The ICU environment paradigm as a strategy to enhance the validity of delirium animal models - PubMed
6 hours ago
- #neuroinflammation
- #delirium
- #animal models
- The study investigated whether an ICU-like environment enhances the validity of animal models for ICU delirium.
- Male Wistar rats underwent laparotomy or sepsis (CLP), with or without ICU-like conditions, leading to worsened behavioral deficits mimicking human delirium.
- The ICU environment increased neuroinflammation (elevated IL-6 and IL-1β) and neurotransmitter imbalances (dopamine, noradrenaline, glutamate).
- In sepsis with ICU conditions, treatments like minocycline and dexmedetomidine reduced inflammation and improved behavior, while rivastigmine increased acetylcholine and reduced AChE.
- The ICU-like setting amplified neurochemical and behavioral changes, supporting its use for more valid delirium models.