Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Experimental Models of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic condition associated with reduced survival, making it a critical area of research. Experimental models of PH have significantly improved our understanding of its pathophysiology and facilitated the design of small observational and clinical trials. However, it is crucial to establish standardized methodologies to ensure comparability across different experimental studies and research groups. Standardization not only enhances reproducibility but also fosters collaboration among research teams. In this video, we outline the methodological steps required to analyze the functional parameters of PH accurately. These include echocardiographic assessment, invasive right ventricle (RV) puncture, and calculation of the Fulton's index. Concerning echocardiography, measurement of the pulmonary arterial acceleration time and the pulmonary ejection time ratio, as well as the calculation of RV output, are presented in detail. Regarding invasive measurements, essential procedures, including anesthesia protocols, optimal animal positioning, mechanical ventilation setup, precise chest wall opening, visualization of the RV, and RV puncture techniques, are described. The methodology for ventricular dissection (Fulton's index) is explained in detail, as well as the calculation of the RV/left ventricle plus septum ratio, corrected for the animal's body weight. We believe that providing a detailed presentation of these methods will enhance the quality and reliability of PH research, offering a robust framework for future studies and enhancing reproducibility across different laboratories.