Guidelines for experimental models of myocardial ischemia and infarction

Abstract

Myocardial infarction is a prevalent major cardiovascular event that arises from myocardial ischemia with or without reperfusion, and basic and translational research is needed to better understand its underlying mechanisms and consequences for cardiac structure and function. Ischemia underlies a broad range of clinical scenarios ranging from angina to hibernation to permanent occlusion, and while reperfusion is mandatory for salvage from ischemic injury, reperfusion also inflicts injury on its own. In this consensus statement, we present recommendations for animal models of myocardial ischemia and infarction. With increasing awareness of the need for rigor and reproducibility in designing and performing scientific research to ensure validation of results, the goal of this review is to provide best practice information regarding myocardial ischemia-reperfusion and infarction models. Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at ajpheart.podbean.com/e/guidelines-for-experimental-models-of-myocardial-ischemia-and-infarction/.

Keywords: animal models; cardiac remodeling; heart failure; myocardial infarction; reperfusion; rigor and reproducibility.

Fig. 1.

The spectrum of ischemia encapsulates in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of ischemia that range from transient to prolonged in duration with acute to chronic consequences. The pig section (bottom left) is modified from Heusch (126). MI, myocardial infarction; LV, left ventricular;