Murine hindlimb ischemia models: a narrative review

The murine hindlimb ischemia model is a classical experimental platform for studying peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It primarily includes three categories: acute ischemia models, subacute-to-chronic ischemia models, and ischemia-reperfusion models. Acute ischemia models are the most widely applied, with relatively well-established methodologies. They are typically induced by ligation or electrocauterization, but other approaches such as interventional embolization, photochemical thrombosis, physical injury, chemical injury, and embolization with traditional Chinese medicine-derived microparticles have also been employed. Subacute-to-chronic ischemia models, including the Ameroid constrictor, intravascular suture, anticoagulant silicone tube, and loop techniques, better reflect the pathophysiology of chronic PAD but have not yet been standardized for broad use. Ischemia-reperfusion models, as specialized interventional variants, are increasingly studied in the context of revascularization-related injuries. This review summarizes the methodologies, advantages, and limitations of the above models, and highlights factors influencing model establishment and experimental outcomes, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for future research using murine hindlimb ischemia models.