Animal Models in Cardiovascular Biology

Animal models have significantly contributed to our understanding of vascular biology and cardiac function over the last century. In fact, pioneering experimental models such as the isolated heart preparation according to Oskar Langendorff have paved the grounds for modern physiology of the heart [1]. Similarly, with the help of experiments on the myograph, nitric oxide (NO) was discovered and introduced into modern vascular biology [2]. According to a survey of living Nobel laureates, 97% responded that animal experiments have been vital to the discovery and development of many advances in physiology and medicine, and 92% felt strongly that animal models are still crucial to the investigations and developments of many medical treatments [3].