Summary

This course will introduce you to the diverse array of animal models used in cardiovascular research. These include basic principles of animal models and why they are needed; design of animal experiments; genetic models (transgenics, knockout / knockin mouse models, use of vectors to correct inherited defects using gene editing techniques); imaging cardiac and vascular function; cardiac phenotyping; arrhythmic cardiovascular disease; atherosclerotic disease; ischaemic heart disease and myocardial infarction; hypertension; abdominal aortic aneurysm; cardiomyopathy; angiogenesis and vascular development; and use of zebrafish for cardiovascular research. Animal models will be taught by experts in the research field. We will also look at the ethics of animal research and ways we can reduce unnecessary animal suffering (3Rs - replacement, reduction, refinement).

Learning Objectives and Outcomes 

After taking this module, you should be able to:

1. Explore the range of animal models used to study cardiovascular disease

2. Identify which models are best suited for a particular disease

3. Understand the design and analysis of animal experiment

4. Attain in depth knowledge of at least 2 models

5. Critically evaluate animal models, particularly concerning translating scientific findings into clinical practice

Who is this module for? 

This module is open to all UCL MSc Cardiovascular Science students and other UCL MSc students from allied subjects, if places are available.

Teaching and Learning Methods 

The module will comprise lectures (face-to-face and / or online) lectures with a Journal Club and essay assignment. Moodle will be used as an information portal for you and a source for reading materials.

Selected Reading List

Zaragoza C, Gomez-Guerrero C, Martin-Ventura JL, Blanco-Colio L, Lavin B, Mallavia B, Tarin C, Mas S, Ortiz A, Egido J.(2011) Animal models of cardiovascular diseases. J Biomed Biotechnol. 497841. Review.

Priyadharsini RP (2015) Animal models to evaluate anti-atherosclerotic drugs. Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology 29(4): 329-340. Review

Santos A, Fernandez-Friera L, Villalba M, Lopez-Melgar B, Espana S, Mateo J, Mota RA, Jimennez-Borreguero J, Ruiz-Cabello (2015) Cardiovascular imaging: what have we learned from animal models? Front Pharmacol 6: 227. Review

Krishna SM, Omer SM, Golledge J (2015) Evaluation of the clinical relevance and limitations of current pre-clinical models of peripheral artery disease. Clinical Science 130(3): 127-150. Review

Tsang HG, Rashdan NA, Whitelaw CB, Corcoran BM, Summers KM, MacRae VE (2016) Large Animal models of cardiovascular disease. Cell Biochem Func 34(3): 113-132. Review

Sneddon LU, Halsey LG & Bury NR (2017) Considering aspects of the 3Rs principles within experimental animal biology. Journal of Experimental Biology 220: 3007-3016