A new animal model for human preeclampsia: Ultra-lowdose endotoxin infusion in pregnant rats

Objective: An animal model for preeclampsia was developed by means of an ultra-low-dose endotoxin infusion protocol in conscious pregnant rats. Study Design: Rats received a permanent jugular vein cannula on day aof pregnancy, through which endotoxin (1.0 μg/kg body weight) (n = 10) or saline solution (n = 6) was infused during 1 hour on day 14 of pregnancy. Blood pressure, albuminuria, and platelet counts were measured, and histopathologic studies was performed in these rats. Results: A significant increase of blood pressure (p < 0.05) and of urinary albumin excretion (p < 0.05) was observed in endotoxin-treated pregnant animals, in contrast to control pregnant rats receiving saline solution. Platelet coagulopathy was found and glomerular fibrinogen deposits could be detected only in the endotoxin-treated pregnant rats. In addition, the activity of the glomerular antithrombotic enzyme adenosine diphosphatase was decreased in endotoxin-treated pregnant rats compared with saline solution-treated pregnant rats. Conclusion: Because histopathologic and clinical events in this model mimic predominant features of human preeclampsia, this model may enable further study into the pathophysiologic n:'echanisms of this complication of pregnancy.