Lessons from sheep models of transfusion

Abstract

BackgroundAnimal models have been a valuable tool for research into blood products and outcomes of blood transfusions. Small animal models have been applied extensively and large animal models less frequently. This review describes the experience and details the findings from a recent series of in vivo sheep transfusion models.Aims & MethodTo discuss: (i) the benefits of sheep as a large animal transfusion model; and (ii) review conclusions from a series of sheep transfusion models.Results & DiscussionSimilarities in size, anatomy and physiology of sheep compared to humans have supported the use of sheep to model a wide range of human diseases, enabled continuous physiological monitoring using standard human techniques, and the collection of multiple and serial samples.ConclusionThe findings discussed demonstrate that sheep are effective models of the blood donor, donations and of transfusion recipients. Importantly, they also define limitations of ovine models, which need to be considered when designing in vivo sheep models of transfusion.