Possibilities of an experimental approach in creating fetal growth restriction in animal models

The literature review was compiled to assess which animal models of intrauterine development disorders most adequately reflect the pathological processes in the clinic. Intrauterine growth restriction associated with placental insufficiency is an urgent scientific and practical problem of modern obstetrics and perinatology. According to World Health Organization, this complication occurs in 10% of pregnant women. The etiology and mechanisms of this pathology have been the focus of research for more than decades. Nevertheless, the methods of predicting and preventing this pathology are not very effective, as consensus in diagnostic approaches is only being formed, and there are practically no methods of correction. The results of experimental studies have made a significant contribution to the understanding of the pathophysiological foundations of the placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction development. For this purpose, various laboratory animals are used, most often rats (Rattus norvegicus), chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera), mice (Mus musculus), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Each of the above types of experimental animals has its own advantages for studying intrauterine growth restriction. There are three main methods used to simulate intrauterine growth restriction in animals: the surgical method (ligation of blood vessels), the method of placing in a chamber with a reduced oxygen concentration, and the method of lowering the caloric content and amount of food. Various models of intrauterine growth restriction have been proposed over a long study of the problem. However, these data differ greatly among themselves in the literature. The task of this review was to understand the most effective models and animal species to study fetal growth retardation, as well as ways to create this pregnancy complication.