A Novel Experimental Rat Model for the In Vivo Assessment of Myocardial Ischemia Based on Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography.

Using our technique, the validity of this animal model to induce and evaluate myocardial ischemia was demonstrated. Our choice to apply SPECT-CT qualitative and quantitative evaluation of myocardial function leads to a new approach in experimentation with an anticipated significant impact in the ongoing cardiovascular laboratory research.