Name: mouse model of surgically-induced endometriosis by auto-transplantation of uterine tissue
Uploaded: 2012-01-06T12:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Mouse Model of Surgically-induced Endometriosis by Auto-transplantation of Uterine Tissue at JoVE.com

Special thanks to Chris Kassotis and Audrey Bailey for critical review of this manuscript and to Dr. Scott Korte, Joseph Beeman, Alison Curfman, Paul Kimball, Bridget Neibreggue, Jacob Redel, Amy Schroder, Maija Steinberg, and Stacey Winkeler for their assistance in optimization of this model in our laboratory. Funding was provided by the Clinical Biodetectives Training Grant (NIH T90) (KEP), University of Missouri Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, MU Research Council, MU Research Board grants and NIH R21HD056441 (SCN).

1. Planning for live-animal surgery
<ol>
	<li>Ensure that appropriate approval has been received to work with laboratory animals.</li>
	<li>Order mice and allow at least one week of acclimation to their new environment.</li>
	<li>Female mice housed in the absence of exposure to male pheromones can stop cycling, a phenomenon referred to as the Whitten effect15,16. To keep mice cycling transfer urine-soaked male bedding to the female cage every five days. Alternatively, if open-top cages are used, place the fe...

<ol>
	<li>Simoens, S., Hummelshoj, L., D'Hooghe, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endometriosis:+cost+estimates+and+methodological+perspective.">Endometriosis: cost estimates and methodological perspective.</a> Hum. Reprod. Update. 13, 395-404 (2007).</li><li>Grummer, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Animal+models+in+endometriosis+research.">Animal models in endometriosis research.</a> Hum. Reprod. Update. 12, 641-649 (2006).</li><li>Vernon, M. W., Wilson, E. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Studies+on+the+surgical+induction+of+endometriosis+in+the+rat.">Studies on the surgical induction of endometriosis in the rat.</a> Fertil. Steril. 44, 684-694 (1985).</li><li>Cummings, A. M., Metcalf, J. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Induction+of+endometriosis+in+mice:+a+new+model+sensitive+to+estrogen.">Induction of endometriosis in mice: a new model sensitive to estrogen.</a> Reprod. Toxicol. 9, 233-238 (1995).</li><li>Pelch, K. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Aberrant+gene+expression+profile+in+a+mouse+model+of+endometriosis+mirrors+that+observed+in+women.">Aberrant gene expression profile in a mouse model of endometriosis mirrors that observed in women.</a> Fertil. Steril. 93, 1615-1627 (2010).</li><li>Flores, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Molecular+profiling+of+experimental+endometriosis+identified+gene+expression+patterns+in+common+with+human+disease.">Molecular profiling of experimental endometriosis identified gene expression patterns in common with human disease.</a> Fertil. Steril. 87, 1180-1199 (2007).</li><li>Giudice, L. C., Kao, L. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endometriosis.">Endometriosis.</a> Lancet. 364, 1789-1799 (2004).</li><li>Lin, Y. J., Lai, L. e. i., Y, H., Wing, L. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neutrophils+and+macrophages+promote+angiogenesis+in+the+early+stage+of+endometriosis+in+a+mouse+model.">Neutrophils and macrophages promote angiogenesis in the early stage of endometriosis in a mouse model.</a> Endocrinology. 147, 1278-1286 (2006).</li><li>Fang, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intact+progesterone+receptors+are+essential+to+counteract+the+proliferative+effect+of+estradiol+in+a+genetically+engineered+mouse+model+of+endometriosis.">Intact progesterone receptors are essential to counteract the proliferative effect of estradiol in a genetically engineered mouse model of endometriosis.</a> Fertil. Steril. 82, 673-678 (2004).</li><li>Fang, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genetic+or+enzymatic+disruption+of+aromatase+inhibits+the+growth+of+ectopic+uterine+tissue.">Genetic or enzymatic disruption of aromatase inhibits the growth of ectopic uterine tissue.</a> J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 87, 3460-3466 (2002).</li><li>Cummings, A. M., Metcalf, J. L., Birnbaum, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Promotion+of+endometriosis+by+2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin+in+rats+and+mice:+time-dose+dependence+and+species+comparison.">Promotion of endometriosis by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in rats and mice: time-dose dependence and species comparison.</a> Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 138, 131-139 (1996).</li><li>Foster, W. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Morphologic+characteristics+of+endometriosis+in+the+mouse+model:+application+to+toxicology.">Morphologic characteristics of endometriosis in the mouse model: application to toxicology.</a> Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 75, 1188-1196 (1997).</li><li>Cummings, A. M., Metcalf, J. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+surgically+induced+endometriosis+on+pregnancy+and+effect+of+pregnancy+and+lactation+on+endometriosis+in+mice.">Effect of surgically induced endometriosis on pregnancy and effect of pregnancy and lactation on endometriosis in mice.</a> Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 212, 332-337 (1996).</li><li>Lu, Y., Nie, J., Liu, X., Zheng, Y., Guo, S. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Trichostatin+A,+a+histone+deacetylase+inhibitor,+reduces+lesion+growth+and+hyperalgesia+in+experimentally+induced+endometriosis+in+mice.">Trichostatin A, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, reduces lesion growth and hyperalgesia in experimentally induced endometriosis in mice.</a> Hum. Reprod. 25, 1014-1025 (2010).</li><li>Whitten, W. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Modification+of+the+oestrous+cycle+of+the+mouse+by+external+stimuli+associated+with+the+male.">Modification of the oestrous cycle of the mouse by external stimuli associated with the male.</a> J. Endocrinol. 13, 399-404 (1956).</li><li>Whitten, W. K., Bronson, F. H., Greenstein, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Estrus-inducing+pheromone+of+male+mice:+transport+by+movement+of+air.">Estrus-inducing pheromone of male mice: transport by movement of air.</a> Science. 161, 584-585 (1968).</li><li>Goldman, J. M., Murr, A. S., Cooper, R. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+rodent+estrous+cycle:+characterization+of+vaginal+cytology+and+its+utility+in+toxicological+studies.">The rodent estrous cycle: characterization of vaginal cytology and its utility in toxicological studies.</a> Birth. Defects. Res. B. Dev. Reprod. Toxicol. 80, 84-97 (2007).</li><li>Pritchett-Corning, K. R., Mulder, G. B., Luo, Y., White, W. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Principles+of+Rodent+Surgery+for+the+New+Surgeon.">Principles of Rodent Surgery for the New Surgeon.</a> J. Vis. Exp. (47), e2586-e2586 (2011).</li><li>Moen, M. H., Halvorsen, T. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Histologic+confirmation+of+endometriosis+in+different+peritoneal+lesions.">Histologic confirmation of endometriosis in different peritoneal lesions.</a> Acta. Obstet. Gynecol. Scand. 71, 337-342 (1992).</li><li>Cummings, A. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Methoxychlor+as+a+model+for+environmental+estrogens.">Methoxychlor as a model for environmental estrogens.</a> Crit. Rev. Toxicol. 27, 367-379 (1997).</li><li>Fowler, R. E., Edwards, R. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Induction+of+superovulation+and+pregnancy+in+mature+mice+by+gonadotrophins.">Induction of superovulation and pregnancy in mature mice by gonadotrophins.</a> J. Endocrinol. 15, 374-384 (1957).</li><li>Wilson, E. D., Zarrow, M. X. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+superovulation+in+the+immature+mouse+and+rat.">Comparison of superovulation in the immature mouse and rat.</a> J. Reprod. Fertil. 3, 148-158 (1962).</li><li>Lee, B., Du, H., Taylor, H. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Experimental+murine+endometriosis+induces+DNA+methylation+and+altered+gene+expression+in+eutopic+endometrium.">Experimental murine endometriosis induces DNA methylation and altered gene expression in eutopic endometrium.</a> Biol. Reprod. 80, 79-85 (2009).</li><li>Somigliana, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endometrial+ability+to+implant+in+ectopic+sites+can+be+prevented+by+interleukin-12+in+a+murine+model+of+endometriosis.">Endometrial ability to implant in ectopic sites can be prevented by interleukin-12 in a murine model of endometriosis.</a> Hum. Reprod. 14, 2944-2950 (1999).</li><li>Hirata, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+an+experimental+model+of+endometriosis+using+mice+that+ubiquitously+express+green+fluorescent+protein.">Development of an experimental model of endometriosis using mice that ubiquitously express green fluorescent protein.</a> Hum. Reprod. 20, 2092-2096 (2005).</li><li>Story, L., Kennedy, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Animal+studies+in+endometriosis:+a+review.">Animal studies in endometriosis: a review.</a> Ilar. J. 45, 132-138 (2004).</li><li>Cummings, A. M., Hedge, J. M., Birnbaum, L. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+prenatal+exposure+to+TCDD+on+the+promotion+of+endometriotic+lesion+growth+by+TCDD+in+adult+female+rats+and+mice.">Effect of prenatal exposure to TCDD on the promotion of endometriotic lesion growth by TCDD in adult female rats and mice.</a> Toxicol. Sci. 52, 45-49 (1999).</li><li>Cummings, A. M., Metcalf, J. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+estrogen,+progesterone,+and+methoxychlor+on+surgically+induced+endometriosis+in+rats.">Effects of estrogen, progesterone, and methoxychlor on surgically induced endometriosis in rats.</a> Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 27, 287-290 (1995).</li><li>Sharpe-Timms, K. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endometriotic+lesions+synthesize+and+secrete+a+haptoglobin-like+protein.">Endometriotic lesions synthesize and secrete a haptoglobin-like protein.</a> Biol. Reprod. 58, 988-994 (1998).</li><li>Yavuz, E., Oktem, M., Esinler, I., Toru, S. A., Zeyneloglu, H. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genistein+causes+regression+of+endometriotic+implants+in+the+rat+model.">Genistein causes regression of endometriotic implants in the rat model.</a> Fertil. Steril. 88, 1129-1134 (2007).</li><li>Dmitrieva, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endocannabinoid+involvement+in+endometriosis.">Endocannabinoid involvement in endometriosis.</a> Pain. 151, 703-710 (2010).</li><li>Efstathiou, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nonsteroidal+antiinflammatory+drugs+differentially+suppress+endometriosis+in+a+murine+model.">Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs differentially suppress endometriosis in a murine model.</a> Fertil. Steril. 83, 171-181 (2005).</li><li>Becker, C. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endostatin+inhibits+the+growth+of+endometriotic+lesions+but+does+not+affect+fertility.">Endostatin inhibits the growth of endometriotic lesions but does not affect fertility.</a> Fertil. Steril. 84, 1144-1155 (2005).</li><li>Becker, C. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Short+synthetic+endostatin+peptides+inhibit+endothelial+migration+in+vitro+and+endometriosis+in+a+mouse+model.">Short synthetic endostatin peptides inhibit endothelial migration in vitro and endometriosis in a mouse model.</a> Fertil. Steril. 85, 71-77 (2006).</li><li>Sharpe-Timms, K. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Using+rats+as+a+research+model+for+the+study+of+endometriosis.">Using rats as a research model for the study of endometriosis.</a> Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 955, 318-327 (2002).</li><li>Stilley, J. A., Woods-Marshall, R., Sutovsky, M., Sutovsky, P., Sharpe-Timms, K. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reduced+Fecundity+in+Female+Rats+with+Surgically+Induced+Endometriosis+and+in+Their+Daughters:+A+Potential+Role+for+Tissue+Inhibitors+of+Metalloproteinase+1.">Reduced Fecundity in Female Rats with Surgically Induced Endometriosis and in Their Daughters: A Potential Role for Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase 1.</a> Biol. Reprod. 80, (2009).</li></ol>

There are several critical parameters that should be noted while performing the surgical induction of endometriosis in mice. First, endometriosis is an estrogen dependent disease and as such this surgery should be performed in intact animals or alternatively in ovariectomized animals supplemented with estrogens20. Second, suturing the endometrial biopsies to the arterial cascade must be performed with extreme care. We have found that using only two relatively loose knots with one throw each keeps the biopsy in...

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Name of the reagent/equipment</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalogue number</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Wax pencil</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>NC9954135</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass slide</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>12-550-433</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eyedropper</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>S79383</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Standard light microscope for evaluating vaginal cytology smears</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Buprenorphine HCL c3 (CARJET) 10X1ml</td>
			<td>Butler Animal Health Supply</td>
			<td>022891</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS)</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>14040-117</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10,000U/ml Penicillin, 10,000&mu;g/ml Streptomycin in 0.85% NaCl</td>
			<td>Hyclone</td>
			<td>SV30010</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isoflurane</td>
			<td>Abbott Animal Health</td>
			<td>05260-05</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isoflurane non-rebreathing anesthetic system</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Recirculating hot water heating pad</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>30 ml syringe sheath</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>14-823-16G</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Powder free sterile gloves</td>
			<td>Fisherbrand</td>
			<td>19020558</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ophthalmic ointment</td>
			<td>Major Pharmaceuticals</td>
			<td>10033691</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Small electrical clippers</td>
			<td>Wahl</td>
			<td>9861-600</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chlorhexidine scrub</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>NC9863042</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>70% Ethanol</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polylined sterile field</td>
			<td>Busse Hospital Disposables</td>
			<td>696</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Size 3 scalpel</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>22-079-657</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Number 10 scalpel blades</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>22-079-681</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Small surgical scissors</td>
			<td>Roboz</td>
			<td>RS-5850</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Small serrated semi-curved forceps</td>
			<td>Roboz</td>
			<td>RS-5135</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5-0 black braided silk suture</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>K870H</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterilized pyrex glass Petri dishes</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>70160-101</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2 mm biopsy punch</td>
			<td>Miltex</td>
			<td>33-31</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile gauze</td>
			<td>Kendall</td>
			<td>1806</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6-0 black monofilament ethilon nylon suture</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>697G</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Needle drivers (optional)</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>500023</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5-0 undyed braided coated vicryl suture</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>J490G</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9mm Autoclip wound clips</td>
			<td>Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td>427631</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Autoclip applier &amp; remover</td>
			<td>Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td>427630</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>23G needle</td>
			<td>Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td>305193</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1cc syringe</td>
			<td>Becton Dickson</td>
			<td>301025</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5X magnifying glass stand (optional)</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>14-648-23</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10% Buffered formalin</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>SF100-4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Calipers</td>
			<td>Roboz</td>
			<td>RS-6466</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Processing/embedding cassettes</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>15-197-700A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Biopsy foam pads</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>22-038-222</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RNAqueous RNA isolation kit</td>
			<td>Ambion</td>
			<td>AM1912</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Liquid nitrogen</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Snap cap microcentrifuge flat top tube</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>02-681-240</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ketamine (optional)</td>
			<td>Simga</td>
			<td>K4138</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Domitor (medetomidine hydrochloride) (optional)</td>
			<td>Tocris</td>
			<td>2023</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Antisedan (atipamezole) (optional)</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>A9611</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

mouse model of surgically-induced endometriosis by auto-transplantation of uterine tissue

Endometriosis is a chronic, painful disease whose etiology remains unknown. Furthermore, treatment of endometriosis can require laparoscopic removal of lesions, and/or chronic pharmaceutical management of pain and infertility symptoms. The cost associated with endometriosis has been estimated at 22 billion dollars per year in the United States1. To further our understanding of mechanisms underlying this enigmatic disease, animal models have been employed. Primates spontaneously develop endometriosis and therefore primate models most closely resemble the disease in women. Rodent models, however, are more cost effective and readily available2. The model that we describe here involves an autologous transfer of uterine tissue to the intestinal mesentery (Figure 1) and was first developed in the rat3 and later transferred to the mouse4. The goal of the autologous rodent model of surgically-induced endometriosis is to mimic the disease in women. We and others have previously shown that the altered gene expression pattern observed in endometriotic lesions from mice or rats mirrors that observed in women with the disease5,6. One advantage of performing the surgery in the mouse is that the abundance of transgenic mouse strains available can aid researchers in determining the role of specific components important in the establishment and growth of endometriosis. An alternative model in which excised human endometrial fragments are introduced to the peritoneum of immunocompromised mice is also widely used but is limited by the lack of a normal immune system which is thought to be important in endometriosis2,7. Importantly, the mouse model of surgically induced endometriosis is a versatile model that has been used to study how the immune system8, hormones9,10 and environmental factors11,12 affect endometriosis as well as the effects of endometriosis on fertility13 and pain14.

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Mouse Model of Surgically-induced Endometriosis by Auto-transplantation of Uterine Tissue

A description of the surgical induction of endometriosis in mice and rats by auto-transplantation of uterine tissue to the arterial cascade of the intestinal mesentery.

Endometriosis is a chronic, painful disease whose etiology remains unknown. Furthermore, treatment of endometriosis can require laparoscopic removal of ...

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Medicine

Mouse Model of Intraluminal MCAO: Cerebral Infarct Evaluation by Cresyl Violet Staining

Stroke is the third cause of mortality and the leading cause of disability in the World. Ischemic stroke accounts for approximately 80% of all strokes. However, the thrombolytic tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only treatment of acute ischemic stroke that exists. This led researchers to develop several ischemic stroke models in a variety of species. Two major types of rodent models have been developed: models of global cerebral ischemia or focal cerebral ischemia. To mimic ischemic stroke in patients, in whom approximately 80% thrombotic or embolic strokes occur in the territory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), the intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model is quite relevant for stroke studies. This model was first developed in rats by Koizumi et al. in 1986 1. Because of the ease of genetic manipulation in mice, these models have also been developed in this species 2-3.
	Herein, we present the transient MCA occlusion procedure in C57/Bl6 mice. Previous studies have reported that physical properties of the occluder such as tip diameter, length, shape, and flexibility are critical for the reproducibility of the infarct volume 4. Herein, a commercial silicon coated monofilaments (Doccol Corporation) have been used. Another great advantage is that this monofilament reduces the risk to induce subarachnoid hemorrhages. Using the Zeiss stereo-microscope Stemi 2000, the silicon coated monofilament was introduced into the internal carotid artery (ICA) via a cut in the external carotid artery (ECA) until the monofilament occludes the base of the MCA. Blood flow was restored 1 hour later by removal of the monofilament to mimic the restoration of blood flow after lysis of a thromboembolic clot in humans. The extent of cerebral infarct may be evaluated first by a neurologic score and by the measurement of the infarct volume. Ischemic mice were thus analyzed for their neurologic score at different post-reperfusion times. To evaluate the infarct volume, staining with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) was usually performed. Herein, we used cresyl violet staining since it offers the opportunity to test many critical markers by immunohistochemistry. In this video, we report the MCAO procedure; neurological scores and the evaluation of the infarct volume by cresyl violet staining.

The intraluminal middle cerebral occlusion model in mice is herein presented. The extent of cerebral infarct is evaluated by a neurologic score and cresyl violet staining, an alternative staining to TTC, offering the great advantage to test in parallel many interest markers.

Stroke is the third  cause of mortality and the leading cause of disability in the World. Ischemic  stroke accounts for approximately 80% of all strokes. ...

Implantation of Inferior Vena Cava Interposition Graft in Mouse Model

Biodegradable scaffolds seeded with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMCs) are often used for reconstructive surgery to treat congenital cardiac anomalies. The long-term clinical results showed excellent patency rates, however, with significant incidence of stenosis. To investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of vascular neotissue formation and prevent stenosis development in tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs), we developed a mouse model of the graft with approximately 1 mm internal diameter. First, the TEVGs were assembled from biodegradable tubular scaffolds fabricated from a polyglycolic acid nonwoven felt mesh coated with &#949;-caprolactone and L-lactide copolymer. The scaffolds were then placed in a lyophilizer, vacuumed for 24 hr, and stored in a desiccator until cell seeding. Second, bone marrow was collected from donor mice and mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. Third, approximately one million cells were seeded on a scaffold and incubated O/N. Finally, the seeded scaffolds were then implanted as infrarenal vena cava interposition grafts in C57BL/6 mice. The implanted grafts demonstrated excellent patency (&#62;90%) without evidence of thromboembolic complications or aneurysmal formation. This murine model will aid us in understanding and quantifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neotissue formation in the TEVG.

To improve our knowledge of cellular and molecular neotissue formation, a murine model of the TEVG was recently developed. The grafts were implanted as infrarenal vena cava interposition grafts in C57BL/6 mice. This model achieves similar results to those achieved in our clinical investigation, but over a far shortened time-course.

Biodegradable scaffolds seeded with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMCs) are often used for reconstructive surgery to treat congenital cardiac anomalies. ...

Transplantation of Pulmonary Valve Using a Mouse Model of Heterotopic Heart Transplantation

Tissue engineered heart valves, especially decellularized valves, are starting to gain momentum in clinical use of reconstructive surgery with mixed results. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the neotissue development, valve thickening, and stenosis development are not researched extensively. To answer the above questions, we developed a murine heterotopic heart valve transplantation model. A heart valve was harvested from a valve donor mouse and transplanted to a heart donor mouse. The heart with a new valve was transplanted heterotopically to a recipient mouse. The transplanted heart showed its own heartbeat, independent of the recipient&#8217;s heartbeat. The blood flow was quantified using a high frequency ultrasound system with a pulsed wave Doppler. The flow through the implanted pulmonary valve showed forward flow with minimal regurgitation and the peak flow was close to 100 mm/sec. This murine model of heart valve transplantation is highly versatile, so it can be modified and adapted to provide different hemodynamic environments and/or can be used with various transgenic mice to study neotissue development in a tissue engineered heart valve.

In order to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neotissue formation and stenosis development in tissue engineered heart valves, a murine model of heterotopic heart valve transplantation was developed. A pulmonary heart valve was transplanted to recipient using the heterotopic heart transplantation technique.

Tissue engineered heart valves, especially decellularized valves, are starting to gain momentum in clinical use of reconstructive surgery with mixed ...

Rose Bengal Photothrombosis by Confocal Optical Imaging In Vivo: A Model of Single Vessel Stroke

In vivo imaging techniques have increased in utilization due to recent advances in imaging dyes and optical technologies, allowing for the ability to image cellular events in an intact animal. Additionally, the ability to induce physiological disease states such as stroke in vivo increases its utility. The technique described herein allows for physiological assessment of cellular responses within the CNS following a stroke and can be adapted for other pathological conditions being studied. The technique presented uses laser excitation of the photosensitive dye Rose Bengal in vivo to induce a focal ischemic event in a single blood vessel. 
The video protocol demonstrates the preparation of a thin-skulled cranial window over the somatosensory cortex in a mouse for the induction of a Rose Bengal photothrombotic event keeping injury to the underlying dura matter and brain at a minimum. Surgical preparation is initially performed under a dissecting microscope with a custom-made surgical/imaging platform, which is then transferred to a confocal microscope equipped with an inverted objective adaptor. Representative images acquired utilizing this protocol are presented as well as time-lapse sequences of stroke induction. This technique is powerful in that the same area can be imaged repeatedly on subsequent days facilitating longitudinal in vivo studies of pathological processes following stroke.

Rose Bengal Photothrombosis by Confocal Optical Imaging In Vivo:  A Model of Single Vessel Stroke

Here, we describe a semi-invasive optical microscopy approach for the induction of a Rose Bengal photothrombotic clot in the somatosensory cortex of a mouse in vivo. The technical aspects of the imaging procedure are described from induction of a photothrombotic event to application and data collection.

In vivo imaging techniques have increased in utilization due to recent advances in imaging dyes and optical technologies, allowing for the ability to ...

Creation of a Rodent Model of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Blocking Adventitial Vasa Vasorum Perfusion

The adventitial vasa vasorum (VV) provides oxygen and nourishment to the aortic wall. Hypoxia in the aortic wall can cause enlarged abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). This article introduces and describes a standard protocol used to induce AAAs through adventitial VV hypoperfusion created with a combination of polyurethane catheter insertion into the aortic lumen and suture ligation of the infrarenal abdominal aorta.
The protocol involves the use of male rats weighing 300-400 g, which are provided food and water ad libitum. After laparotomy with a ventral midline abdominal incision, exfoliation of the aorta is performed, which blocks blood flow from the perivascular tissue. Aortotomy involving a small incision adjacent to the renal artery branches is performed, and a polyurethane catheter is inserted using an 18-gauge indwelling needle. After repairing the incision, tight ligation of the aorta over the catheter blocks VV blood flow from the proximal direction through the aortic wall without disturbing the aortic blood flow. This technique can induce an AAA with progressive aortic dilatation.
The greatest benefit of this model is that VV hypoperfusion causes tissue hypoxia and the development of an infrarenal AAA, which has morphological and pathological characteristics similar to those of a human AAA.

Polyurethane catheter insertion into the aortic lumen and suture ligation of the aorta induce chronic hypoxia due to hypoperfusion of the adventitial vasa vasorum. This article describes a novel animal model of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with characteristics similar to those of AAA in humans.

The adventitial vasa vasorum (VV) provides oxygen and nourishment to the aortic wall. Hypoxia in the aortic wall can cause enlarged abdominal aortic ...

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development

Discovery and characterization of novel pharmaceutical compounds or biochemical probes rely on robust and physiologically relevant assay systems. We describe methods to measure ex vivo myometrium contractility. This assay can be used to investigate factors and molecules involved in the modulation of myometrial contraction and to determine their excitatory or inhibitory actions, and hence their therapeutic potential in vivo. Biopsies are obtained from women undergoing cesarean section delivery with informed consent. Fine strips of myometrium are dissected, clipped and attached to a force transducer within 1 mL organ baths superfused with physiological saline solution at 37 &#176;C. Strips develop spontaneous contractions within 2&#8211;3 h under set tension and remain stable for many hours (&#62;6 h). Strips can also be stimulated to contract such as by the endogenous hormones, oxytocin and vasopressin, which cause concentration-dependent modulation of contraction frequency, force and duration, to more closely resemble contractions in labor. Hence, the effect of known and novel drug leads can be tested on spontaneous and agonist-induced contractions.
This protocol specifically details how this assay can be used to determine the potency of known and novel agents by measuring their effects on various parameters of human myometrial contraction. We use the oxytocin- and V1a receptor antagonists, atosiban and SR49059 as examples of known compounds which inhibit oxytocin- and vasopressin-induced contractions, and demonstrate how this method can be used to complement and validate pharmacological data obtained from cell-based assays to aid drug development. The effects of novel agonists in comparison to oxytocin and vasopressin can also be characterized. Whilst we use the example of the oxytocin/ vasopressin system, this method can also be used to study other receptors and ion channels that play a role in uterine contraction and relaxation to advance the understanding of human uterine physiology and pathophysiology.

This article describes experimental protocols to study ex vivo contractions of human myometrium and their application in drug discovery. This technique is used to improve the understanding of myometrial physiology and pathophysiology as well as to validate pharmacological data from novel research probes or drug leads.

Discovery and characterization of novel pharmaceutical compounds or biochemical probes rely on robust and physiologically relevant assay systems. We ...

A Mouse Model of Orthopedic Surgery to Study Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction and Tissue Regeneration

Surgery is commonly used to improve and maintain quality of life. Unfortunately, in vulnerable patients such as the elderly, complications may occur and significantly diminish the outcome. Indeed, after routine orthopedic surgery to repair a fracture, as many as 50% of elderly patients suffer from neurologic complications like delirium. Also, the capacity to heal and regenerate tissue after surgery decreases with age, and can impact the quality of fracture repair and even osseous integration of implants. Thus, a better understanding of mechanisms that drive these age-dependent changes could provide strategic targets to minimize risk for such complications and optimize outcomes. Here, we introduce a clinically relevant mouse model of tibial fracture. The postoperative changes in these mice mimic some of the cognitive impairments commonly observed after routine orthopedic surgery in humans. Briefly, an incision is performed in the right hind limb under strictly aseptic conditions. Muscles are disassociated, and a 0.38-mm stainless steel pin is inserted into the upper crest of the tibia, inside the intramedullary canal. Osteotomy is then performed, and the wound is stapled. We have used this model to investigate the effects of surgical trauma on postoperative neuroinflammation and behavioral changes. By applying this fracture model in combination with parabiosis, a surgical model in which 2 mice are anastomosed, we have studied cells and secreted factors that systemically rejuvenate organ function and tissue regeneration after injury. By following our step-by-step protocol, these models can be reproduced with high fidelity, and can be adapted to interrogate many biologic pathways that are altered by surgical trauma.

This protocol describes a mouse model of orthopedic surgery that has been used to study mechanisms of postoperative neuroinflammation and behavioral changes, and when combined with parabiosis, to study tissue regeneration during aging.

Surgery is commonly used to improve and maintain quality of life. Unfortunately, in vulnerable patients such as the elderly, complications may occur and ...

Improvement of a Closed Chest Porcine Myocardial Infarction Model by Standardization of Tissue and Blood Sampling Procedures

Myocardial ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury contributes to almost half of the necrotic area after myocardial infarction. To date there is no approved drug to prevent or reduce myocardial I/R injury. The study and understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of myocardial I/R injury is essential to develop successful treatments. Large animal experiments are an important step in translational methods. The porcine model of acute myocardial infarction has been established and described by ourselves and others. We aimed to further improve the value of the model by focusing in detail on the sampling techniques for use in future experiments. Furthermore, we emphasize small but important steps that can affect the quality of the final results. To mimic the clinical situation of myocardial I/R injury, a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) catheter was inserted into the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) of an anesthetized pig. &#176;&#176;&#176;This model mimics acute myocardial infarction and PCI treatment in humans with the possibility of accurately determining the area at risk as well as the necrotic- and viable ischemic tissue. Here the model was used to investigate the effect of a bicyclic peptide inhibitor of FXIIa. The model can also be modified to allow longer reperfusion times to study later effects of myocardial infarction.

Here we demonstrate a protocol to standardize sampling procedures of an established porcine model of acute myocardial infarction in order to increase its translational value in the understanding of the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and to test novel drug candidates.

Myocardial ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury contributes to almost half of the necrotic area after myocardial infarction. To date there is no approved ...

Isometric Contractility Measurement of the Mouse Mesenteric Artery Using Wire Myography

The wire myograph technique is used to assess the contractility of vascular smooth muscles in response to depolarization, GPCR agonists/inhibitors and drugs. It is widely used in many studies on the physiological functions of vascular smooth muscle, the pathogenesis of vascular diseases such as hypertension, and the development of smooth muscle relaxant drugs. The mouse is a widely used model animal with a large pool of disease models and genetically modified strains. We introduced this method to measure the isometric contraction of mouse mesenteric artery in detail. A 1.4-mm segment of mouse mesenteric resistance artery was isolated and mounted on a myograph chamber by passing two steel wires through its lumen. After equilibration and normalization steps, the vessel segment was potentiated by a high-K+ solution twice prior to the contraction assay. As an example of the application of this method in drug development, we measured the relaxant effect of a novel natural substance, neoliensinine, isolated from a Chinese herb, embryos of the lotus seed (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) on mouse mesenteric arteries. The vessel segments mounted on the myograph chamber were stimulated with a high-K+ solution. When the force tension reached a stable sustained phase, cumulative doses of neoliensinine were added to the chamber. We found that neoliensinine had a dose-dependent relaxant effect on smooth muscle contraction, thus suggesting that it bears potential activity against hypertension. In addition, as the vessel segment can survive at least 4 hours after mounting and maintain contractility induced by the high-K+ solution for many times, we suggest that the wire myograph system may be used for the time-consuming process of drug screening.

The wire myograph technique is used to investigate vascular smooth muscle functions and screen new drugs. We report a detailed protocol for measuring the isometric contractility of the mouse mesenteric artery and for screening new relaxants of vascular smooth muscle.

The wire myograph technique is used to assess the contractility of vascular smooth muscles in response to depolarization, GPCR agonists/inhibitors and ...

A Mouse Model of Incompletely Resected Soft Tissue Sarcoma for Testing (Neo)adjuvant Therapies

Surgery is often the first treatment for many solid tumors. However, local relapses frequently occur following primary tumor resection, despite adjuvant or neo-adjuvant therapies. This occurs when surgical margins are insufficiently tumor-free, resulting in residual cancer cells. From a biological and immunological perspective, surgery is not a null event; the wound healing environment is known to induce both pro- and anti-tumorigenic pathways. As a consequence, preclinical models for drug development aimed at preventing local relapse should incorporate surgical resection when testing new (neo)adjuvant therapies, to model the clinical settings in patients treated with surgery.
Here, we describe a mouse model of incomplete surgical resection of WEHI 164 soft tissue sarcoma that allows testing of (neo)adjuvant therapies in the setting of a wound healing response. In this model, 50% or 75% of the tumor is removed, leaving behind some cancer tissue in situ to model gross residual disease after surgery in the clinical setting. This model allows testing therapies in the context of surgery while also considering the wound healing response, which may affect the efficacy of (neo)adjuvant treatments. The incomplete surgical resection results in reproducible regrowth of the tumor in all mice in the absence of adjuvant therapy. Adjuvant treatment with checkpoint blockade results in reduced tumor regrowth. This model is thus appropriate for testing therapies in the context of debulking surgery and its associated wound healing response and can be extended to other types of solid cancer.

A Mouse Model of Incompletely Resected Soft Tissue Sarcoma for Testing Neoadjuvant Therapies

In this protocol, we describe a mouse model of incomplete surgical resection of soft tissue sarcoma for testing (neo)adjuvant therapies.

Surgery is often the first treatment for many solid tumors. However, local relapses frequently occur following primary tumor resection, despite adjuvant ...