Decreased mortality in a rat model of acute postinfarction heart failure

IntroductionThe rat model of postinfarction heart failure (HF) has been very valuable in experimental cardiology. One disadvantage of this model is the very high acute mortality (70–80%). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether measures of intensive cardiac care applied to rats with acute myocardial infarction (MI) would reduce mortality.MethodsMale Sprague–Dawley rats weighing ∼300 g were used. The animals were randomized into two groups. The intensive care group (IC) n = 20 and conventional care group (CC) n = 20. Experimental MI was induced by ligation of the left coronary artery producing large anterolateral MI. Animals in the IC group received isoflurane anesthesia and respiratory support postoperatively. The heart rhythm was monitored continuously and ventricular arrhythmias were treated with amiodarone and cardioversion.ResultsMortality rate within 24 h was 4/20 (20%) in the IC group and 14/20 (70%) in the CC group (p < 0.01). This represents a 3.5-fold reduction in acute mortality rate.ConclusionsThe use of amiodarone, respiratory support, isoflurane gas anesthesia, and electrical cardioversion of malignant arrhythmias are simple and effective measures to reduce mortality in rats with acute MI and HF. Improving survival rates increases cost-efficiency and ethical acceptance of this important experimental HF model.