Resuscitative efficacy of hemoglobin vesicles for severe postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant rabbits

We aimed to investigate the resuscitative efficacy of hemoglobin vesicles (HbVs) as a red blood cell (RBC) substitute for the initial treatment of severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Twenty-five pregnant rabbits underwent cesarean section; uncontrolled hemorrhage was induced by transecting the right uterine artery to establish a severe PPH model. During the first 30 min, all rabbits were administered 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) of an equivalent volume to the hemorrhage every 5 min. Thereafter, they received any of the following three isovolemic fluids for resuscitation every 5 min: RBCs with platelet-poor plasma (RBC/PPP) (n = 8), 6% HES (n = 7), or HbVs with 25% human serum albumin (n = 10). After surgical hemostasis at 60 min, survival was monitored until 12 h. No rabbits receiving only HES infusion survived beyond 6 h, whereas all rabbits receiving RBC/PPP transfusion survived. The rabbits receiving HbV infusion showed significantly higher mean arterial pressure and hemoglobin levels than the HES-receiving rabbits, and 8 of 10 rabbits survived for 6 h. The HbV group showed significantly higher survival than the HES group but worse survival than the RBC/PPP group. In conclusion, HbV infusion for severe PPH effectively prevents lethal hemorrhagic shock in a pregnant rabbit model.

Effect of season and pregnancy on minerals serum variations of local rabbits in Tiaret, Algeria

The present study aimed to assess the season and pregnancy influence on minerals serum of local rabbits raised in semi-arid climate type. Fifty-nine multiparous does was used in this study during 2019. The semi-intensive rhythm of reproduction was used. All pregnant does were at the late stage of pregnancy at the sampling date. Serum samples were collected in two seasons: winter and summer. In this study, biochemical parameters concentrations of pregnant rabbits were significantly higher (p<0,05) compared with non-pregnant rabbit. The value of biochemical parameters total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium, and phosphorusus changed significantly. In this study, most parameters were influenced by pregnancy.

Effect of Pregnancy on Thermoregulation, Blood Constituents, Serum Bio-chemicals and Cortisol Level in (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Rabbit Model

Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pregnancy on the physiological responses in rabbit model in early, mid and late gestation periods. Materials and Methods: The experiment was performed according to the complete randomized design. Fourteen (14) pregnant and non pregnant rabbits, 7 in each group, were used in this study. Pregnancy was ascertained by vaginal swabs taken after copulation by mature fertile male rabbits. Blood and serum constituents' responses were investigated at days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of gestation. Results: The obtained results revealed significant (P 0.05) increase in respiration rate (RR) in mid-gestation and in heart rate (HR) at late gestation. The packed cell volume (PVC), erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and total leukocyte count (TLC) were significantly (P 0.05) reduced in mid and late gestation. The serum levels of total protein decreased and cholesterol increased significantly (P 0.05) in early, mid and late gestation. The plasma osmolality decreased significantly (P 0.05) at mid gestation. Cortisol level increased significantly (P 0.05) during mid and late gestation. Conclusions: The study concluded that the pregnancy altered HR, hematological, serum parameters and cortisol level in pregnant rabbit model.

A Rabbit Model for Optimization of Amniotic Fluid Components in the EXTrauterine Environment for Newborn Development (EXTEND) System

In this model article, we present a protocol for continuous amniotic fluid exchange in rabbits using a novel system to test the effects of growth factor-deficient, artificial amniotic fluid on bowel development. <b><i>Background:</i></b> Ideally, the EXTrauterine Environment for Neonatal Development (EXTEND) will provide physiologic support to the extreme premature infant. An important component of that environment is the amniotic fluid. Thus, we developed an animal model to study the growth factors found within amniotic fluid and inform design of a synthetic fluid to optimize fetal development. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We designed a model of amniotic fluid exchange within the pregnant rabbit, continuously removing the natural fluid from around 2 fetuses per doe and replacing it with a physiologic electrolyte solution during the final 100 h of gestation. Two fetuses from the contralateral uterine horn were used as sham-operated controls. Thirty-eight fetuses were analyzed, 19 in each group. We analyzed the fetal growth and bowel development. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Ultrasound after 100 h of exchange showed equivalent fluid volumes, <i>p</i> = 0.63. Cultures were negative for bacterial colonization. Final fluid protein concentrations were 11.6% that of control fluid (mean 1,451 ± 224.2 vs. 12,491 ± 849.2 μg/mL). There was no significant difference in fetal growth, with experimental weights 91.4% of control weights, <i>p</i> = 0.07. Fetal bowel weights (90.1%, <i>p</i> = 0.16) and lengths (94.2%, <i>p</i> = 0.49) were also not significantly less compared to controls. There was no significant difference in villous height or crypt depth measurements between the groups, and absorptive capacity of the bowel was not different between groups, <i>p</i> = 0.44. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This animal model allows for manipulation of the components of amniotic fluid. Marked reduction of natural amniotic fluid proteins during gestation does not appear to significantly impair fetal growth or bowel development. Further work with this model will assess the importance of amniotic fluid components for normal development to inform design of a synthetic fluid for use during EXTEND.