A small animal model for electrocardiographic abnormalities observed after an experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.

The male Sprague-Dawley rat was successfully used to produce increases in arterial blood pressure and electrocardiographic abnormalities similar to those seen in patients after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The model employs a less expensive, easily available laboratory animal than other existing models. Whole heparinized blood is introduced in the area of the circle of Willis to simulate a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This model ensures a constant body-blood volume and minimizes damage to brain tissue as no blood vessel has to be punctured. The volume of blood required to produce bradycardia and other electrocardiographic abnormalities can be controlled and calculated for each animal. The model produced a sudden onset and progression of cardiovascular symptoms. Blood apparently is specific for producing electrocardiographic abnormalities as compared to 0.9% saline, Dextran 40 and Gentran 75 when introduced in the area of the circle of Willis. This specificity was not maintained when blood and saline were introduced into the cisterna magna as electrocardiographic abnormalities were observed with both agents.