Animal Models for Cardiac Research
The modern era of cardiac surgery is largely considered to have begun in the animal research laboratories. Today, animal models continue to be used for the study of cardiovascular diseases and are required for the preclinical assessment of pharmaceuticals
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Nicholas Robinson, Laura Souslian, Robert P. Gallegos, Andrew L. Rivard, Agustin P. Dalmasso, and Richard W. Bianco
Abstract
The modern era of cardiac surgery is largely considered to have begun in the animal research laboratories. Today, animal models continue to be used for the study of cardiovascular diseases and are required for the preclinical assessment of pharmaceuticals, mechanical devices, therapeutic procedures, and/or continuation therapies. This chapter was written to provide readers and potential investigators with important background information necessary for the process of matching an experimental hypothesis to an animal species that will serve as an appropriate model for studying a specific cardiovascular disease or for testing a given medical device. A review of the current animal models used in cardiac research is provided and arranged by disease state. Critical factors to consider when choosing an appropriate animal model including costs, reproducibility, and degree of similarity of the model to human disease are discussed. Thus, this chapter can be utilized as a practical guide for planning of research protocols. Keywords
Animal model • Isolated cardiomyocytes • Isolated perfused heart • Valve disease • Atrial fibrillation • Myocardial ischemia • Heart failure • Heart transplantation • Mechanical device testing • Cardiomyoplasty • Stem cell research
27.1
Protocol Development
Several scientific governing bodies have developed guidelines and periodic review processes to ensure that research animals are used in an ethical and scientifically appropriate manner. Investigators who plan to utilize animal subjects in their research should first familiarize themselves with the document entitled “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” prepared by the US National Academy of Sciences [1]. In addition, investigators should use these guidelines in conjunction with accepted scientific methods in order to N. Robinson, BVSc (Hons), PhD, DACVP • L. Souslian, MD R.P. Gallegos, MD, PhD • A.L. Rivard, MD • A.P. Dalmasso, MD R.W. Bianco (*) Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, MMC 195, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA e-mail: [email protected]
develop a standardized protocol for each research project. It is a requirement that prior to commencing research, a detailed protocol undergoes review and is approved by the local governing body responsible for the safe and ethical use of animals in research. In most organizations in the USA where research using animals is performed, the standard governing body is known as the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, or IACUC (www.iacuc.umn.edu). Both large and small animals have been extensively used in cardiovascular research. The choice of animal model should be primarily based on: (1) the scientific hypotheses; (2) the laboratory’s capability to safely employ the model in the species chosen (i.e., expertise in the selected procedure, appropriate animal housing and care, equipment, laboratory resources); and (3) the degree
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