PDF icon Download PDF
Thromb Haemost 2006; 96(05): 602-610
DOI: 10.1160/TH05-07-0514
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Rat models of myocardial infarction

Pathogenetic insights and clinical relevance
Ravinay Bhindi
1   Vascular Biology Laboratory, Anzac Research Institute, University of Sydney and Cardiology Department, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
2   Centre for Vascular Research, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia
,
Paul K. Witting
1   Vascular Biology Laboratory, Anzac Research Institute, University of Sydney and Cardiology Department, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
,
Aisling C. McMahon
1   Vascular Biology Laboratory, Anzac Research Institute, University of Sydney and Cardiology Department, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
,
Levon M. Khachigian
2   Centre for Vascular Research, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia
,
Harry C. Lowe
1   Vascular Biology Laboratory, Anzac Research Institute, University of Sydney and Cardiology Department, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
2   Centre for Vascular Research, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 23 July 2005

Accepted after resubmission 07 August 2006

Publication Date:
01 December 2017 (online)

   Permissions and Reprints
Preview

Summary

Animal models of cardiovascular pathology contribute towards understanding and treatment of a broad range of conditions. Specifically in the context of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), rat models have been commonly used in studies of pathogenesis, investigation and novel therapies, although there has often been difficulty in translating experimental findings to clinical benefit. However, recent years have seen two important changes to our clinical approaches to AMI. First, there is increasing recognition that the pathophysiology of human AMI is a process occurring at many levels, not just within the epicardial coronary artery, but also within the microvasculature and the myocardium. Second, contemporary treatments are shifting away from thrombolytic dissolution of epicardial coronary thrombus to direct mechanical approaches using angioplasty and stents. These changes in our understanding of AMI have implications for the relevance of these animal models. The following discussion therefore reviews and examines the current rat models of AMI, places them in a clinical context, discusses their advantages and limitations, and outlines likely future developments, providing an overview of the place of these important models of AMI.

Keywords

Rat - animal model - myocardial infarction - microvasculature