A Recovery Cardiopulmonary Bypass Model Without Transfusion or Inotropic Agents in Rats

Summary

Here, we present a protocol to describe a simple recovery cardiopulmonary bypass model without transfusion or inotropic agents in a rat. This model allows the study of the long-term multiple organ sequelae of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is indispensable in cardiovascular surgery. Despite the dramatic refinement of CPB technique and devices, multi-organ complications related to prolonged CPB still compromise the outcome of cardiovascular surgeries, and may worsen postoperative morbidity and mortality. Animal models recapitulating the clinical usage of CPB enable the clarification of the pathophysiological processes that occur during CPB, and facilitate pre-clinical studies to develop strategies protecting against these complications. Rat CPB models are advantageous because of their greater cost-effectiveness, convenient experimental processes, abundant testing methods at the genetic or protein levels, and genetic consistency. They can be used for investigating the immune system activation and synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, compliment activation, and production of oxygen free radicals. The rat models have been refined and have gradually taken the place of large-animal models. Here, we describe a simple CPB model without transfusion and/or inotropic agents in a rat. This recovery model allows the study of the long-term multiple organ sequelae of CPB.

Introduction

In 1953, Dr. John H. Gibbon Jr. successfully performed the first cardiac surgery using CPB¹, and it subsequently became an essential modality in cardiovascular surgery. While the techniques and devices have been dramatically refined, multi-organ complications related to CPB still compromise the outcome of cardiovascular surgeries, and may affect postoperative morbidity and mortality². CPB-related organ damage is caused by immune system activation and synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, compliment activation, and production of oxygen free radicals². Its pathophysiology, however, has not been fu....

Protocol

Prior to experiment, all rats should be given one week to acclimate. All surgical procedures on animals should be carried out in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (www.nap.edu/catalog/5140.html) or other appropriate ethical guidelines. Protocols should be approved by the animal welfare committee at the appropriate institution before proceeding. All subsequent procedures must be performed under aseptic conditions. 

1. Preparing CPB Circuit

Note: Wear personal protective equipment including gloves, eyewear, and a clean coat or disposable gown.

1. Set-up of CPB circui....

Results

Figure 1 shows the entire CPB circuit. The physiological variables in this model are shown in Figure 2, and include rectal temperature, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate. Figure 3 shows the arterial blood gas analyses during CPB, including partial pressure of arterial oxygen, partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide, hematocrit, base excess, serum expression of potassium, and potential .......

Discussion

In this rat CPB model, the serum and lung expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and HMGB-1, a key transcription factor regulating the inflammatory responses, dramatically increased after CPB. Previous clinical studies showed that the serum secretion of HMGB-1 level is elevated in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery¹¹, and the peak serum HMGB-1 level during CPB was associated with more severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome and lung oxygenation impairment after CPB

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Rodent Ventilator 7025	Ugo Basile	7025	Ventilator
OxiQuant B	ENVITEC	46-00-0023	Oxygen Sensor
CMA 450 Temperature Controller	CMA	8003759	Temperature Controller
CMA 450 Heating Pad	CMA	8003763
CMA 450 Rectal Probe	CMA	8003761
DIN(8) to Disposable BP Transducer	ADInstruments	MLAC06
Disposable BP Transducer	ADInstruments	MLT0670
IX-214 Data Recorder	iWorx Systems	IWX-214	amplifier
LabScribe software	iWorx Systems		software
Roller pump	Furue Science	Model RP-VT	pump
Happy Cath	Medikit	EB 19G 4HCLs PP	17-gauge multiorifice angiocatheter
SURFLO ETFE I.V. Catheter	Terumo	SR-OX2419CA	24-gauge angiocatheter
Oxygenator	Mera	HPO-002
CPB circuit	Mera	custom-made
Hespander fluid solution	Fresenius Kabi	3319547A4035	Hydroxyethyl starch