Aortic Arch Constriction-Induced Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Model

Model Description

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), a hallmark of hypertensive heart disease and a major risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, is replicated through transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Our model mimics human pathophysiology by inducing pressure-overload cardiac remodeling, featuring:

• Progressive hypertrophy: 40-60% increase in left ventricular mass (LVM)
• Myocardial fibrosis: Collagen deposition ≥15% (Masson’s Trichrome)
• Functional decline: Reduced ejection fraction (LVEF ≤45% at 8 weeks)

Key Advantages:
✓ High reproducibility: 90% success rate with microsurgical precision
✓ Controlled disease progression: Adjustable stenosis severity (needle gauge-dependent)
✓ Translational relevance: Validated with antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors)

Applications

• Anti-hypertensive drug efficacy evaluation
• Myocardial fibrosis therapeutic screening
• Pulmonary hypertension mechanism studies
• Biomarker discovery (NT-proBNP, Galectin-3)

Modeling Protocol —— Microsurgical TAC Procedure

1. Surgical Steps:

• Anesthetize mice (isoflurane 2-3%) → Midline cervical incision
• Aortic arch exposure: Isolate between brachiocephalic and left carotid arteries
• Constriction: Ligate over a 27G needle (0.4mm OD) → Remove needle → 65-70% lumen reduction
• Close incision with 6-0 sutures

2. Post-op Care: Analgesia (buprenorphine 0.05mg/kg) ∙ Weekly echocardiography

Validation & Testing

Technical Advantages