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.
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.
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 fully elucidated.
Animal models recapitulating the clinical usage of CPB enable the clarification of the pathophysiological processes during and after CPB; this can facilitate pre-clinical studies in developing strategies to avoid these complications. Since Popovic et al. first reported a rat CPB model in 19673, rat CPB models have been refined, and have gradually taken the place of large-animal models due to greater cost-effectiveness, convenient experimental processes, and a plethora of testing methods in genetic and protein levels. Additionally, inbred rats can be genetically identical, reducing possible biological biases.
Fabre et al. first established a recovery model that allowed the study of the long-term multiple organ sequelae of CPB4. The advantages of this simple survival model are the flexibility (CPB flow and duration), stable vital condition, and reproducibility in systemic inflammation. Rat CPB models have become crucial for the investigation of therapeutic strategies that aim to prevent multi-organ injury during CPB5, and various models for simulating the clinical situations during CPB have recently been developed. De Lange et al. developed a cardiac arrest model, which can be used to characterize the enzymatic, genetic, and histological responses related to myocardial injury7. Peters et al. arranged myocardial infarction and controlled reperfusion using a miniaturized CPB model to analyze heart disfunction through the focal ischemia and reperfusion injury8. Jungwirth et al. first established a deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) model, which can elucidate the global ischemia and reperfusion injury by DHCA and supports potential neuroprotective strategies6. Studies using DHCA investigate the influence of hypothermia, reperfusion, and/or hemolysis-triggered signaling events9. Deep hypothermia may affect the activation and inactivation of various enzymes and pathways and the mechanisms remain unknown10. On the other hand, cardiac arrest models or heart ischemia models must be used to investigate ischemia and reperfusion heart injury. These various rat CPB models that highly recapitulate human CPB may reveal pathological processes related to CPB and help mitigate CPB-related complications.
This protocol demonstrates a simple CPB model without transfusion or inotropic agents in a rat. This model allows for the study of long-term multiple organ sequelae of CPB.
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.
2. Procedure Before CPB
NOTE: The surgical field and devices should be disinfected by 70% alcohol or a quaternary ammonium compound before use.
3. Procedure During CPB
4. Procedure After CPB
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 of hydrogen. Throughout the procedure, the heart rate and mean arterial pressure were stable. The rectal temperature and hematocrit decreased at the beginning of CPB because of hemodilution caused by the priming volume. The partial pressure of arterial oxygen significantly increased during CPB due to membrane oxygenation. Representative hematoxylin and eosin staining images of lungs are shown in Figure 4, which includes the images of the CPB group (Figure 4B, D) and sham operation group (Figure 4A, C), and the ratios of PaO2/FiO2 after CPB compared with the baseline (Figure 4E). For interstitial edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and hemorrhage, a significant difference was observed in the CPB group. Figure 5 shows serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels after CPB.
Figure 1: The CPB circuit. The entire CPB circuit consists of a reservoir (8 mL), a membrane oxygenator with a priming volume of 3.3 mL, and a roller pump. All parts are connected via polyvinyl chloride tubes, including a venous drainage line (outer diameter (OD), 3.3 mm; inner diameter (ID), 2 mm; about 1.4 mL), an arterial line (OD, 2 mm; ID, 1.2 mm; about 1.2 mL) and a tube attaching the pump roller (OD, 6.6 mm; ID, 4.5 mm; about 2.8 mL). Total priming volume is 11 mL including approximately 3 mL in the reservoir. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 2: Physiological variables. Physiological variables during and after CPB, including (A) rectal temperature, (B) mean arterial blood pressure, and (C) heart rate (n = 6). The points and error bars are presented as mean and standard deviation. CPB, cardiopulmonary bypass; Pre, before CPB; CPB X, X min after the initiation of CPB; Post X, X min after the end of CPB. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 3: Arterial blood gas analyses. Arterial blood gas analyses during and after CPB. (A) partial pressure of arterial oxygen, (B) partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide, (C) hematocrit, (D) base excess, (E) serum expression of potassium, and (F) potential of hydrogen (n = 6). The points and error bars are presented as mean and standard deviation. CPB, cardiopulmonary bypass; Pre, before CPB; CPB X, X min after the initiation of CPB; Post X, X min after the end of CPB. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 4: Histological analysis for lungs. Representative hematoxylin and eosin staining images for the sham operation group (A, C) and the cardiopulmonary bypass performed group (B, D). 4 h after CPB. The severity of respiratory distress was correlated to the extent of pathological findings in edema and hemorrhage. Scale bars; 50 µm (A, B), 1 mm (C, D). (E) The ratio of PaO2/FiO2 after CPB compared with the baseline in sham group and control group (n = 6 in each group). The points and error bars are presented as mean and standard deviation. *p < 0.01 vs. Sham group. CPB, cardiopulmonary bypass; PaO2, partial pressure of arterial oxygen; FiO2, fraction of inspired oxygen; Post X, X min after the end of CPB. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 5: Evaluation of inflammatory responses in serum. Serum concentration of (A) tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), (B) interleukin-6 (IL-6), and (C) high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels after CPB. n = 5 for each group: Sham group and CPB group, rats undergoing CPB. The points and error bars are presented as mean and standard deviation. *p < 0.05, †p < 0.001 vs. Sham group. CPB, cardiopulmonary bypass; Post X, X min after the end of CPB. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
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 CPB12. Additionally, the serum HMGB-1 level is an independent biomarker to predict intensive care unit mortality in patients with severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)13. Severe CPB-related ARDS associated with inflammatory cytokines and HMGB-1 activation is successfully simulated by this rat CPB model.
Numerous studies on CPB-related systemic inflammation have been conducted in rat models because of their usefulness for investigating the systemic inflammatory responses, including proinflammatory cytokine expression14, nuclear kappa B activation15, neutrophil activation by adhesion molecules16, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activities17. Oxidative stress such as the activation of the HO-1 protein during CPB has been also investigated by using rat CPB models18.
The rat CPB model has recently been developed in various procedures to simulate the clinical situations of complications from CPB. The enzymatic, genetic, and histologic effects for myocardium can be investigated by a cardiac arrest model7. Moreover, a DHCA model is reported to reveal the mechanisms associated with adverse cerebral outcome after thoracic aortic surgery, and to investigate potential neuroprotective strategies6. These models, based on the conventional rat CPB model, are valuable to evaluate the various effects of CPB, closely mimicking clinical situations in cardiovascular surgeries.
The survival rate of this model depends on the investigator's technical improvement. The most critical factors related to morbidity are bleeding during the separation of vessels, cardiac rupture, and retroperitoneum hematoma, which generally occurs from technical failure. Good exposure, appropriate tension to the vessels, and gentle cannulation are surgical requirements for success. Keeping the mean blood pressure of at least 60 mmHg by controlling the reserved blood and additional solution is important for avoiding extreme anemia and lower limb deficiency. Air embolism to the intestine and/or other abdominal organs is also critical to avoid; once this occurs, the procedure cannot be completed.
In early practice of these procedure, completion of CPB is approximately 20% because of the difficulty in cannulation, and up to 10% survival 4 h after CPB. After experience with 20 models, the survival rate dramatically improved to nearly 80% because of the stable hemodynamics during model preparation.
At the beginning of establishing this model, total volume of the CPB circuit was 3 mL which is higher than that of the present one. Therefore, the excessive colloidal volume induced critical anemia during CPB (mean hematocrit: 14.7%)19. By decreasing the CPB circuit volume and surgical bleeding, the hematocrit during CPB dramatically increased to 21.3%, which allowed maintaining stable hemodynamics.
The 17-gauge multi-orifice is very suitable for the cannulation from the internal jugular vein to IVC through the right atrium, because of its suitable length and softness, which prevents wearing out of the venous wall. Moreover, the multi-orifice and sufficient inner diameter allows sufficient venous return and a high success rate. Introducing the catheter into IVC is technically difficult because of its blind manner and would easily perforate the venous or atrial wall.
Arterial cannulation for the femoral artery of rats tends to cause limb ischemia compared to tail artery or carotid artery20. In our experience, instability of hemodynamics (mean BP less than 60 mmHg), ligation of the deep femoral artery, and critical anemia may cause severe leg damage. Maintaining blood pressure, cannulating a higher region of the common femoral artery, and keeping a higher hematocrit are all solutions to prevent limb ischemia caused by the innate rich collateral perfusion of rats.
Avoidance of catecholamine and blood transfusion is necessary to accurately investigate hemodynamic, biochemical and/or physiological responses of testing materials and interventions. There is no need for vasopressor and transfusion at all during the procedure in our model. Deep anesthesia augments the release of inflammatory cytokines and subsequently deteriorates organ function21. Appropriate anesthesia depth, smooth and gentle cannulation of the animal trachea for intubation, and femoral artery cannulation for blood pressure monitoring without bleeding are important before initiation of CPB. If there is hemodynamic instability before initiation of CPB, success rate will be remarkably decreased. During CPB, the flow rate of CPB must be maintained by adjusting the volume in the reservoir. At 60 min after initiation of CPB, the careful addition of volume (1-3 mL saline) is required because of the hemodynamic instability by inflammatory processes. However, the addition of excessive colloidal volume causes anemia which may lead to unstable conditions. After CPB, the blood in the CPB circuit should be returned to the rat gently in 30 min. Instability after CPB means that there is potential morbidity such as ischemia in limbs or intestine.
The suitable anesthesia depth is one of tips in this model to decrease mortality and morbidity. Inhalant anesthetics provide adequate control of depth and duration of anesthesia. When we intubate a cannula to the trachea, rats must be at deep anesthesia enough to lose reflexes. The respiration should be rhythmic but not be arrested. Respiratory arrest indicates extremely deep anesthesia, hypotension, and/or imminent death, which causes systemic inflammation. Contrarily, insufficient anesthesia causes more stress to the animal. During CPB, body movement of the animal is critical to reduce because of possible accidental removal of the cannulas. Controlling the isoflurane vaporizer by monitoring heart rate, arterial pressure, and chest wall movement is required during the procedure. At the initiation of CPB, the blood concentration of isoflurane may decrease from dilatation by primed volume. Additional intraperitoneal pentobarbital may allow stable depth of anesthesia.
Post-operative infections in rats will cause numerous changes in physiologic parameters22. A long survival model requires strict maintenance of sterile conditions during the procedure. A separate room and a clean working area for aseptic procedures are desirable. The surgical field and devices should be disinfected by 70% alcohol or a quaternary ammonium compound before use. Every material which likely affects contamination, such as cannulas, solutions, and suture materials, must be in a sterile pack. During CPB, covering the surgical field with moist small gauze prevents the sites from potential sources of contamination. Before closing the wounds, removing blood from the wound and rinsing it with sterile water are necessary to avoid wound infection. In our experience, no wound infection has occurred 24 h after the operation.
There are limitations of this CPB model in that is cannot completely mimic clinical situations. Firstly, this heart beating model exhibits pulsatile flow which is different from clinical cardiac surgery with arrested heart. Secondly, this model can be conducted without thoracotomy, and this would not fully reproduce clinical CPB with median thoracotomy, which leads to massive bleeding during the surgical procedure.
In conclusion, this recovery CPB model allows studies of early- and long-term multiple organ damage associated with CPB. Major advantages of this model include the reduction of possible biases by blood transfusions, vasopressors, or inotropic agents. This model is suitable to investigate therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing multi-organ injury during CPB.
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Appreciation is extended to Dr. T. Taki and Dr. M. Funamoto for their technical support.
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 |