Systemic and regional haemodynamics in conscious BIO T0-2 cardiomyopathic hamsters

Objective: The recently developed BIO TO-2 strain of cardiomyopathic hamster shows a uniform pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy and represents a useful model of congestive heart failure. Although used in biochemical studies, BIO TO-2 animals have not been characterised by haemodynamic measurements. The aim was to compare the systemic and the regional haemodynamic variables in conscious BIO TO-2 animals at a stage of compensated heart failure with those of age matched normal hamsters of BIO FIB designation. Methods: Hamsters were studied at 8-10 months of age. a stage at which the BIO T0-2 animals have been found to have non-oedematous heart failure. Catheters were implanted in normal and cardiomyopathic hamsters. Following a 3 h recovery, systemic and regional haemodynamic variables were measured with pressure transducers and radioactive microspheres. Results: BIO TO-2 hamsters had lower (p