We would like to acknowledge Beth Levine for critically reviewing the manuscript, Valerie Tassinari for developing the genotyping protocol, and Matt Ferola and Carlos Maya for their exceptional animal care.

Todos los experimentos se llevan a cabo de acuerdo con los protocolos descritos por los Institutos Nacionales de Salud de Guía para el Cuidado y Uso de Animales y fueron aprobadas por el cuidado de animales institucional y el empleo de ALS TDI (IACUC). 1. Los animales, Vivienda y Diseño del estudio Nota: La colonia de ratones SOD1-G93A se deriva de la alta copia B6SJLTgN (SOD1G93A) cepa 1Gur producido originalmente por Gurney et al 7.. La colonia se mantiene actualmente por cruzar transgénicos machos C57BL / 6-SJL con el tipo salvaje C57BL / 6 hembras F1-SJL. Los animales F1 se generan mediante el cruce de machos con hembras SJL B6. Los ratones son enviadas a ALS TDI semanal en 35-45 días de edad. <ol><li> Permita que los ratones por lo menos una semana para aclimatarse a la instalación para animales (12 horas de luz / oscuridad ciclo a una temperatura de 18-23 ° C y 40-60% de humedad) antes de asignar a un estudio. </li><li> Casa SOD1-G93A masculina mice un ratón por jaula, ya que el grupo ocupa los hombres tienden a luchar. Casa ratones hembra SOD1-G93A hasta dos por jaula. Proporcionar enriquecimiento ambiental, en la forma de chozas de plástico. Proporcionar alimentos y agua a voluntad, a menos que los ratones son parte de un estudio que requiere la administración de fármacos en el agua potable / alimentos. En estos casos, la ración y registro de alimentos y agua. </li><li> Comienza un estudio fármaco-eficacia alrededor del día 50 años de edad e incluyen 64 ratones equilibrio de género basura emparejados (32 por cohorte). Por último, asegúrese de que los investigadores que realizan los estudios están cegados a las condiciones experimentales. Nota: Se recomienda que un estudio típico de drogas-eficacia comienza en día 50 años de edad, sin embargo en base al tipo de intervención terapéutica podría ser preferible para iniciar el estudio anterior o posterior. Nota: Un estudio con 32 ratones por cohorte está diseñado para detectar drogas efectos específicos de género. Si no se requieren comparaciones específicas de género, 24 ratones por cohorte debería ser suficiente para detectar drogas-efectos globales.</li></ol> 2. Peso Corporal <ol><li> Pesos corporales de registro para todos los ratones en los estudios diarios con una precisión de una décima parte de un gramo. Nota: El peso corporal es un indicador sensible de la progresión de la enfermedad y de cualquier malestar que pudiera derivarse de un tratamiento crónico de drogas. </li><li> Pesos corporales mouse varían considerablemente durante el transcurso de un día, siendo mayor en las mañanas, por lo que registran alrededor de la misma hora todos los días. </li></ol> 3. Sistema de Puntuación Neurológica (NeuroScore) <ol><li> Evaluar resultados neurológicos (NS) para cada ratón diaria al observar el ratón bajo las tres condiciones siguientes realizan secuencialmente: a) el ratón se suspende por la cola, b) se permite que el ratón para caminar, y después de la aparición de la parálisis c) el ratón se coloca en su lado. <ol><li> Para el ensayo de suspensión por la cola, mantenga el ratón aproximadamente 1,5 &quot;de la base de la cola sobre la parte superior de alambre de su jaula hogar durante 1-2 seg, lejos de la cuenca alimentos, mientras que observing las extremidades posteriores. Repita la prueba de suspensión de 3 veces y registrar el resultado más consistente. </li><li> Para la prueba de marcha, coloque el ratón sobre una superficie limpia que proporciona algo de tracción y una distancia de 25 cm (por ejemplo., Una toalla de papel pegado abajo para evitar el deslizamiento). Deje que el ratón para caminar un total de 75 cm (3 veces la longitud de la toalla de papel), mientras que la observación de su marcha. </li><li> Para la prueba de &quot;reflejo de enderezamiento&quot;, coloque el puntero del ratón sobre su lado izquierdo o derecho y el uso de un cronómetro medir el tiempo que tarda en derecho en sí mismo sin ayuda de ambos lados. Sólo se requiere un ensayo de esta prueba: Nota. </li></ol></li><li> Determinar el NS de cada miembro posterior (izquierda o derecha) de forma independiente en una escala de 0 a 4. Nota: Por ejemplo, una puntuación de 0, 1 indica que el miembro posterior izquierdo NS es 0, mientras que el miembro posterior derecho NS es 1. </li><li> Asignar puntuaciones neurológicas (0-4) corresponden a la siguiente serie de observaciones (resumen proporcionados en la Tabla 1):<ol><li> Asignar NS 0 (pre-sintomática) si se observa lo siguiente: Cuando el ratón se suspende por la cola, el miembro posterior presenta un ensanchamiento normal, es decir, que quede totalmente extendido fuera de la línea media lateral y se mantiene en esta posición durante 2 segundos o más tiempo. Cuando se permite que el ratón para caminar, se observa la marcha normal. </li><li> Asignar NS 1 (Primeros síntomas) si se observa lo siguiente: Cuando el ratón se suspende por la cola, el miembro posterior presenta un ensanchamiento anormal, es decir, se derrumbó o parcialmente se derrumbó hacia la línea media lateral o tiembla durante la suspensión de la cola o se retrae / abrochado. Cuando se permite que el ratón para caminar, se observa la marcha normal o ligeramente lento. </li><li> Asignar NS 2 (El inicio de la parálisis) si se observa lo siguiente: Cuando el ratón se suspende por la cola, el miembro posterior es parcial o completamente colapsado, que no se extiende mucho. (Hay que aún puede haber movimiento de la articulación). Cuando se permite que el ratón para caminar, el miembro posterior se utiliza para mot hacia adelanteion Sin embargo los dedos se doblen hacia abajo al menos dos veces durante una 90 cm caminar o cualquier parte del pie está arrastrando a lo largo de fondo de la jaula / mesa. Cuando el ratón se coloca en su lado izquierdo y derecho, es capaz de enderezarse en 10 s de ambos lados. </li><li> Asignar NS 3 (parálisis) si se observa lo siguiente: Cuando el ratón se suspende por la cola, hay una parálisis rígida en el miembro posterior o movimiento de la articulación mínima. Cuando se permite que el ratón para caminar hay movimiento hacia adelante sin embargo, el miembro posterior NO está siendo utilizado para el movimiento hacia adelante. Cuando el ratón se coloca en su lado izquierdo y derecho, es capaz de enderezarse en 10 s de ambos lados. Nota: En raras ocasiones, después del inicio de la parálisis, la humedad de la orina puede aparecer en las extremidades posteriores. Izquierda humedad orina no tratada puede dar lugar a la orina &quot;quemadura&quot; y lesiones en la piel. Tratar a la humedad de la orina por el recorte del pelo, aplicar agua caliente empapa para eliminar la orina, y secar suavemente seco. Si las lesiones cutáneas están presentes aplicar antibioungüento tic. </li><li> Asignar NS 4 (Protectora de Animales de punto final) si se observa lo siguiente: Cuando el ratón se suspende por la cola, hay una parálisis rígida en las extremidades posteriores. Cuando se permite que el ratón para caminar, no hay movimiento hacia adelante. Cuando el ratón se coloca en su lado izquierdo y derecho que no es capaz de enderezarse en 10 s de un lado SEA. Es decir, la ausencia del reflejo de enderezamiento. </li></ol></li></ol> 4. Entrada de datos y análisis <ol><li> Durante el curso de un estudio de la eficacia del fármaco, introduzca los datos recogidos para cada ratón en un Sistema de Gestión de Información de Laboratorio (LIMS) o en una hoja de cálculo de software disponible comercialmente. Nota: El software LIMS desarrollada TDI ELA es un repositorio central para todos los datos recogidos en estudios internos, por lo que estos datos de fácil acceso a través del tiempo para los investigadores ALS TDI. LIMS rastrea cualquier ratón individual, con su identificador único, de vuelta a su linaje, el peso corporal o la puntuación neurológica en todas las jornadas de estudio,e incluye cualquier otra observación observadas durante su vida útil. LIMS en última instancia genera una hoja de cálculo que se utiliza para los análisis posteriores. </li><li> Tras la realización de un estudio de medicamentos de eficacia, es decir, cuando todos los ratones alcanzan el punto final humano, software de uso de hojas de cálculo (véase la Tabla de Materiales) para calcular el NS combinado para cada ratón, para cada día promediando la extremidad posterior izquierda y derecha NS . A continuación, calcular la edad mediana en cada NS para cada ratón y el número de días cada ratón pasa a un NS particular. </li><li> Analizar los cambios globales en NS a través del tiempo mediante la importación de los datos desde el software de hoja de cálculo para el software estadístico (véase la Tabla de Materiales). Coloque estos datos mediante un modelo de regresión logística ordinal que estima el NS esperado, con mediana de edad al NS y tratamiento de drogas como los efectos en la regresión. Utilizando la prueba de chi cuadrado de log-rank estimar la probabilidad de efecto probabilidad y determinar si el efecto del tratamiento de drogas en NS progresión es estadísticamente significativa (véase el Archivo Código Suplementario para obtener instrucciones paso a paso). Nota: Un valor de p &lt;0,05 se consideró estadísticamente significativo. Nota: Este método de análisis estadístico respeta la naturaleza ordinal de los datos NS y la naturaleza variable de las trayectorias NS para ratones individuales. Se prefiere debido a trayectorias individuales NS pueden ser marcadamente diferente que resulta en NS promedios de grupos de tiempo asociada a que no son suficientemente reflectante de respuestas NS. Además, en algunos casos NS pueden fluctuar, especialmente cuando en el rango de cero a uno. </li><li> Por último, el software de uso de gráficos (ver la Tabla de Materiales) para generar &quot;ordinal esperado NS vs Mediana Edad en NS&quot; gráficos para los animales tratados con el fármaco y de control (Figura 2; véase Código Suplementario de archivos para obtener instrucciones paso a paso). Utilice estos gráficos para estimar convenientemente cambios entre los grupos tratados con el fármaco y de control mediante la interpolación del eje y la edad media de inicio de la enfermedad (i.e., NS 2) en el eje x. Nota: La diferencia en la edad mediana entre los dos grupos representa un cambio inducido por fármacos y se trata como una medida práctica de la magnitud del efecto. Nota: se desplaza hacia la derecha en el NS frente a la curva mediana de edad esperada indican frenado la progresión de la enfermedad sintomática. Por el contrario, los cambios hacia la izquierda en el NS frente a la curva mediana de edad esperada indican aceleran la progresión de la enfermedad sintomática. </li></ol>

<ol>
	<li>Gurney, M. E., 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=Motor+neuron+degeneration+in+mice+that+express+a+human+Cu,Zn+superoxide+dismutase+mutation.">Motor neuron degeneration in mice that express a human Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase mutation.</a> Science. 264 (5166), 1772-1775 (1994).</li><li>Rosen, D. 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=Mutations+in+Cu/Zn+superoxide+dismutase+gene+are+associated+with+familial+amyotrophic+lateral+sclerosis.">Mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene are associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.</a> Nature. 362 (6415), 59-62 (1993).</li><li>Gurney, M. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+use+of+transgenic+mouse+models+of+amyotrophic+lateral+sclerosis+in+preclinical+drug+studies.">The use of transgenic mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in preclinical drug studies.</a> J Neurol Sci. 152, Suppl. 1 (6415), (1997).</li><li>Scott, S., 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=Design,+power,+and+interpretation+of+studies+in+the+standard+murine+model+of+ALS.">Design, power, and interpretation of studies in the standard murine model of ALS.</a> Amyotroph Lateral Scler. 9 (1), 4-15 (2008).</li><li>Hegedus, J., Putman, C. T., Gordon, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Time+course+of+preferential+motor+unit+loss+in+the+SOD1+G93A+mouse+model+of+amyotrophic+lateral+sclerosis.">Time course of preferential motor unit loss in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.</a> Neurobiol. Dis. 28 (2), 154-164 (2007).</li><li>Gordon, T., Ly, V., Hegedus, J., Tyreman, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Early+detection+of+denervated+muscle+fibers+in+hindlimb+muscles+after+sciatic+nerve+transection+in+wild+type+mice+and+in+the+G93A+mouse+model+of+amyotrophic+lateral+sclerosis.">Early detection of denervated muscle fibers in hindlimb muscles after sciatic nerve transection in wild type mice and in the G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.</a> Neurol. Res. 31 (1), 28-42 (2009).</li><li>Gurney, M. E., 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=Motor+neuron+degeneration+in+mice+that+express+a+human+Cu,Zn+superoxide+dismutase+mutation.">Motor neuron degeneration in mice that express a human Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase mutation.</a> Science. 264 (5166), 1772-1775 (1994).</li><li>Kim, K., Moore, D. H., Makriyannis, A., Abood, M. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=AM1241,+a+cannabinoid+CB2+receptor+selective+compound,+delays+disease+progression+in+a+mouse+model+of+amyotrophic+lateral+sclerosis.">AM1241, a cannabinoid CB2 receptor selective compound, delays disease progression in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.</a> Eur. J. Pharmacol. 542 (1-3), 1-3 (2006).</li><li>Weydt, P., Hong, S. Y., Kliot, M., Moller, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessing+disease+onset+and+progression+in+the+SOD1+mouse+model+of+ALS.">Assessing disease onset and progression in the SOD1 mouse model of ALS.</a> Neuroreport. 14 (7), 1051-1054 (2003).</li><li>Azari, M. F., 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=Behavioural+and+anatomical+effects+of+systemically+administered+leukemia+inhibitory+factor+in+the+SOD1(G93A+G1H)+mouse+model+of+familial+amyotrophic+lateral+sclerosis.">Behavioural and anatomical effects of systemically administered leukemia inhibitory factor in the SOD1(G93A G1H) mouse model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.</a> Brain Res. 982 (1), 92-97 (2003).</li><li>Guan, Y., 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=Thiazolidinediones+expand+body+fluid+volume+through+PPARgamma+stimulation+of+ENaC-mediated+renal+salt+absorption.">Thiazolidinediones expand body fluid volume through PPARgamma stimulation of ENaC-mediated renal salt absorption.</a> Nat. Med. 11 (8), 861-866 (2005).</li><li>Savcheniuk, O. A., 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=The+effect+of+probiotic+therapy+on+development+of+experimental+obesity+in+rats+caused+by+monosodium+glutamate.">The effect of probiotic therapy on development of experimental obesity in rats caused by monosodium glutamate.</a> Fiziol. Zh. 60 (2), 63-69 (2014).</li><li>Smittkamp, S. E., Brown, J. W., Stanford, 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=Time-course+and+characterization+of+orolingual+motor+deficits+in+B6SJL-Tg(SOD1-G93A)1Gur/J+mice.">Time-course and characterization of orolingual motor deficits in B6SJL-Tg(SOD1-G93A)1Gur/J mice.</a> Neuroscience. 151 (2), 613-621 (2008).</li><li>C, M., Gurney, M. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+low+expressor+line+of+transgenic+mice+carrying+a+mutant+human+Cu,Zn+superoxide+dismutase+(SOD1)+gene+develops+pathological+changes+that+most+closely+resemble+those+in+human+amyotrophic+lateral+sclerosis.">A low expressor line of transgenic mice carrying a mutant human Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene develops pathological changes that most closely resemble those in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.</a> Acta Neuropathol. 93 (6), 537-550 (1997).</li><li>Wegorzewska, I., Baloh, R. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=TDP-43-based+animal+models+of+neurodegeneration:+new+insights+into+ALS+pathology+and+pathophysiology.">TDP-43-based animal models of neurodegeneration: new insights into ALS pathology and pathophysiology.</a> Neurodegener. Dis. 8 (4), 262-274 (2011).</li><li>Hatzipetros, T., 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=C57BL/6J+congenic+Prp-TDP43A315T+mice+develop+progressive+neurodegeneration+in+the+myenteric+plexus+of+the+colon+without+exhibiting+key+features+of+ALS.">C57BL/6J congenic Prp-TDP43A315T mice develop progressive neurodegeneration in the myenteric plexus of the colon without exhibiting key features of ALS.</a> Brain Res. 1584, 59-72 (2014).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

En este informe, se describe un protocolo de vídeo rápida y simple que, si se aplica correctamente, es capaz de evaluar de forma fiable la progresión de la enfermedad en ratones SOD1-G93A y la identificación de los cambios inducidos por las drogas. Mientras que diferentes grupos han desarrollado sistemas de puntuación fenotípicas de ratones SOD1-G93A 8-10, que a menudo no proporcionan suficientes detalles sobre el procedimiento y no son adecuados para la replicación. Como resultado, los sistemas de pun...

Desde su desarrollo a mediados de la década de 1990 el modelo de ratón transgénico SOD1-G93A ha sido el modelo animal más utilizado de la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) 1. Este modelo de ratón transgénico fue modificado genéticamente para sobreexpresar una forma mutante del gen de la superóxido dismutasa Cu / Zn humana 1 (SOD1) que alberga la glicina asociado-ALS a la mutación de alanina en el aminoácido 93 (G93A). La mutación G93A es una de muchas mutaciones en el gen SOD1 que colectivamente maquillaje aproximadamente un quinto de los casos de ELA familiar 2. El modelo de SOD1-G93A se ha convertido en un caballo de batalla de la investigación para el desarrollo de drogas ALS porque además de su vínculo genético obvio para la ELA, que recapitula muchas de las características patológicas de la ELA en los seres humanos, como la pérdida de las neuronas motoras, debilidad muscular progresiva y atrofia, con eventual parálisis y muerte 3. Aunque, como es a menudo el caso con modelos de animales transgénicos, hay una bi inherenteological la variabilidad asociada con los ratones SOD1 G93A-. Scott et al. han determinado que son necesarios cohortes de al menos 24 ratones basura emparejados con equilibrio de género en el diseño de los estudios fármaco-eficacia para superar el ruido creado por la variabilidad biológica 4. El gran número de animales necesarios en estos estudios en combinación con el avance de la enfermedad agresiva y la necesidad de un seguimiento diario prohíbe el uso de técnicas elaboradas, que consumen mucho tiempo y potencialmente estresantes para medir la fuerza y la función neuromuscular (por ejemplo, la electromiografía, la fuerza de prensión, rotorod , etc.). En su lugar, se destaca la necesidad de un instrumento de cribado en vivo que evalúa de forma fiable la función neuromuscular de los ratones SOD1-G93A de una manera rápida. En ALS TDI se desarrolló un protocolo que permite la evaluación fiable de la función neuromuscular de los ratones SOD1 G93A-en menos de 30 seg por ratón en promedio. Este encompa protocoloSSES evaluación diaria de la función de las extremidades posteriores utilizando un sistema simple neurológica puntuación (NeuroScore) que se describe en este informe en la prensa y en vídeo. NeuroScore se centra en la función de las extremidades posteriores debido a déficits miembros posteriores son los primeros informó signo neurológico de la enfermedad en ratones SOD1-G93A 5,6. Además, el protocolo desarrollado por ALS TDI proporciona una evaluación imparcial de inicio de la paresia (parálisis ligera o parcial), la progresión y la gravedad de la parálisis y es lo suficientemente sensible para identificar los cambios inducidos por fármacos en progresión de la enfermedad.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>B6SJLTgN(SOD1G93A)1Gur strain</td>
			<td>The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME</td>
			<td>002726</td>
			<td>Strain of mice used in this study</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Breeders</td>
			<td>Biomedical Research Models, Inc., Worcester, MA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Colony maintainance</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scale</td>
			<td>Navigator OHAUS, Parsippany, NJ</td>
			<td>Model N14120</td>
			<td>Used to weigh mice</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nutra-GelH</td>
			<td>Bio-Serv, Flemington, NJ</td>
			<td>#S4798</td>
			<td>Wet food provided to sick mice</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Irradiated Lab Animal Diet</td>
			<td>Harlan, Indianapolis, IN</td>
			<td>2918-111914M</td>
			<td>Chow diet</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lab-grade Sani-chips</td>
			<td>Harlan Teklad, Indianapolis, IN</td>
			<td>7090</td>
			<td>Bedding</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>JMPH&#160;</td>
			<td>SAS Institute, Inc., SAS Campus Drive, Cary, NC</td>
			<td>&#160;v10.0.2</td>
			<td>Statistical software</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microsoft Excel</td>
			<td>Microsoft, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA</td>
			<td>Excel 2013 (v 15.0)</td>
			<td>Spreadsheet software</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GraphPad Prism 5</td>
			<td>GraphPad software Inc., La Jolla, CA</td>
			<td>v5.4</td>
			<td>Graphing software</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mouse Huts</td>
			<td>Bio-Serv, Flemington, NJ</td>
			<td>K3272</td>
			<td>For environmental enrichment</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a quick phenotypic neurological scoring system for evaluating disease progression in the sod1-g93a mouse model of als

The SOD1-G93A transgenic mouse is the most widely used animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). At ALS TDI we developed a phenotypic screening protocol, demonstrated in video herein, which reliably assesses the neuromuscular function of SOD1-G93A mice in a quick manner. This protocol encompasses a simple neurological scoring system (NeuroScore) designed to assess hindlimb function. NeuroScore is focused on hindlimb function because hindlimb deficits are the earliest reported neurological sign of disease in SOD1-G93A mice. The protocol developed by ALS TDI provides an unbiased assessment of onset of paresis (slight or partial paralysis), progression and severity of paralysis and it is sensitive enough to identify drug-induced changes in disease progression. In this report, the combination of a detailed manuscript with video minimizes scoring ambiguities and inter-experimenter variability thus allowing for the protocol to be adopted by other laboratories and enabling comparisons between studies taking place at different settings. We believe that this video protocol can serve as an excellent training tool for present and future ALS researchers.

Los datos de la puntuación neurológica de 90 hombres y 94 no tratados ratones SOD1-G93A femenina estudiaron en ALS TDI fueron evaluados durante 2014. Los resultados muestran que los ratones machos tienen típicamente una progresión de la enfermedad más agresiva que los ratones hembra, como se evidencia por una mayor proporción de su vida útil en NS 1 en comparación con las mujeres. NS NS 2 y 3 se producen con prácticamente la misma frecuencia a través de géneros. NS 0 fue excluido del análisis porque se consi...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Quick Phenotypic Neurological Scoring System for Evaluating Disease Progression in the SOD1-G93A Mouse Model of ALS at JoVE.com

A Quick Phenotypic Neurological Scoring System for Evaluating Disease Progression in the SOD1-G93A Mouse Model of ALS

This video protocol describes a sensitive, reliable, and quick method for evaluating the neuromuscular deficits in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Un sistema de puntuación rápida fenotípica Neurológica para la Evaluación de progresión de la enfermedad en el SOD1-G93A modelo de ratón de la ELA

The SOD1-G93A transgenic mouse is the most widely used animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). At ALS TDI we developed a phenotypic screening ...

a-quick-phenotypic-neurological-scoring-system-for-evaluating-disease

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

19.2K vistas.  ALS Therapy Development Institute. This video protocol describes a sensitive, reliable, and quick method for evaluating the neuromuscular deficits in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Video: A Quick Phenotypic Neurological Scoring System for Evaluating Disease Progression in the SOD1-G93A Mouse Model of ALS

Development of a Unilaterally-lesioned 6-OHDA Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease

The unilaterally lesioned 6-hyroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) has proved to be invaluable in advancing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying parkinsonian symptoms, since it recapitulates the changes in basal ganglia circuitry and pharmacology observed in parkinsonian patients1-4. However, the precise cellular and molecular changes occurring at cortico-striatal synapses of the output pathways within the striatum, which is the major input region of the basal ganglia remain elusive, and this is believed to be site where pathological abnormalities underlying parkinsonian symptoms arise3,5.
In PD, understanding the mechanisms underlying changes in basal ganglia circuitry following degeneration of the nigro-striatal pathway has been greatly advanced by the development of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) mice over-expressing green fluorescent proteins driven by promoters specific for the two striatal output pathways (direct pathway: eGFP-D1; indirect pathway: eGFP-D2 and eGFP-A2a)8, allowing them to be studied in isolation. For example, recent studies have suggested that there are pathological changes in synaptic plasticity in parkinsonian mice9,10. However, these studies utilised juvenile mice and acute models of parkinsonism. It is unclear whether the changes described in adult rats with stable 6-OHDA lesions also occur in these models. Other groups have attempted to generate a stable unilaterally-lesioned 6-OHDA adult mouse model of PD by lesioning the medial forebrain bundle (MFB), unfortunately, the mortality rate in this study was extremely high, with only 14% surviving the surgery for 21 days or longer11. More recent studies have generated intra-nigral lesions with both a low mortality rate &gt;80% loss of dopaminergic neurons, however expression of L-DOPA induced dyskinesia11,12,13,14 was variable in these studies. Another well established mouse model of PD is the MPTP-lesioned mouse15. Whilst this model has proven useful in the assessment of potential neuroprotective agents16, it is less suitable for understanding mechanisms underlying symptoms of PD, as this model often fails to induce motor deficits, and shows a wide variability in the extent of lesion17, 18.
Here we have developed a stable unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned mouse model of PD by direct administration of 6-OHDA into the MFB, which consistently causes &gt;95% loss of striatal dopamine (as measured by HPLC), as well as producing the behavioural imbalances observed in the well characterised unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned rat model of PD. This newly developed mouse model of PD will prove a valuable tool in understanding the mechanisms underlying generation of parkinsonian symptoms.

Development of a Unilaterally-lesioned 6-OHDA Mouse Model of Parkinson&#039;s Disease

A protocol for performing unilateral 6-OHDA lesions of the medial forebrain bundle in mice is described. This method has a low mortality rate (13.3 %) with 89% of the surviving animals showing &#62;95% loss of striatal dopamine and 90.63&#177;-4.02 % ipsiversive rotational bias towards the side of the lesion.

Desarrollo de una manera unilateral-lesionado 6-OHDA modelo de ratón de la enfermedad de Parkinson

The unilaterally lesioned 6-hyroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) has proved to be invaluable in advancing our ...

Investigación

Medicina

Utilizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Study the Human Neuromuscular System

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been in use for more than 20 years 1, and has grown exponentially in popularity over the past decade. While the use of TMS has expanded to the study of many systems and processes during this time, the original application and perhaps one of the most common uses of TMS involves studying the physiology, plasticity and function of the human neuromuscular system. Single pulse TMS applied to the motor cortex excites pyramidal neurons transsynaptically 2 (Figure 1) and results in a measurable electromyographic response that can be used to study and evaluate the integrity and excitability of the corticospinal tract in humans 3. Additionally, recent advances in magnetic stimulation now allows for partitioning of cortical versus spinal excitability 4,5. For example, paired-pulse TMS can be used to assess intracortical facilitatory and inhibitory properties by combining a conditioning stimulus and a test stimulus at different interstimulus intervals 3,4,6-8. In this video article we will demonstrate the methodological and technical aspects of these techniques. Specifically, we will demonstrate single-pulse and paired-pulse TMS techniques as applied to the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscle as well as the erector spinae (ES) musculature. Our laboratory studies the FCR muscle as it is of interest to our research on the effects of wrist-hand cast immobilization on reduced muscle performance6,9, and we study the ES muscles due to these muscles clinical relevance as it relates to low back pain8. With this stated, we should note that TMS has been used to study many muscles of the hand, arm and legs, and should iterate that our demonstrations in the FCR and ES muscle groups are only selected examples of TMS being used to study the human neuromuscular system.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive tool to gain insight on the physiology and function of the human nervous system. Here, we present our TMS techniques to study cortical excitability of the upper limb and lumbar musculature.

Utilizando estimulación magnética transcraneal para Estudiar el Sistema Neuromuscular Humanos

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been in use for more than 20 years 1, and has grown exponentially in popularity over the past decade.  While ...

Use of Animal Model of Sepsis to Evaluate Novel Herbal Therapies

Sepsis refers to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome resulting from a microbial infection. It has been routinely simulated in animals by several techniques, including infusion of exogenous bacterial toxin (endotoxemia) or bacteria (bacteremia), as well as surgical perforation of the cecum by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)1-3. CLP allows bacteria spillage and fecal contamination of the peritoneal cavity, mimicking the human clinical disease of perforated appendicitis or diverticulitis. The severity of sepsis, as reflected by the eventual mortality rates, can be controlled surgically by varying the size of the needle used for cecal puncture2. In animals, CLP induces similar, biphasic hemodynamic cardiovascular, metabolic, and immunological responses as observed during the clinical course of human sepsis3. Thus, the CLP model is considered as one of the most clinically relevant models for experimental sepsis1-3.
Various animal models have been used to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of experimental sepsis. The lethal consequence of sepsis is attributable partly to an excessive accumulation of early cytokines (such as TNF, IL-1 and IFN-&gamma;)4-6 and late proinflammatory mediators (e.g., HMGB1)7. Compared with early proinflammatory cytokines, late-acting mediators have a wider therapeutic window for clinical applications. For instance, delayed administration of HMGB1-neutralizing antibodies beginning 24 hours after CLP, still rescued mice from lethality8,9, establishing HMGB1 as a late mediator of lethal sepsis. The discovery of HMGB1 as a late-acting mediator has initiated a new field of investigation for the development of sepsis therapies using Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. In this paper, we describe a procedure of CLP-induced sepsis, and its usage in screening herbal medicine for HMGB1-targeting therapies.

Sepsis refers to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome resulting from a microbial infection, and can be simulated by a surgical technique termed cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Here we describe a method to use CLP-induced animal model to screen medicinal herbs for therapeutic agents.

El uso de modelos animales de sepsis para evaluar nuevas terapias a base de plantas

Sepsis refers to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome resulting from a microbial infection. It has been routinely simulated in animals by several ...

Clinical Testing and Spinal Cord Removal in a Mouse Model for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder resulting in progressive degeneration of motoneurons. Peak of onset is around 60 years for the sporadic disease and around 50 years for the familial disease. Due to its progressive course, 50% of the patients die within 30 months of symptom onset. In order to evaluate novel treatment options for this disease, genetic mouse models of ALS have been generated based on human familial mutations in the SOD gene, such as the SOD1 (G93A) mutation. Most important aspects that have to be evaluated in the model are overall survival, clinical course and motor function. Here, we demonstrate the clinical evaluation, show the conduction of two behavioural motor tests and provide quantitative scoring systems for all parameters. Because an in depth analysis of the ALS mouse model usually requires an immunohistochemical examination of the spinal cord, we demonstrate its preparation in detail applying the dorsal laminectomy method. Exemplary histological findings are demonstrated. The comprehensive application of the depicted examination methods in studies on the mouse model of ALS will enable the researcher to reliably test future therapeutic options which can provide a basis for later human clinical trials.

Clinical Testing and Spinal Cord Removal in a Mouse Model for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS

A mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is examined clinically and behaviorally. As a prerequisite for an accompanying immunohistological analysis the preparation of the spinal cord is depicted in detail.

Los ensayos clínicos y de eliminación de la médula espinal en un modelo murino de esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder resulting in progressive degeneration of motoneurons. Peak of onset is around 60 ...

A Simple Method of Mouse Lung Intubation

A simple procedure to intubate mice for pulmonary function measurements would have several advantages in longitudinal studies with limited numbers or expensive animal. One of the reasons that this is not done more routinely is that it is relatively difficult, despite there being several published studies that describe ways to achieve it. In this paper we demonstrate a procedure that eliminates one of the major hurdles associated with this intubation, that of visualizing the trachea during the entire time of intubation. The approach uses a 0.5 mm fiberoptic light source that serves as an introducer to direct the intubation cannula into the mouse trachea. We show that it is possible to use this procedure to measure lung mechanics in individual mice over a time course of at least several weeks. The technique can be set up with relatively little expense and expertise, and it can be routinely accomplished with relatively little training. This should make it possible for any laboratory to routinely carry out this intubation, thereby allowing longitudinal studies in individual mice, thereby minimizing the number of mice needed and increasing the statistical power by using each mouse as its own control.

This paper describes a striaghforward and efficient method of intubating mice for pulmonary function measurements or pulmonary instillation, that allows the mice to recover and be studied at later times. The procedure involves an inexpensive fiberoptic light source that directly illuminates the trachea.

Un sencillo método de intubación ratón de pulmón

A  simple procedure to intubate mice for pulmonary function measurements would  have several advantages in longitudinal studies with limited numbers or  ...

Bioluminescent Orthotopic Model of Pancreatic Cancer Progression

Pancreatic cancer has an extremely poor five-year survival rate of 4-6%. New therapeutic options are critically needed and depend on improved understanding of pancreatic cancer biology. To better understand the interaction of cancer cells with the pancreatic microenvironment, we demonstrate an orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer that permits non-invasive monitoring of cancer progression. Luciferase-tagged pancreatic cancer cells are resuspended in Matrigel and delivered into the pancreatic tail during laparotomy. Matrigel solidifies at body temperature to prevent leakage of cancer cells during injection. Primary tumor growth and metastasis to distant organs are monitored following injection of the luciferase substrate luciferin, using in vivo imaging of bioluminescence emission from the cancer cells. In vivo imaging also may be used to track primary tumor recurrence after resection. This orthotopic model is suited to both syngeneic and xenograft models and may be used in pre-clinical trials to investigate the impact of novel anti-cancer therapeutics on the growth of the primary pancreatic tumor and metastasis.

Improved understanding of pancreatic cancer biology is critically needed to enable the development of better therapeutic options to treat pancreatic cancer. To address this need, we demonstrate an orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer that permits non-invasive monitoring of cancer progression using in vivo bioluminescence imaging.

Modelo ortotópico bioluminiscente de la progresión del cáncer de páncreas

Pancreatic cancer has an extremely poor five-year survival rate of 4-6%.  New therapeutic options are critically needed and depend on improved ...

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System

The use of modern endoscopy for research purposes has greatly facilitated our understanding of gastrointestinal pathologies. In particular, experimental endoscopy has been highly useful for studies that require repeated assessments in a single laboratory animal, such as those evaluating mechanisms of chronic inflammatory bowel disease and the progression of colorectal cancer. However, the methods used across studies are highly variable. At least three endoscopic scoring systems have been published for murine colitis and published protocols for the assessment of colorectal tumors fail to address the presence of concomitant colonic inflammation. This study develops and validates a reproducible endoscopic scoring system that integrates evaluation of both inflammation and tumors simultaneously. This novel scoring system has three major components: 1) assessment of the extent and severity of colorectal inflammation (based on perianal findings, transparency of the wall, mucosal bleeding, and focal lesions), 2) quantitative recording of tumor lesions (grid map and bar graph), and 3) numerical sorting of clinical cases by their pathological and research relevance based on decimal units with assigned categories of observed lesions and endoscopic complications (decimal identifiers). The video and manuscript presented herein were prepared, following IACUC-approved protocols, to allow investigators to score their own experimental mice using a well-validated and highly reproducible endoscopic methodology, with the system option to differentiate distal from proximal endoscopic colitis (D-PECS).

Over the past few years, new generation endoscopes have emerged as important diagnostic research aids for evaluating murine colitis and colorectal tumors. We present herein a detailed protocol for endoscopic assessment of inflammation and colorectal tumors in mice, as well as a novel scoring system that uses decimal identifiers to document the endoscopic severity of colitis and colorectal tumors.

La colonoscopia flexible en ratones para evaluar la gravedad de la colitis y colorrectal tumores utilizando un sistema validado de puntuación endoscópica

The use of modern endoscopy for research purposes has greatly facilitated our understanding of gastrointestinal pathologies. In particular, experimental ...

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are highly prevalent, a significant cause of morbidity and are increasingly resistant to treatment with antibiotics. Females are disproportionately afflicted by UTI: 50% of all women will have a UTI in their lifetime. Additionally, 20-40% of these women who have an initial UTI will suffer a recurrence with some suffering frequent recurrences with serious deterioration in the quality of life, pain and discomfort, disruption of daily activities, increased healthcare costs, and few treatment options other than long-term antibiotic prophylaxis. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the primary causative agent of community acquired UTI. Catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) is the most common hospital acquired infection accounting for a million occurrences in the US annually and dramatic healthcare costs. While UPEC is also the primary cause of CAUTI, other causative agents are of increased significance including Enterococcus faecalis. Here we utilize two well-established mouse models that recapitulate many of the clinical characteristics of these human diseases. For UTI, a C3H/HeN model recapitulates many of the features of UPEC virulence observed in humans including host responses, IBC formation and filamentation. For CAUTI, a model using C57BL/6 mice, which retain catheter bladder implants, has been shown to be susceptible to E. faecalis bladder infection. These representative models are being used to gain striking new insights into the pathogenesis of UTI disease, which is leading to the development of novel therapeutics and management or prevention strategies.

The ability to model urinary tract infections (UTI) is crucial in order to be able to understand bacterial pathogenesis and spawn the development of novel therapeutics. This work&#8217;s goal is to demonstrate mouse models of experimental UTI and catheter associated UTI that recapitulate and predict findings seen in humans.

Establecimiento y caracterización de IU y ITUAC en un modelo de ratón

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are highly prevalent, a significant cause of morbidity and are increasingly resistant to treatment with antibiotics. ...

Echocardiographic Approaches and Protocols for Comprehensive Phenotypic Characterization of Valvular Heart Disease in Mice

The aim of this manuscript and accompanying video is to provide an overview of the methods and approaches used for imaging heart valve function in rodents, with detailed descriptions of the appropriate methods for anesthesia, the echocardiographic windows used, the imaging planes and probe orientations for image acquisition, the methods for data analysis, and the limitations of emerging technologies for the evaluation of cardiac and valvular function. Importantly, we also highlight several future areas of research in cardiac and heart valve imaging that may be leveraged to gain insights into the pathogenesis of valve disease in preclinical animal models. We propose that using a systematic approach to evaluating cardiac and heart valve function in mice can result in more robust and reproducible data, as well as facilitate the discovery of previously underappreciated phenotypes in genetically-altered and/or physiologically-stressed mice.

This protocol provides a detailed description of the echocardiographic approach for comprehensive phenotyping of heart and heart valve function in mice.

Enfoques y Protocolos para la Integral ecocardiográficos Caracterización fenotípica en las valvulopatías en ratones

The aim of this manuscript and accompanying video is to provide an overview of the methods and approaches used for imaging heart valve function in ...

Evaluating the Procedure for Performing Awake Cystometry in a Mouse Model

Awake filling cystometry has been used for a long time to evaluate bladder function in freely moving mice, however, the specific methods used, vary among laboratories. The goal of this study was to describe the microsurgical procedure used to implant an intravesical tube and the experimental technique for recording urinary bladder pressure in an awake, freely moving mouse. In addition, experimental data is presented to show how surgery, as well as tubing type and size, affect lower urinary tract function and recording sensitivity. The effect of tube diameter on pressure recording was assessed in both polyethylene and polyurethane tubing with different internal diameters. Subsequently, the best performing tube from both materials was surgically implanted into the dome of the urinary bladder of male C57BL/6 mice. Twelve-hour, overnight micturition frequency was recorded in healthy, intact animals and animals 2, 3, 5, and 7 days post-surgery. At harvest, bladders were assessed for signs of swelling using gross observation and were subsequently processed for pathological analysis. The greatest extent of bladder swelling was observed on day 2 and 3, which correlated with behavioral voiding data showing significantly impaired bladder function. By day 5, bladder histology and voiding frequency had normalized. Based on the literature and evidence provided by our studies, we propose the following steps for in vivo recording of intravesical pressure and voided volume in an awake mouse: 1) Perform the surgery using an operating microscope and microsurgical tools, 2) Use polyethylene-10 tubing to minimize movement artifacts, and 3) Perform cystometry on post-operative day 5, when bladder swelling resolves.

This study describes the surgical procedures and experimental techniques for performing awake cystometry in a freely moving mouse. In addition, it provides experimental evidence to support its optimization and standardization.

Evaluación del procedimiento para realizar cistometría despierta en un modelo de ratón

Awake filling cystometry has been used for a long time to evaluate bladder function in freely moving mice, however, the specific methods used, vary among ...