Animal Models in Studying Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation

Abstract

Brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an important cause of hemorrhagic stroke. The etiology is largely unknown and the therapeutics are controversial. A review of AVM-associated animal models may be helpful in order to understand the up-to-date knowledge and promote further research about the disease. We searched PubMed till December 31, 2014, with the term "arteriovenous malformation," limiting results to animals and English language. Publications that described creations of AVM animal models or investigated AVM-related mechanisms and treatments using these models were reviewed. More than 100 articles fulfilling our inclusion criteria were identified, and from them eight different types of the original models were summarized. The backgrounds and procedures of these models, their applications, and research findings were demonstrated. Animal models are useful in studying the pathogenesis of AVM formation, growth, and rupture, as well as in developing and testing new treatments. Creations of preferable models are expected.

Figure 1

Animal models with carotid-jugular fistulae. (a) Spetzler's model, (b) Morgan's model, and (c) Hai's model. CCA: common carotid artery; ICA: internal carotid artery; ECA: external carotid artery; EJV: external jugular vein; IJV: internal jugular vein.

Figure 2

Anatomic basis and features of the swine AVM model. (a) Schematic representation of the normal left carotid arterial anatomy of the swine. The carotid rete mirabile is situated at the termination of the APA. ICA: internal carotid artery; ECA: external carotid artery; CCA: common carotid artery; IMA: internal maxillary artery; MMA: middle meningeal artery supplying the ramus anastomoticus; RA: ramus anastomoticus; AA: arteria anastomotica; APA: ascending pharyngeal artery; OA: occipital artery; BA: basilar artery; CW: circle of Willis; EJV: external jugular vein. (b) Schematic representation of the AVM model after creation of a right carotid-jugular fistula. Arrows indicate direction of flow, that is, from the left CCA to both retia mirabilia via the three feeding arteries (the left APA, RA, and AA), and retrograde down the right APA toward the right carotid-jugular fistula. Note balloon occlusion of the right ECA.

Figure 3

Anatomic basis and features of the sheep AVM model. Arrows indicate direction of flow, that is, from the left side of the carotid artery through both retia mirabilia, retrograde to the right carotid artery and jugular vein following surgical creation of an anastomosis. CCA: common carotid artery; ECA: external carotid artery; IMA: internal maxillary artery; RA: ramus anastomoticus; AA: arteria anastomotica; EJV: external jugular vein.

Figure 4

The arteriovenous fistula of the rat arteriovenous malformation model. 1: fistula; 2: arterialized jugular vein; 3: nidus; CCA: common carotid artery; EJV: external jugular vein.