Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

作者： Michiel R. L. Tubeeckx1, Steven Laga2, Christel Jacobs3, Marina Stroe4, Steven Van Cruchten4, Bo Goovaerts1, Jens Van fraeyenhove1, Hielko Miljoen5, Guido R. Y. De Meyer1, Gilles W. De Keulenaer1,6, Hein Heidbuchel5,7, Vincent F. M. Segers1,5 1Laboratory of Physiopharmacology,University of Antwerp, 2Department of Cardiac Surgery,University Hospital Antwerp, 3Department of Animal Welfare,University of Antwerp, 4Comparative Perinatal Development,University of Antwerp, 5Department of Cardiology,University Hospital Antwerp, 6Department of Cardiology,ZNA Middelheim Hospital, 7Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, GENCOR,University of Antwerp

简介：

Overview

This study presents a sterile pericarditis model in minipigs to investigate atrial myopathy and atrial fibrillation (AF). The model allows for rapid induction of atrial myopathy and facilitates repeated electrophysiology studies without the need for catheterizations.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Cardiology
• Neuroscience
• Pre-clinical Drug Discovery

Background

• Atrial myopathy can lead to atrial fibrillation, a common arrhythmia.
• The sterile pericarditis model mimics the pathogenesis of atrial myopathy.
• Minipigs are anatomically and physiologically similar to humans.
• This model allows for efficient study of AF and its underlying mechanisms.

Purpose of Study

• To develop a reliable large animal model for atrial myopathy.
• To study the inducibility of atrial fibrillation.
• To facilitate pre-clinical drug discovery related to AF.

Methods Used

• Surgical and anesthetic techniques for model establishment.
• Strategies for vascular access.
• Protocol for studying AF inducibility.
• Pressure conducting system preparation.

Main Results

• Successful induction of atrial myopathy within weeks.
• Ability to perform repeated electrophysiology studies.
• Model demonstrates similarities to human atrial myopathy.
• Potential for use in drug discovery processes.

Conclusions

• The sterile pericarditis model is effective for studying AF.
• Minipigs provide a relevant model for human atrial conditions.
• This model can enhance understanding of atrial myopathy and AF.

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