Chapter 10 – Animal Models

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the interrelationships between animal models devised to mimic preeclampsia, and advancements made in the understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition. Absence of a naturally occurring condition in animals that completely overlaps with human preeclampsia has been noted by us and lamented by many. However, edema and proteinuria have occasionally been observed in nonmanipulated pregnant subhuman primates. Those findings are key features of the human disorder and have encouraged some to believe that a disease identical to preeclampsia might occur spontaneously in animals. Uteroplacental hypoperfusion remains a key suspect in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The basis for suspecting uteroplacental ischemia as a likely cause of preeclampsia arises from repetitive clinical observations some made years ago. The results of experiments undertaken in animals have substantially strengthened the arguments for certain hypotheses regarding the pathophysiology of a condition that occurs spontaneously and frequently only in gravid women. Data derived from research in laboratory animals continue to support key roles for uteroplacental hypoperfusion and endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of this condition. The potential interaction between uteroplacental ischemia and endothelial injury has been strengthened by the results of experiments in subhuman primates as well as in rats.