The Clinical Value of Rodent Models in Understanding Preeclampsia Development and Progression

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading global cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The heterogeneity of this disorder contributes to its elusive etiology. Due to the ethical constraints surrounding human studies, animal models provide a suitable alternative for investigation into PE pathogenesis and novel therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this review is to compare and contrast the various rodent models used to study PE, in order to demonstrate their value in investigating and identifying different characteristics of this disorder. RECENT FINDINGS: Several approaches have been employed to create an appropriate animal model of PE, including surgical, genetic manipulation, and pharmacological methods in an attempt to mimic the maternal syndrome. Despite the absence of a model to completely model PE, these models have provided valuable information concerning various aspects of PE pathogenesis and novel therapeutic strategies and have led to the discovery of potential predictive markers of PE. SUMMARY: Rodent and murine models have contributed significantly to the study of the pathology associated with specific aspects of the disorder. As a single fully encompassing animal model of PE remains absent, the use of a combination of models has potential value in understanding its etiology as well as in new treatment and management strategies.