In vivo experimental models on the evaluation of haemoperfusion.

We described some experimental models that were performed in rabbits and in swine in order to evaluate the efficacy of haemoperfusion treatment in hypochloremic alkalosis, uraemia and cytotoxic drug poisoning. In all the models, an extracorporeal circuit was used constituted mainly by a hematic sampling line and a cartridge, containing an anion exchange resin. Access to the blood stream was achieved by isolation and catheterization of the vessels either of the neck or of the leg, or both. The experimental model for the evaluation of haemoperfusion in hypochloremic alkalosis was carried out in rabbits by a pyloric stenosis because its size and weight are similar to new-born humans and its stomach is a simple monogastric one. The hypochloremia and alkalosis were achieved in only 4 hours. The other two experimental models were carried out in pigs because, in these cases, it was better to choose a large size animal with a nutritional similarity to humans, and with the capability to produce a stable chronic renal failure. The pigs were submitted to a bilateral ureter ligature to create a chronic renal failure or to a bilateral renal vessel ligature to avoid the physiologic precipitation of some drugs in renal tubules.