OBJECTIVETo establish the methods for improving the speed and quality of making rat myocardial infarction model by coronary artery ligation.

METHODSWith the precondition of having no effect on rat myocardial infarction size: (1) To compare the thoracotomy time, the ligation time of the way of coronary artery ligation by tying one knot with the way by tying two knots. (2) To compare the survival rate of making model, the onset time of anesthesia, the awakening time, the effect on myocardial infarction size between using hydration chlorine aldehyde and using sodium pentobarbital.

RESULTSIn case of having no significant effect on the myocardial infarction size (P > 0.05), the way of tying one knot could significantly shorten the thoracotomy time and the ligation time (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the onset time of anesthesia or the myocardial infarction size between the model made by sodium pentobarbital and that made by hydration chlorine aldehyde (P > 0.05). But the awakening time of the model made by sodium pentobarbital was obviously shortened (P < 0.01). The clarity rate of myocardial infarction size was improved.

CONCLUSIONSThe way of tying one knot could improve the speed of model making. Sodium pentobarbital as the anesthetic for in vivo rat myocardial infarction model could improve the clarity rate of myocardial infarction area.