[Animal modeling] - Establishment of mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation model in rats

  Objective: To explore a feasible method of replicating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) model in rats by mechanical chest compression.

  Methods: Adult male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (n=6) and model group (n=10). After anesthesia with 10% chloral hydrate intraperitoneal injection, tracheal intubation and left femoral artery intubation were performed. Under the condition of monitoring ECG and arterial blood pressure, CPR was performed in the model group with the help of respirator and self-made animal external chest compression apparatus when trachea obstruction (TO) and cardiac arrest (CA) occurred for 2 minutes.

  Results: In the model group, spontaneous respiratory arrest, cyanosis and arrhythmia occurred rapidly after TO, cardiac arrest occurred 4 to 5 minutes, arterial systolic pressure dropped below 40 mmHg, pulse pressure disappeared, and CA appeared. Two minutes later, CPR was given to 8 rats, and the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was restored, and transient reperfusion arrhythmia occurred. Six rats recovered consciousness and survived for 24 hours. Blood biochemical analysis indicated that the model group rats had electrolyte disorder, acidosis, renal function damage, and elevated myocardial enzymes. The pathological sections showed that the myocardial striations of the model group rats were dissolved, the glomerulus did not reflow, the neurons decreased, and the lung congestion and other organ damage.

  Conclusion: Mechanical chest compression can provide the basic cardiac output required by CPR in CA rats, and can successfully establish CPR model in rats.