Abstract: Objective To establish a rabbit model for hemoperfusion (HP) from peripheral vessels and to evaluate the safety of the animal model. Methods Twelve rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. For rabbits in HP group (n=6), the central ear artery at one side and ear marginal vein at the other side were cannulated with indwelling needles. Arterial indwelling needle, roller pump, hemoperfusion apparatus, triple valve and vein indwelling needle were connected by pipes. HP then begun and lasted for 2 hours with blood flow volume of 2mL/min. Blood sample were collected before HP and 2, 4, 8 and 24h after HP for blood routine, plasma proteins including total protein (TP), albumin (Alb) and globulin (Glb), and plasma electrolytes including Na+, K+, Ca2+and Cl- assays to evaluate the safety of the rabbit HP model. Control group (n=6) were managed as same as HP group except no hemoperfusion apparatus in the circuit. Results The rabbit HP model worked well and no animal died during HP. There were no significant changes in RBC (F=0.386, P=0.548), MCV (F=0.041, P=0.844), Hb (F=0.375, P=0.554), WBC (F=0.005, P=0.943), lymphocytes (F=0.212, P=0.655), monocytes (F=0.508, P=0.492), neutrophils (F=0.026, P=0.875), platelets (F=1.270, P=
0.286), mean platelet volume (F=0.037, P=0.851), Na+ (F=1.012, P=0.338), K+ (F=0.001, P=0.972), Ca2 + (F=1.812, P=0.208), TP (F=4.929, P=0.051) and Glb (F=2.641, P=0.135). However, Alb decreased after HP (F=27.490, P=0.000), and Cl- increased after HP (F=11.040, P=0.008). Conclusion The rabbit HP model was established successfully, safety evaluation showed that it is suitable for further research.

Key words: hemoperfusion, animal model, rabbit, blood purification