Abstract
Objective
This study aims to assess the efficacy of developing a rat portal vein thrombosis (PVT) model by combining intermittent ligation with clamp insertion in the portal vein.
Methods
SD rats were randomly divided into a model group and a blank control group. The model group was subjected to portal vein thrombosis induction using intermittent ligation combined with clamp placement, while the blank control group underwent only portal vein dissection after laparotomy. A liver color Doppler ultrasound was performed to validate the occurrence of portal vein thrombosis after the one-week modeling procedure. Following this, the model group was sub-grouped into recovery and model control groups. A laparotomy was performed to obtain the portal vein for examination for these subgroups. On the other hand, the model recovery group remained elevated for an additional 3 weeks before portal vein collection. In the pathological examination, each portal vein tissue was stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, Masson, and Van Gieson staining.
Results
One week following surgery, an ultrasound examination showed stable (90%) thrombus formation in the portal vein of the model group. The histopathological emanation of the model control and model recovery groups revealed the existence of a thrombus in the portal vein, vascular endothelium injury, media thickening due to edema, and collagen fiber adhesion. The blank control group exhibited no thrombus formation in the portal vein and remained intact in vascular structure. Rats in the model recovery group showed stable PVT and non-fatal survival at four weeks postoperatively.
Conclusion
In this study, an effective and viable portal vein thrombosis rat model has successfully developed via intermittent ligation combined with clamp insertion. The minimal 4-week survival duration of rats in the PVT model provides a temporal base for future studies.