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The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging

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01-03-2018 | Original Paper

Comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of biventricular function in the rabbit, animal model in cardiovascular research: feasibility and normal values

Authors: Sara Roldan Ramos, Guido Pieles, Wei Hui, Ryo Ishii, Cameron Slorach, Mark K. Friedberg

Published in: The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging | Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Quantification of cardiac structure and function is central in cardiovascular research. Rabbits are valuable research models of cardiovascular human disease; however, there is little normal data available. The aim of this study was to investigate feasibility and provide normal values for comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of biventricular function in rabbits. New Zealand white rabbits underwent trans-thoracic echocardiography using a general electric (GE) Vivid 7/E9 system with a 10 MHz transducer, under light sedation, to evaluate biventricular function and dimensions. Images for two-dimensional, M-mode, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle-tracking strain echocardiography were acquired and analysed. 55 male rabbits (sized matched with a newborn human baby) were studied, mean weight was 2.9 ± 0.23 kg. Adequate images were obtained in 90% for the left ventricle (LV) and 80% for the right ventricle (RV). Two-dimensional speckle-tracking strain was feasible in 60%. Average heart rate was 248 ± 36 beats per minute; LV ejection faction 72 ± 8.0; RV fractional area change 45.9 ± 9.0%; RV myocardial performance index 0.39 ± 0.35; tricuspid annular planar systolic excursion 0.60 ± 0.24 cm. LV TDI parameters were S’ 8.6 ± 3.1 cm/s; E’ 12.0 ± 4.46 cm/s. RV TDI parameters were S’ 10.49 ± 3.18; E’ 14.95 ± 4.64 cm/s. LV and RV global peak systolic longitudinal strain were −17 ± 5 and −22 ± 8%, respectively. Comprehensive investigation of biventricular dimensions and function by echocardiography is feasible in the rabbit. Apical views and strain imaging have lower feasibility. Normal values of LV and RV functional parameters are with comparable values to human children. Animal cardiovascular research is key to develop new goals in clinical practice.

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Title: Comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of biventricular function in the rabbit, animal model in cardiovascular research: feasibility and normal values
Authors: Sara Roldan Ramos
Guido Pieles
Wei Hui
Ryo Ishii
Cameron Slorach
Mark K. Friedberg
Publication date: 01-03-2018
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1569-5794
Electronic ISSN: 1875-8312
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-017-1238-4

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