Evaluation of a rat model of preeclampsia for HELLP syndrome characteristics.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a rat model of preeclampsia includes features consistent with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome.


METHODS
Preeclampsia was induced experimentally in timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats using the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model. On day 14 of gestation, silver clips were placed around the aorta below the renal arteries and on the left and right uterine arcade at the ovarian artery. All animals were chronically instrumented to determine conscious blood pressure and to obtain blood samples for analysis of complete blood count, platelet count, liver function tests, uric acid, creatinine, and albumin. Blood samples were collected and animals sacrificed on day 19 of gestation, at which time placental and pup weight were obtained. A control group was analyzed similarly. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student t test.


RESULTS
The RUPP model animals (n = 8), when compared with the normotensive controls (n = 9), did not show a statistically significant difference in hemoglobin, platelets, liver function tests, uric acid, creatinine, or albumin, although the mean arterial pressure was higher (mean +/- SD 131.9 +/- 17.1 mmHg versus 104.0 +/- 14.0 mmHg, respectively; P = .003) and pup number was lower (RUPP 6.6 +/- 2.4 versus control 13.8 +/- 2.3, P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Although decreased uteroplacental perfusion induces changes similar to symptoms of preeclampsia, the RUPP rat model does not appear to express features of HELLP syndrome.
Isler
Christy M
CM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. islerc@mail.ecu.edu
Bennett
William A
WA
Rinewalt
A Nicole
AN
Cockrell
Kathy L
KL
Martin
James N
JN
Morrison
John C
JC
Granger
Joey P
JP
D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta; D001158:Arteries; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003250:Constriction; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D017359:HELLP Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000503:physiopathology; D008099:Liver / Q000503:physiopathology; D010053:Ovary / Q000098:blood supply; D010976:Platelet Count; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood
D012709:Serum Albumin; D014527:Uric Acid; D003404:Creatinine