【Animal Modeling】-How to establish a rabbit brain death model with modified intracranial compression method?

  Objective: To explore a method to simulate rabbit brain death by improving intracranial pressure and brain death.

  Methods: 15 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: sham operation group (group B, n = 6), intracranial intubation only, anesthesia; brain death group (group A, n = 6) 9), using modified Intracranial compression established a brain death model. Record mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) changes. Use ventilators and vasoactive drugs to maintain vital signs at a manageable level.

  Result: 8 of the 9 rabbits in group A were successfully modeled. With the increase of intracranial pressure during the process of intracranial pressure, MAP and HR gradually increase in a wave shape. The peak values of MAP under anesthesia and brain death were (80.63±8.45) mmHg and (111.63±7.71) mmHg, respectively, which were statistically significant (P\u003c0.05). At the time of brain death and 2 hours after brain death, the HR under anesthesia was (153.25±14.35) times/minute, (262.38±16.60) times/minute and (218.50±10.27) times/minute, respectively. Statistical difference (P\u003c0.05).

  Conclusion: Compared with traditional surgical methods, the improved method can establish a stable and reliable rabbit brain death model. Timely and effective breathing and circulatory support can help maintain brain death for a long time.