Key words

Echocardiography - heart failure - congestive - hypertrophy - myocardium

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