This work was supported by NIH HL-10342

NOTA: Todos los animales protocolos fueron aprobados por el Comité de Cuidado de Animales de la Universidad Johns Hopkins y Uso. 1. Preparación de los animales <ol><li> Preparar los ratones C57BL / 6 6 de control para la medición DFCO, anestesiando con ketamina y xilazina como se indica en el paso 2.3. </li><li> Preparar todos los otros ratones con las diferentes patologías pulmonares que se muestran en la Tabla 1 utilizando el mismo procedimiento que para los controles. Los detalles específicos necesarios para establecer cada uno de estos modelos se encuentran en las referencias pertinentes. Los ratones de control y los de las otras cohortes patológicos son todos de 6-12 semanas de edad. </li></ol> 2. Medición del Factor de Difusión de monóxido de carbono (DFCO) <ol><li> Configure el módulo cromatógrafo de gas suministrado con la máquina para medir picos de nitrógeno, oxígeno, neón, y monóxido de carbono. Para este uso de la aplicación sólo los datos de neón y CO. NOTA: Este instrumento utiliza un s molecularescolumna IEVE con helio como gas portador, con un 12,00 micras película, 320.00 ID my 10 m de longitud. El cromatógrafo de columna tiene un volumen de 0,8 ml, pero se utilizó 2 ml para asegurar la compensación adecuada de los tubos de conexión con la muestra. </li><li> Al comienzo de cada día experimental, antes de realizar las mediciones de las muestras de los ratones, tomar una muestra de 2 ml directamente de una bolsa de mezcla de gas que contiene aproximadamente 0,5% Ne, 0,5% de CO, y equilibrar el aire, y utilizar esta muestra para calibrar el cromatógrafo de gases. </li><li> Anestesiar a los ratones con ketamina (90 mg / kg) y xilazina (15 mg / kg), y confirmar la anestesia por la ausencia de movimiento reflejo. Aplique un ungüento veterinario en los ojos para evitar la sequedad. Tracheostomize los ratones con una cánula de aguja talón (18 G en adultos o 20 G en ratones muy jóvenes). NOTA: El DFCO se completa en menos de 10 min después de la anestesia y antes de cualquier ventilación mecánica u otros procedimientos. </li><li> En los ratones de más de 6 semanas de edad, utilizar una jeringa de 3 ml to retirar 0,8 ml de gas de la bolsa de mezcla de gas. Conectar la jeringa a la cánula traqueal e inflar rápidamente el pulmón. El uso de un metrónomo, cuente 9 s, y luego rápidamente retirar los 0,8 ml (aire exhalado). </li><li> Diluir esta retirados 0,8 ml aire exhalado a 2 ml con aire ambiental, deje reposar durante al menos 15 segundos. Se inyecta toda la muestra en el cromatógrafo de gases para su análisis. </li><li> Mientras que el análisis de esta primera muestra de DFCO, inflar el pulmón de ratón con una segunda 0,8 ml de la bolsa de mezcla de gas, y luego procesar esta muestra idéntica a la primera muestra. La media de los dos mediciones DFCO. NOTA: Para las mediciones en ratones de tan sólo 2 semanas de edad, use un volumen de 0,4 ml, desde 0,8 ml es un volumen demasiado importante para hacer mediciones en los pulmones de los ratones muy jóvenes. Es mejor utilizar el volumen de 0,8 ml para los ratones de más edad de 6 semanas, y que si se necesita el volumen de 0,4 ml para algunos ratones, que debe ser usado consistentemente para todos los ratones en la cohorte se está estudiando. </li><li> Calcular DFCOcomo 1 - (CO 9 / CO c) / (Ne 9 / Ne c), donde C y 9 subíndices se refieren a las concentraciones de los gases de calibración inyectadas y los gases eliminados después de un 9 seg tiempo en apnea, respectivamente. </li><li> Analizar y comparar las diferencias con un ANOVA de una vía y evaluar el nivel de significación con la corrección de Tukey para comparaciones múltiples en todos los ratones de cohortes. Considere p &lt;0,05 valor como significativo. NOTA: Todos los ratones utilizados aquí fueron parte de los estudios experimentales que involucran varias mediciones posteriores de ventilación pulmonar, la mecánica, lavado pulmonar, o la histología, que no se reportan aquí. Además, ya que el método es el mismo en todos los modelos experimentales como se hizo anteriormente en los ratones de control, sólo se presentan los resultados de los diversos modelos patológicos. Para más información sobre estos modelos se presenta en la tabla suplementaria. </li><li> La eutanasia a los animales por anesthe profundasobredosis tic seguido por dislocación cervical o decapitación. Cuando sea necesario, eliminar las células y / o tejidos pulmonares de los ratones muertos para más biológico o procesamiento histológico y análisis. </li></ol>

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W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+standardized+breath+holding+technique+for+the+clinical+measurement+of+the+diffusing+capacity+of+the+lung+for+carbon+monoxide.">A standardized breath holding technique for the clinical measurement of the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide.</a> J Clin Invest. 36 (1 Pt 1), 1-17 (1957).</li><li>Miller, A., Warshaw, R., Nezamis, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Diffusing+capacity+and+forced+vital+capacity+in+5,003+asbestos-exposed+workers:+Relationships+to+interstitial+fibrosis+(ILO+profusion+score)+and+pleural+thickening.">Diffusing capacity and forced vital capacity in 5,003 asbestos-exposed workers: Relationships to interstitial fibrosis (ILO profusion score) and pleural thickening.</a> Am J Ind Med. 56 (12), 1383-1393 (2013).</li><li>Enelow, R. 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D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intercellular+adhesion+molecule-1+contributes+to+pulmonary+oxygen+toxicity+in+mice:+role+of+leukocytes+revised.">Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 contributes to pulmonary oxygen toxicity in mice: role of leukocytes revised.</a> Lung. 170 (5), 267-279 (1992).</li><li>Reinhard, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inbred+strain+variation+in+lung+function.">Inbred strain variation in lung function.</a> Mamm Genome. 13 (8), 429-437 (2002).</li><li>Sabo, J. P., Kimmel, E. C., Diamond, 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+the+Clara+cell+toxin,+4-ipomeanol,+on+pulmonary+function+in+rats.">Effects of the Clara cell toxin, 4-ipomeanol, on pulmonary function in rats.</a> J Appl Physiol. 54 (2), 337-344 (1983).</li><li>Depledge, M. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Respiration+and+lung+function+in+the+mouse,+Mus+musculus+(with+a+note+on+mass+exponents+and+respiratory+variables).">Respiration and lung function in the mouse, Mus musculus (with a note on mass exponents and respiratory variables).</a> Respir Physiol. 60 (1), 83-94 (1985).</li><li>Depledge, M. H., Collis, C. 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A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cystic+fibrosis+transmembrane+conductance+regulator+regulates+epithelial+cell+response+to+Aspergillus+and+resultant+pulmonary+inflammation.">Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator regulates epithelial cell response to Aspergillus and resultant pulmonary inflammation.</a> Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 185 (3), 301-310 (2012).</li><li>Foster, W. M., Walters, D. M., Longphre, M., Macri, K., Miller, L. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Methodology+for+the+measurement+of+mucociliary+function+in+the+mouse+by+scintigraphy.">Methodology for the measurement of mucociliary function in the mouse by scintigraphy.</a> J Appl Physiol. 90 (3), 1111-1117 (2001).</li><li>Yildirim, A. O., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Palifermin+induces+alveolar+maintenance+programs+in+emphysematous+mice.">Palifermin induces alveolar maintenance programs in emphysematous mice.</a> Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 181 (7), 705-717 (2010).</li><li>Collins, S. L., Chan-Li, Y., Hallowell, R. W., Powell, J. D., Horton, M. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pulmonary+vaccination+as+a+novel+treatment+for+lung+fibrosis.">Pulmonary vaccination as a novel treatment for lung fibrosis.</a> PLoS One. 7 (2), e31299 (2012).</li><li>Alessio, F. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=CD4+CD25+Foxp3++Tregs+resolve+experimental+lung+injury+in+mice+and+are+present+in+humans+with+acute+lung+injury.">CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs resolve experimental lung injury in mice and are present in humans with acute lung injury.</a> J Clin Invest. 119 (10), 2898-2913 (2009).</li><li>Martinez, F. 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No hay conflictos de interés, y nada que revelar.

En el presente trabajo, hemos definido una nueva métrica para cuantificar la capacidad de intercambio de gases del pulmón de ratón. Esta métrica es análoga a la capacidad de difusión, una medición clínica común que mide la función principal del pulmón, es decir, su capacidad de intercambio de gases. La capacidad de difusión es la única medida funcional de pulmón que se puede hacer fácil y rápidamente tanto en ratones y seres humanos. Para la detección de la enfermedad pulmonar en ratones, un objetivo im...

El ratón es ahora el animal principal utilizada para modelar una variedad de enfermedades pulmonares. Para el estudio de los mecanismos que subyacen en estas patologías, se necesitan métodos fenotípicos que pueden cuantificar el que los cambios patológicos. Aunque hay muchos estudios en ratones donde se miden la mecánica de ventilación, estas mediciones son generalmente no relacionada con las evaluaciones estándar de la función pulmonar hace normalmente en seres humanos. Esto es lamentable, ya que la capacidad de realizar mediciones equivalentes en ratones y seres humanos puede facilitar la traducción de los resultados en modelos de ratón de la enfermedad humana. Una de las medidas más comunes y fácilmente realizados en sujetos humanos es la capacidad de difusión del monóxido de carbono (DLCO) 1,2, pero esta medida ha rara vez sólo ha hecho en modelos de ratón. En los estudios donde se ha reportado 3-7, no ha habido estudios de seguimiento, en parte debido a que los procedimientos son a menudo difíciles de aplicar o pueden reqUIRE equipos complejos. Otro enfoque consiste en utilizar un método de CO respiración del aire exhalado en un sistema en estado estacionario, que tiene la ventaja de ser capaz de medir la difusión de CO en ratones conscientes. Sin embargo, este método es muy engorroso, y los resultados pueden variar con el nivel de ventilación del ratón, así como O 2 y CO 2 concentraciones de 8,9. Estas dificultades parecen haber impedido el uso rutinario de la capacidad de difusión para detectar patologías pulmonares en ratones, a pesar de sus muchas ventajas. Para evitar los problemas con la capacidad de difusión en ratones, los detalles de un simple medio para medirlo en ratones han sido recientemente reportado 10. El procedimiento elimina el difícil problema de muestreo de gas alveolar no contaminado por muestreo rápidamente un volumen igual a todo el gas inspirado. Este procedimiento resulta en una medida muy reproducible, denominado el factor de difusión para el monóxido de carbono (DFCO), que es sensible a una serie de pathologic cambios en el fenotipo de pulmón. El DFCO se calcula como 1 - (CO 9 / CO c) / (Ne 9 / Ne c), donde el C y 9 subíndices se refieren a concentraciones de los gases de calibración inyectado y los gases eliminados después de un tiempo de 9 segundos apnea, respectivamente. DFCO es una variable sin dimensiones, que varía entre 0 y 1, donde 1 refleja la absorción completa de todos CO, y 0 refleja ausencia de captación de CO. En esta presentación se muestra cómo hacer que esta medida la capacidad de difusión, y la forma en que se puede utilizar para documentar los cambios en casi todos los modelos de enfermedad de pulmón de ratón existentes, incluyendo el enfisema, fibrosis, lesión pulmonar aguda y las infecciones víricas y fúngicas.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Gas Chromatograph</td>
			<td>Inficon</td>
			<td>Micro GC Model 3000A</td>
			<td>Agilent makes a comparable model</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18 g Luer stub needle</td>
			<td>Becton Dickenson</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Several other possible vendors</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3 mL plastic syringe</td>
			<td>Becton Dickenson</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Several other possible vendors</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polypropylene gas sample bags</td>
			<td>SKC</td>
			<td>1 or 2 liter capacity works well</td>
			<td>Other gas tight bags will work well</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gas tank, 0.3% Ne,0.3% CO, balance air; (size ME)</td>
			<td>Airgas, Inc</td>
			<td>Z04 NI785ME3012</td>
			<td>This is the standard mixture used for DLCO in humans</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>25 TCID50/mouse of influenza virus A/PR8 diluted in phosphate buffered saline.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Porcine pancreatic elastase</td>
			<td>Elastin Products, Owensville, MO</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>5.4 U</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bleomycin</td>
			<td>APP Pharmaceuticals, Schaumburg, IL</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>0.25 U</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Escherichia coli LPS8</td>
			<td>Sigma L2880</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>3 &#956;g/g body weight; O55:B5</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aspergillus fumigatus (isolate Af293) conidia were collected from mature colonies grown on potato dextrose agar.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

phenotyping mouse pulmonary function in vivo with the lung diffusing capacity

El ratón es ahora el animal principal utilizada para modelar una variedad de enfermedades pulmonares. Para estudiar los mecanismos que subyacen a este tipo de patologías, se necesitan métodos fenotípicos que pueden cuantificar los cambios patológicos. Además, para proporcionar relevancia de traslación a los modelos de ratón, tales medidas deben ser las pruebas de que se puede hacer fácilmente en los seres humanos y ratones. Desafortunadamente, en el presente literatura pocas mediciones fenotípicas de la función pulmonar tienen aplicación directa a los seres humanos. Una excepción es la capacidad de difusión del monóxido de carbono, que es una medida que se realiza de forma rutinaria en los seres humanos. En el presente informe se describe un medio para medir de forma rápida y sencilla esta capacidad de difusión en ratones. El procedimiento consiste en breve la inflación pulmonar con gases trazadores en un ratón anestesiado, seguido de una 1 min tiempo de análisis de gas. Hemos probado la capacidad de este método para detectar varias patologías pulmonares, incluyendo el enfisema, fibrosis, lesión pulmonar aguda, y la influenza yinfecciones pulmonares por hongos, así como el seguimiento de maduración pulmonar en los cachorros. Los resultados muestran una disminución significativa en todas las patologías pulmonares, así como un aumento en la capacidad de difusión con la maduración pulmonar. Esta medición de la capacidad de difusión del pulmón por lo tanto proporciona una prueba de la función pulmonar que tiene una amplia aplicación con su capacidad para detectar cambios estructurales fenotípicas con la mayoría de los modelos patológicos pulmonares existentes.

La Figura 1 muestra las mediciones DFCO de los ratones adultos en los grupos A, B, C, D, E, y F. No hubo disminuciones significativas tanto con las infecciones por Aspergillus y la gripe, así como una disminución significativa en la fibrótica, enfisematosa, y aguda modelos de lesión pulmonar. La Figura 2 muestra los cambios en el desarrollo del Grupo G en DFCO lo largo del tiempo como la edad los ratones de 2-6 semanas. Hubo un aumento ligero pero significativo con el desarrollo del...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Phenotyping Mouse Pulmonary Function In Vivo with the Lung Diffusing Capacity at JoVE.com

Phenotyping Mouse Pulmonary Function In Vivo with the Lung Diffusing Capacity

We describe a means to quickly and simply measure the lung diffusing capacity in mice and show that it is sufficiently sensitive to phenotype changes in multiple common lung pathologies. This metric thus brings direct translational relevance to the mouse models, since diffusing capacity is also easily measured in humans.

Función Fenotipificación ratón pulmonar<em&gt; En Vivo</em&gt; Con la capacidad de difusión pulmonar

The mouse is now the primary animal used to model a variety of lung diseases. To study the mechanisms that underlie such pathologies, phenotypic methods ...

phenotyping-mouse-pulmonary-function-vivo-with-lung-diffusing

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

Phenotyping Mouse Pulmonary Function In Vivo with the Lung Diffusing Capacity

10.5K vistas.  Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. We describe a means to quickly and simply measure the lung diffusing capacity in mice and show that it is sufficiently sensitive to phenotype changes in multiple common lung pathologies. This metric thus brings direct translational relevance to the mouse models, since diffusing capacity is also easily measured in humans.

Video: Phenotyping Mouse Pulmonary Function In Vivo with the Lung Diffusing Capacity

In vivo Imaging and Therapeutic Treatments in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Ovarian Cancer

Human cancer and response to therapy is better represented in orthotopic animal models. This paper describes the development of an orthotopic mouse model of ovarian cancer, treatment of cancer via oral delivery of drugs, and monitoring of tumor cell behavior in response to drug treatment in real time using in vivo imaging system. In this orthotopic model, ovarian tumor cells expressing luciferase are applied topically by injecting them directly into the mouse bursa where each ovary is enclosed. Upon injection of D-luciferin, a substrate of firefly luciferase, luciferase-expressing cells generate bioluminescence signals. This signal is detected by the in vivo imaging system and allows for a non-invasive means of monitoring tumor growth, distribution, and regression in individual animals. Drug administration via oral gavage allows for a maximum dosing volume of 10 mL/kg body weight to be delivered directly to the stomach and closely resembles delivery of drugs in clinical treatments. Therefore, techniques described here, development of an orthotopic mouse model of ovarian cancer, oral delivery of drugs, and in vivo imaging, are useful for better understanding of human ovarian cancer and treatment and will improve targeting this disease.

In vivo Imaging and Therapeutic Treatments in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Ovarian Cancer

Orthotopic animal models of ovarian cancer replicate better human disease and therefore enhance our understanding of cancer progression and tumor response to therapy. A mouse model receives an intrabursal injection of luciferase-expressing ovarian tumor cells. Treatment is administered via oral gavage. Tumor growth is monitored by in vivo imaging system.

En vivo de imágenes y tratamientos terapéuticos en un modelo de ratón ortotópico de cáncer de ovario

Human cancer and response to therapy is better represented in orthotopic animal models.  This paper describes the development of an orthotopic mouse model ...

Investigación

Biología

Characterization of the Isolated, Ventilated, and Instrumented Mouse Lung Perfused with Pulsatile Flow

The isolated, ventilated and instrumented mouse lung preparation allows steady and pulsatile pulmonary vascular pressure-flow relationships to be measured with independent control over pulmonary arterial flow rate, flow rate waveform, airway pressure and left atrial pressure. Pulmonary vascular resistance is calculated based on multi-point, steady pressure-flow curves; pulmonary vascular impedance is calculated from pulsatile pressure-flow curves obtained at a range of frequencies. As now recognized clinically, impedance is a superior measure of right ventricular afterload than resistance because it includes the effects of vascular compliance, which are not negligible, especially in the pulmonary circulation. Three important metrics of impedance - the zero hertz impedance Z0, the characteristic impedance ZC, and the index of wave reflection RW - provide insight into distal arterial cross-sectional area available for flow, proximal arterial stiffness and the upstream-downstream impedance mismatch, respectively. All results obtained in isolated, ventilated and perfused lungs are independent of sympathetic nervous system tone, volume status and the effects of anesthesia. We have used this technique to quantify the impact of pulmonary emboli and chronic hypoxia on resistance and impedance, and to differentiate between sites of action (i.e., proximal vs. distal) of vasoactive agents and disease using the pressure dependency of ZC. Furthermore, when these techniques are used with the lungs of genetically engineered strains of mice, the effects of molecular-level defects on pulmonary vascular structure and function can be determined.

The following protocol outlines the process of isolating, ventilating and instrumenting mouse lungs to measure steady or pulsatile pulmonary vascular pressure-flow relationships in order to quantify the effects of blood flow, airflow, airway changes and vascular changes on right ventricular afterload.

Caracterización de los aislados y ventilados, y pulmón de ratón instrumentado perfundidos con flujo pulsátil

The isolated, ventilated and instrumented mouse lung preparation allows steady and pulsatile pulmonary vascular pressure-flow relationships to be measured ...

Examining BCL-2 Family Function with Large Unilamellar Vesicles

The BCL-2 (B cell CLL/Lymphoma) family is comprised of approximately twenty proteins that collaborate to either maintain cell survival or initiate apoptosis1. Following cellular stress (e.g., DNA damage), the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family effectors BAK (BCL-2 antagonistic killer 1) and/or BAX (BCL-2 associated X protein) become activated and compromise the integrity of the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), though the process referred to as mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP)1. After MOMP occurs, pro-apoptotic proteins (e.g., cytochrome c) gain access to the cytoplasm, promote caspase activation, and apoptosis rapidly ensues2.
In order for BAK/BAX to induce MOMP, they require transient interactions with members of another pro-apoptotic subset of the BCL-2 family, the BCL-2 homology domain 3 (BH3)-only proteins, such as BID (BH3-interacting domain agonist)3-6. Anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins (e.g., BCL-2 related gene, long isoform, BCL-xL; myeloid cell leukemia 1, MCL-1) regulate cellular survival by tightly controlling the interactions between BAK/BAX and the BH3-only proteins capable of directly inducing BAK/BAX activation7,8. In addition, anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein availability is also dictated by sensitizer/de-repressor BH3-only proteins, such as BAD (BCL-2 antagonist of cell death) or PUMA (p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis), which bind and inhibit anti-apoptotic members7,9. As most of the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 repertoire is localized to the OMM, the cellular decision to maintain survival or induce MOMP is dictated by multiple BCL-2 family interactions at this membrane.
 Large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) are a biochemical model to explore relationships between BCL-2 family interactions and membrane permeabilization10. LUVs are comprised of defined lipids that are assembled in ratios identified in lipid composition studies from solvent extracted Xenopus mitochondria (46.5% phosphatidylcholine, 28.5% phosphatidylethanoloamine, 9% phosphatidylinositol, 9% phosphatidylserine, and 7% cardiolipin)10. This is a convenient model system to directly explore BCL-2 family function because the protein and lipid components are completely defined and tractable, which is not always the case with primary mitochondria. While cardiolipin is not usually this high throughout the OMM, this model does faithfully mimic the OMM to promote BCL-2 family function. Furthermore, a more recent modification of the above protocol allows for kinetic analyses of protein interactions and real-time measurements of membrane permeabilization, which is based on LUVs containing a polyanionic dye (ANTS: 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid) and cationic quencher (DPX: p-xylene-bis-pyridinium bromide)11. As the LUVs permeabilize, ANTS and DPX diffuse apart, and a gain in fluorescence is detected. Here, commonly used recombinant BCL-2 family protein combinations and controls using the LUVs containing ANTS/DPX are described.

Biochemically-defined large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) are a convenient model system to analyze BCL-2 family interactions with immediate implications in better understanding the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. A method to produce LUVs, along with standard BCL-2 family protein combinations and controls to examine LUV permeabilization, are presented.

Examinando familia Bcl-2 Función con grandes vesículas unilamelares

The BCL-2 (B cell CLL/Lymphoma) family is comprised of approximately twenty proteins that collaborate to either maintain cell survival or initiate ...

Culturing of Human Nasal Epithelial Cells at the Air Liquid Interface

In vitro models using human primary epithelial cells are essential in understanding key functions of the respiratory epithelium in the context of microbial infections or inhaled agents. Direct comparisons of cells obtained from diseased populations allow us to characterize different phenotypes and dissect the underlying mechanisms mediating changes in epithelial cell function. Culturing epithelial cells from the human tracheobronchial region has been well documented, but is limited by the availability of human lung tissue or invasiveness associated with obtaining the bronchial brushes biopsies. Nasal epithelial cells are obtained through much less invasive superficial nasal scrape biopsies and subjects can be biopsied multiple times with no significant side effects. Additionally, the nose is the entry point to the respiratory system and therefore one of the first sites to be exposed to any kind of air-borne stressor, such as microbial agents, pollutants, or allergens. 
Briefly, nasal epithelial cells obtained from human volunteers are expanded on coated tissue culture plates, and then transferred onto cell culture inserts. Upon reaching confluency, cells continue to be cultured at the air-liquid interface (ALI), for several weeks, which creates more physiologically relevant conditions. The ALI culture condition uses defined media leading to a differentiated epithelium that exhibits morphological and functional characteristics similar to the human nasal epithelium, with both ciliated and mucus producing cells. Tissue culture inserts with differentiated nasal epithelial cells can be manipulated in a variety of ways depending on the research questions (treatment with pharmacological agents, transduction with lentiviral vectors, exposure to gases, or infection with microbial agents) and analyzed for numerous different endpoints ranging from cellular and molecular pathways, functional changes, morphology, etc. 
In vitro models of differentiated human nasal epithelial cells will enable investigators to address novel and important research questions by using organotypic experimental models that largely mimic the nasal epithelium in vivo.

Nasal epithelial cells, obtained through superficial scrape biopsy of human volunteers, are expanded and transferred onto tissue culture inserts. Upon reaching confluency, cells are grown at air liquid interface, yielding cultures of ciliated and non-ciliated cells. Differentiated nasal epithelial cell cultures provide viable experimental models for studying the respiratory mucosa.

El cultivo de células humanas epiteliales nasales en la interfase aire líquido

In vitro models using human primary  epithelial cells are essential in understanding key functions of the respiratory  epithelium in the context of ...

Isolation of Mitochondria from Minimal Quantities of Mouse Skeletal Muscle for High Throughput Microplate Respiratory Measurements

Dysfunctional skeletal muscle mitochondria play a role in altered metabolism observed with aging, obesity and Type II diabetes. Mitochondrial respirometric assays from isolated mitochondrial preparations allow for the assessment of mitochondrial function, as well as determination of the mechanism(s) of action of drugs and proteins that modulate metabolism. Current isolation procedures often require large quantities of tissue to yield high quality mitochondria necessary for respirometric assays. The methods presented herein describe how high quality purified mitochondria (~ 450 &#181;g) can be isolated from minimal quantities (~75-100 mg) of mouse skeletal muscle for use in high throughput respiratory measurements. We determined that our isolation method yields 92.5&#177; 2.0% intact mitochondria by measuring citrate synthase activity spectrophotometrically. In addition, Western blot analysis in isolated mitochondria resulted in the faint expression of the cytosolic protein, GAPDH, and the robust expression of the mitochondrial protein, COXIV. The absence of a prominent GAPDH band in the isolated mitochondria is indicative of little contamination from non-mitochondrial sources during the isolation procedure. Most importantly, the measurement of O2 consumption rate with micro-plate based technology and determining the respiratory control ratio (RCR) for coupled respirometric assays shows highly coupled (RCR; &#62;6 for all assays) and functional mitochondria. In conclusion, the addition of a separate mincing step and significantly reducing motor driven homogenization speed of a previously reported method has allowed the isolation of high quality and purified mitochondria from smaller quantities of mouse skeletal muscle that results in highly coupled mitochondria that respire with high function during microplate based respirometirc assays.

Here, we present a modification of a previously reported method that allows for the isolation of high quality and purified mitochondria from smaller quantities of mouse skeletal muscle. This procedure results in highly coupled mitochondria that respire with high function during microplate based respirometirc assays.

Aislamiento de mitocondrias a partir de cantidades mínimas de ratón músculo esquelético para mediciones de alto rendimiento de microplacas Respiratorias

Dysfunctional skeletal muscle mitochondria play a role in altered metabolism observed with aging, obesity and Type II diabetes. Mitochondrial ...

The c-FOS Protein Immunohistological Detection: A Useful Tool As a Marker of Central Pathways Involved in Specific Physiological Responses In Vivo and Ex Vivo

Many studies seek to identify and map the brain regions involved in specific physiological regulations. The proto-oncogene c-fos, an immediate early gene, is expressed in neurons in response to various stimuli. The protein product can be readily detected with immunohistochemical techniques leading to the use of c-FOS detection to map groups of neurons that display changes in their activity. In this article, we focused on the identification of brainstem neuronal populations involved in the ventilatory adaptation to hypoxia or hypercapnia. Two approaches were described to identify involved neuronal populations in vivo in animals and ex vivo in deafferented brainstem preparations. In vivo, animals were exposed to hypercapnic or hypoxic gas mixtures. Ex vivo, deafferented preparations were superfused with hypoxic or hypercapnic artificial cerebrospinal fluid. In both cases, either control in vivo animals or ex vivo preparations were maintained under normoxic and normocapnic conditions. The comparison of these two approaches allows the determination of the origin of the neuronal activation i.e., peripheral and/or central. In vivo and ex vivo, brainstems were collected, fixed, and sliced into sections. Once sections were prepared, immunohistochemical detection of the c-FOS protein was made in order to identify the brainstem groups of cells activated by hypoxic or hypercapnic stimulations. Labeled cells were counted in brainstem respiratory structures. In comparison to the control condition, hypoxia or hypercapnia increased the number of c-FOS labeled cells in several specific brainstem sites that are thus constitutive of the neuronal pathways involved in the adaptation of the central respiratory drive.

The c-FOS Protein Immunohistological Detection: A Useful Tool As a Marker of Central Pathways Involved in Specific Physiological Responses In Vivo and Ex Vivo

Here, we present a protocol based on c-FOS protein immunohistological detection, a classical technique used for the identification of neuronal populations involved in specific physiological responses in vivo and ex vivo.

La proteína c-Fos detección inmunohistoquímico: una herramienta útil como marcador de vías centrales implicados en las respuestas fisiológicas específicas<em&gt; En Vivo</em&gt; y<em&gt; Ex Vivo</em

Many studies seek to identify and map the brain regions involved in specific physiological regulations. The proto-oncogene c-fos, an immediate early gene, ...

In Vivo Study of Human Endothelial-Pericyte Interaction Using the Matrix Gel Plug Assay in Mouse

Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels are formed from existing vessels. New vessel growth requires coordinated endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and alignment to form tubular structures followed by recruitment of pericytes to provide mural support and facilitate vessel maturation. Current in vitro cell culture approaches cannot fully reproduce the complex biological environment where endothelial cells and pericytes interact to produce functional vessels. We present a novel application of the in vivo matrix gel plug assay to study endothelial-pericyte interactions and formation of functional blood vessels using severe combined immune deficiency mutation (SCID) mice. Briefly, matrix gel is mixed with a solution containing endothelial cells with or without pericytes followed by injection into the back of anesthetized SCID mice. After 14 days, the matrix gel plugs are removed, fixed and sectioned for histological analysis. The length, number, size and extent of pericyte coverage of mature vessels (defined by the presence of red blood cells in the lumen) can be quantified and compared between experimental groups using commercial statistical platforms. Beyond its use as an angiogenesis assay, this matrix gel plug assay can be used to conduct genetic studies and as a platform for drug discovery. In conclusion, this protocol will allow researchers to complement available in vitro assays for the study of endothelial-pericyte interactions and their relevance to either systemic or pulmonary angiogenesis.

In Vivo Study of Human Endothelial-Pericyte Interaction Using the Matrix Gel Plug Assay in Mouse

We present a protocol to study human endothelial-pericyte interactions in mouse using a variation of the matrix gel plug angiogenesis assay.

Estudio in vivo de Interacción Humano-endotelial de pericitos Utilización de Plug Ensayo matriz de gel en el ratón

Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels are formed from existing vessels. New vessel growth requires coordinated endothelial cell ...

Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Arterial stiffening is a significant risk factor and biomarker for cardiovascular disease and a hallmark of aging. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a versatile analytical tool for characterizing viscoelastic mechanical properties for a variety of materials ranging from hard (plastic, glass, metal, etc.) surfaces to cells on any substrate. It has been widely used to measure the stiffness of cells, but less frequently used to measure the stiffness of aortas. In this paper, we will describe the procedures for using AFM in contact mode to measure the ex vivo elastic modulus of unloaded mouse arteries. We describe our procedure for isolation of mouse aortas, and then provide detailed information for the AFM analysis. This includes step-by-step instructions for alignment of the laser beam, calibration of the spring constant and deflection sensitivity of the AFM probe, and acquisition of force curves. We also provide a detailed protocol for data analysis of the force curves.

Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy

We present detailed protocols for isolation of aortas from mouse and measurement of their elastic modulus using atomic force microscopy.

La medición de la rigidez de<em&gt; Ex Vivo</em&gt; Ratón aortas Usando microscopía de fuerza atómica

Arterial stiffening is a significant risk factor and biomarker for cardiovascular disease and a hallmark of aging. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a ...

Induction of Right Ventricular Failure by Pulmonary Artery Constriction and Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Mice

The mechanism of right ventricular failure (RVF) requires clarification due to the uniqueness, high morbidity, high mortality, and refractory nature of RVF. Previous rat models imitating RVF progression have been described. Compared with rats, mice are more accessible, economical, and widely used in animal experiments. We developed a pulmonary artery constriction (PAC) approach which is comprised of banding the pulmonary trunk in mice to induce right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy. A special surgical latch needle was designed that allows for easier separation of the aorta and the pulmonary trunk. In our experiments, the use of this fabricated latch needle reduced the risk of arteriorrhexis and improved the surgical success rate to 90%. We used different padding needle diameters to precisely create quantitative constriction, which can induce different degrees of RV hypertrophy. We quantified the degree of constriction by evaluating the blood flow velocity of the PA, which was measured by noninvasive transthoracic echocardiography. RV function was precisely evaluated by right heart catheterization at 8 weeks after surgery. The surgical instruments made inhouse were composed of common materials using a simple process that is easy to master. Therefore, the PAC approach described here is easy to imitate using instruments made in the lab and can be widely used in other labs. This study presents a modified PAC approach that has a higher success rate than other models and an 8-week postsurgery survival rate of 97.8%. This PAC approach provides a useful technique for studying the mechanism of RVF and will enable an increased understanding of RVF.

Here, we provide a useful approach for studying the mechanism of right ventricular failure. A more convenient and efficient approach to pulmonary artery constriction is established using surgical instruments made inhouse. In addition, methods to evaluate the quality of this approach by echocardiography and catheterization are provided.

Inducción de la insuficiencia ventricular derecha por constricción pulmonar de la arteria y evaluación de la función ventricular derecha en ratones

The mechanism of right ventricular failure (RVF) requires clarification due to the uniqueness, high morbidity, high mortality, and refractory nature of ...

In vivo Measurement of Knee Extensor Muscle Function in Mice

Skeletal muscle plasticity in response to countless conditions and stimuli mediates concurrent functional adaptation, both negative and positive. In the clinic and the research laboratory, maximal muscular strength is widely measured longitudinally in humans, with knee extensor musculature the most reported functional outcome. Pathology of the knee extensor muscle complex is well documented in aging, orthopedic injury, disease, and disuse; knee extensor strength is closely related to functional capacity and injury risk, underscoring the importance of reliable measurement of knee extensor strength. Repeatable, in vivo assessment of knee extensor strength in pre-clinical rodent studies offers valuable functional endpoints for studies exploring osteoarthritis or knee injury. We report an in vivo and non-invasive protocol to repeatedly measure isometric peak tetanic torque of the knee extensors in mice across time. We demonstrate consistency using this novel method to measure knee extensor strength with repeated assessment in multiple mice producing similar results.

Quantification of knee extensor maximal strength is imperative to understand functional adaptations to aging, disease, injury, and rehabilitation. We present a novel method to repeatedly measure in vivo knee extension isometric peak tetanic torque.

Medición in vivo de la función muscular extensora de la rodilla en ratones

Skeletal muscle plasticity in response to countless conditions and stimuli mediates concurrent functional adaptation, both negative and positive. In the ...