Animal Models of Hydrocephalus

Abstract

Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition characterized by altered cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow leading to an accumulation of CSF inside the cranial vault. Neuropathogenesis associated with hydrocephalus has been elucidated by pathological studies of human brains and through experimental and genetic animal models. Experimental animal models have been developed in numerous species using a variety of methods and agents to induce hydrocephalus or through genetic mutations in rodents. Each of these animal models has been described briefly in this review, along with the basic strengths and weaknesses of each model. Although none of these models can fully mimic the human condition, they each provide fundamental knowledge contributing to understanding more about the pathogenesis of hydrocephalus and its underlying causes.