Persistent cognitive deficits and neuroinflammation in a rat model of cardiopulmonary bypass

A time line of the study is shown. Surgery is performed on day 0 of the experiment and the CPB circuit is illustrated. At 5½ months post-CPB, food restriction is initiated. Starting 6 months post-CPB, behavioral testing is performed using an 8-arm maze. Animals are euthanized at the end of behavioral testing via perfusion fixation, and cellular analyses on tissue sections are performed using histologic and immunohistochemical techniques. Cognitive impairment and increased neuroinflammation were key findings in the CPB group. Long-term cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation were demonstrated in an established rat model of CPB. Adapted from Grocott HP, Mackensen GB, Newman MF, Warner DS. Neurological injury during cardiopulmonary bypass in the rat. Perfusion. 2001;16:75-81.