Some animal models for the study of perinatal asphyxia.

Much of our current understanding concerning the pathophysiology of perinatal brain disorders has evolved from animal studies over the past three decades. Fetal and neonatal nonhuman primate, pregnant sheep, lamb, puppy, piglet and immature rodents, all have been important animal models for perinatal brain research. Although no model can be considered 'perfect' in reflecting the variety and complexity of human brain pathology, the investigator must assess the merits and limitations of each model within the framework of the research questions being asked. A variety of experimental designs have been used over the years and variations of particular interest are the animal age, the method of producing brain insult and the procedures used for evaluating outcomes. Most models relating to the study of intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral blood flow and cerebral energy metabolism have generally been acute preparations. Some important long-term survival models have also been developed in recent years for the study of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. The latter include the nonhuman primate, piglet, sheep and immature rat models. In this article, I have reviewed some important animal models used in perinatal brain research with emphasis on those relating to perinatal asphyxia and intracranial hemorrhage.