Variation in branches of the abdominal aorta in New Zealand white (Orictolagus cuniculus) rabbit.

Abstract

Rabbits have been used as an experimental model in many diseases for the studies in biomedical molecular research. The study was conducted with an aim to give morphological aid by investigating major vascular variations of the abdominal aorta in New Zealand white rabbit (Orictilagus cuniculus) for supporting the experimental research and clinical practice in this animal. A total of 28 healthy adult New Zealand white rabbit (14 males and 14 females) of both sexes with an average (1.3 ± .5 kg) body weight were used in this research. Deep surgical anesthesia was done by using combination of xylazine and ketamine at the dose rate of 10 and 40 mg/kg body weight respectively. All the rabbits were sacrificed by bleeding through the right ventricle of the heart. Cannulation of the thoracic aorta and stained latex injection (Neoprene 450, Red carmine stain) were performed, followed by 10% neutral buffered formalin. Asymmetry of the even branches with their distribution and the way of departure of the arteries of abdominal aorta were observed. But, in single case double pair ovarian arteries were found. The diameter of caudal mesenteric artery showed significant (p< 0.05) difference between male and female. In case of male and female, the variability of the origin of testicular, ovarian and profound iliac circumflex arteries was also observed.