Development and Characterization of a Novel Rat Model for Emulating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease–Associated Cor Pulmonale

Abstract

Cor pulmonale, a condition marked by right ventricular dysfunction, is frequently associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and significantly worsens COPD prognosis. Despite the clinical relevance of cor pulmonale, development of effective treatments is hindered by the lack of animal models that accurately replicate the complex interplay between cor pulmonale and COPD. This study introduces a novel rat model combining cigarette smoke exposure with left pulmonary artery ligation to better mimic the pathophysiological features of COPD-related cor pulmonale. Pulmonary function tests revealed impaired lung function, and histologic assessments indicated emphysematous changes and inflammatory infiltration, consistent with COPD pathology. Furthermore, the model exhibited hallmarks of cor pulmonale, including right ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, and capillary rarefaction, alongside hemodynamic alterations indicative of pulmonary hypertension. This study’s findings underscore the potential of the left pulmonary artery ligation + cigarette smoke rat model to advance understanding of COPD-related cor pulmonale pathophysiology and facilitate the development of targeted therapeutics.