Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research covers both historical and recent advances in our understanding of the cardiovascular system from studies conducted in animal models. The last decade has seen an explosion in the use of very specialized congenic and transgenic animal models that were not described in the previous two editions. The results of many of these studies provide a sometime bewildering array of redundant, overlapping and competing molecular pathways demanding further study. This third edition is designed to provide a better basis for understanding and using animal models in the current climate of background knowledge and information.

"Interest in the humane and scientifically justifiable use of research animals has intensified since the publication of the 2nd edition of Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research. This completely revised and updated edition will provide information essential to any researcher interested in using animal models for cardiovascular research, or any research which requires normal cardiovascular function. The format and presentation will be changed to make the text more easy to read and use: (1) This edition is in outline format, for ease and utility. (2) The opening chapter includes more information on the cardiovascular effects of post-operative analgesia and will address the recognition of pain behavior in species commonly used in research settings, particularly rats and mice. (3) New edition includes reference material more useful to researchers using transgenic and naturally occurring animal models to dissect these mechanisms."

General Principles of Animal Selection and Normal Physiological Values.- Preanesthesia, Anesthesia, Chemical Restraint, and the Recognition and Treatment of Pain and Distress.- Normal Cardiac Function Parameters.- Measuring Cardiac Function.- Measuring Vascular Function and Ventricular/Arterial Coupling Dynamics.- Isolated Heart Preparations, Problems, and Pitfalls.- Cardiovascular Effects of Anesthetics, Sedatives, Postoperative Analgesic Agents, and Other Pharmaceuticals.- Naturally Occurring and Iatrogenic Animal Models of Valvular, Infectious, and Arrhythmic Cardiovascular Disease.- Iatrogenic Models of Ischemic Heart Disease.- Iatrogenic, Transgenic, and Naturally Occurring Models of Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure.- Iatrogenic, Congenic, and Transgenic Models of Hypertension.- Naturally Occurring, Iatrogenic and Transgenic Models of Atherosclerotic Disease.- Animal Models for the Study of Neurohumeral and Central Neural Control of the Cardiovascular System.- Other Transgenic Animal Models Used in Cardiovascular Studies.