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Ferrets ‐ a small animal alternative to dogs in cardiovascular pharmacology studies
Author(s) -
Main Bradley W,
Hunter Randy,
Adams Stephanie,
Doyle Jennifer,
Clawson Christine,
Gould Kenneth
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.lb365
Subject(s) - milrinone , heart rate , medicine , blood pressure , cardiology , inotrope , safety pharmacology , pharmacology , anesthesia , drug
Ferret cardiac ion channels are similar to those in human, dog and to those in species used for in vitro cardiac electrophysiology studies. The ferret heart is relatively large making it suitable for instrumentation while their overall small size (approximately 900g) allows for reduced compound use. The ferret can be a suitable alternative to the dog for early screening of compounds with potential cardiovascular effects. Recent technology improvements in small animal telemetry allow the acquisition of two pressure signals in a single animal. We implanted HD‐S21 † pressure transmitters into ferrets and recorded arterial and left ventricular pressures and ECGs in response to milrinone. Dose responsive increases were observed in left ventricular function including indices of inotropy, lusitropy and heart rate. Systemic arterial blood pressure decreased at 3 and 10 mg/kg of milrinone.Milrinone Dose Systolic Pressure * (mmHg) LV Heart Rate * (beats/min) dP/dt max * (mmHg/sec) dP/dt min * (mmHg/sec)1 mg/kg no change ↑ 51.7 ± 16.2 ↑ 6953 ± 1693 ↑ 1419 ± 987 3 mg/kg ↓ 23.6 ± 4.8 ↑ 92.0 ± 14.7 ↑ 8011 ± 1212 ↑ 1840 ± 563 10 mg/kg ↓ 26.1 ± 4.9 ↑ 114.2 ± 9.7 ↑ 8490 ± 661 ↑ 2006 ± 880* Change from vehicle‐treated groupIn summary, data with a high degree of fidelity and reproducibility can be obtained in a small animal species like the ferret. This species can be used as an alternative to the dog in cardiovascular pharmacology studies.