Using echocardiograms for research in small animals, like mice, can be challenging. The procedure causes stress to the mouse, which can affect cardiovascular measurements. Also, the mouse has a tiny heart and a rapid heartbeat between 500 and 700 beats per minute. In addition, the mouse heart\’s orientation makes certain parts difficult to see.

An echocardiogram is a test used to examine the heart. The test involves creating an ultrasound image of the heart. M-mode, or one-dimensional, and 2D, or two-dimensional, echocardiograms provide an accurate measurement of heart chambers. They can measure the size, thickness, and movement of a heart\’s structures. The 2D image is basically a cross-section of the heart as it beats.

Some technicians add Doppler to the examination. Doppler helps to assess the direction and the velocity of blood flow. It identifies points of leakage in heart valves. It also identifies narrowing, or stenosis, within the valves.

Echocardiograms are performed in vivo, or on living animals. They are most accurate when a mouse is awake. Anesthesia can slow the heart to as much as half its normal rate. To mitigate stress, technicians can perform echocardiograms on several subsequent days before they complete their official one. This helps mice adjust to the procedure. Technicians go through several steps to set up the test. First, they remove the mouse\’s chest hair using a depilatory agent. Second, they attach limb leads to the mouse\’s wrists and ankles.

Images in mice are primarily of the left ventricle. Apical views are hard to obtain, which makes it difficult to see diastolic function in the right ventricle. The test can show the composition of the mouse\’s left ventricle. It can also detect cardiac lesions, atherosclerosis, and other cardiac diseases.

Many experiments done on mice have helped researchers understand human heart disease. For example, one study performed fetal echocardiograms on developing mice. This helped researchers to trace the formation of congenital heart disease. Another experiment involved introducing a beta-2 receptor into a mouse heart. The receptor was associated with an enzyme found in failing heart tissue. The mice were then examined with an echocardiograph. Scientists discovered that large quantities of the receptor helped to prevent heart disease in the mice.

Other small animals can receive the ultrasound tests. For instance, scientists have started using the hamster more commonly in experiments. This is because the hamster more closely mimics human heart conditions. The echocardiogram also has veterinary applications. The examinations can help with the diagnosis and management of feline and canine cardiovascular diseases.

Echocardiographs should be carefully set to study small hearts. They should have less than 0.5 millimeters of spatial resolution. They should have a frame rate of 150 hertz and a sweep rate of 200-300 hertz.

Small animal research has provided much information about human disease. Echocardiograms for research in small animals, in particular, have allowed researchers to extrapolate information about heart disease. That information has then been applied to the human heart. Continuation of the research is a critical element in the fight to defeat cardiovascular disease.

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