Animal model of bilateral intermittent nasal obstruction in young rats

Objective To build up a steady and credible animal model of bilateral intermittent nasal obstruction in young rats.Methods Thirty 3-week-old SD rats were employed and divided into group A(control),group B(left nostril occluded),and group C(both nostrils occluded by nose plugs).The occlusion period was between 8 a.m.and 4 p.m.every day.Four weeks later all rats were sacrificed.Results Rats in group A and B remained nose breathing,but group C developed mouth breathing.The mean respiratory rate of rats in group A,B and C were (96.8±5.91),(92.8±2.98) and (48.6 ± 4.38) respectively.Group C was significantly slower compared with group A and B (P＜0.001).The meanweight for group A,B and C were(276.60±20.17) g、(236.80±19.46) g and (127.33±24.8) g four weeks later,respectively.Group C reduced significantly compared with group A and B(P＜0.001).Conclusions The animal model of bilateral intermittent nasal obstruction in young rats established by occlusion with nose plugs was steady,credible and similar to oral breathing of human being. Key words: nasal obstruction;  rat;  animal model