Name: isolated lung perfusion system in the rabbit model
Uploaded: 2021-07-15T14:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Isolated Lung Perfusion System in the Rabbit Model at JoVE.com

The authors would like to thank Ph.D. Bettina Sommer Cervantes for her support in the writing of this manuscript, and Kitzia Elena Lara Safont for her support with the illustrations.

The isolated perfusion system in the rabbit model has been widely used in the Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness Laboratory at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias. The protocol includes New Zealand rabbits with an approximate weight of 2.5-3 kg. All animals were kept in standard vivarium conditions and ad libitum feeding in compliance with the official Mexican guidelines for laboratory animals (NOM 062-ZOO-1999) and under the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (8th edition, 2...

<ol>
	<li>Dixon, W. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Contributions+to+the+physiology+of+the+lungs:+Part+I.+The+bronchial+muscles,+their+innervation,+and+the+action+of+drugs+upon+them.">Contributions to the physiology of the lungs: Part I. The bronchial muscles, their innervation, and the action of drugs upon them.</a> The Journal of Physiology. 29 (2), 97-173 (1903).</li><li>Nelson, K., 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=Animal+models+of+ex+vivo+lung+perfusion+as+a+platform+for+transplantation+research.">Animal models of ex vivo lung perfusion as a platform for transplantation research.</a> World Journal of Experimental Medicine. 4 (2), 7-15 (2014).</li><li>Roman, M. A., Nair, S., Tsui, S., Dunning, J., Parmar, J. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ex+vivo+lung+perfusion:+a+comprehensive+review+of+the+development+and+exploration+of+future+trends.">Ex vivo lung perfusion: a comprehensive review of the development and exploration of future trends.</a> Transplantation. 96 (6), 509-518 (2013).</li><li>Delaunois, A., Gustin, P., Ansay, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Multiple+muscarinic+receptor+subtypes+mediating+pulmonary+oedema+in+the+rabbit.">Multiple muscarinic receptor subtypes mediating pulmonary oedema in the rabbit.</a> Pulmonary Pharmacology. 7 (3), 185-193 (1994).</li><li>Delaunois, A., Gustin, P., Vargas, M., Ansay, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Protective+effect+of+various+antagonists+of+inflammatory+mediators+against+paraoxon-induced+pulmonary+edema+in+the+rabbit.">Protective effect of various antagonists of inflammatory mediators against paraoxon-induced pulmonary edema in the rabbit.</a> Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 132 (2), 343-345 (1995).</li><li>Barr, H. A., Nicholas, T. E., Power, J. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Control+of+alveolar+surfactant+in+rats+at+rest+and+during+prolonged+hyperpnoea:+pharmacological+evidence+for+two+tissue+pools+of+surfactant.">Control of alveolar surfactant in rats at rest and during prolonged hyperpnoea: pharmacological evidence for two tissue pools of surfactant.</a> British Journal of Pharmacology. 93 (3), 473-482 (1988).</li><li>Machuca, T. N., Cypel, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ex+vivo+lung+perfusion.">Ex vivo lung perfusion.</a> Journal of Thoracic Disease. 6 (8), 1054-1062 (2014).</li><li>Steen, 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=First+human+transplantation+of+a+nonacceptable+donor+lung+after+reconditioning+ex+vivo.">First human transplantation of a nonacceptable donor lung after reconditioning ex vivo.</a> The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 83 (6), 2191-2194 (2007).</li><li>Cypel, M., 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=Technique+for+prolonged+normothermic+ex+vivo+lung+perfusion.">Technique for prolonged normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion.</a> The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation: The Official Publication of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. 27 (12), 1319-1325 (2008).</li><li>Cypel, M., 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=Normothermic+ex+vivo+lung+perfusion+in+clinical+lung+transplantation.">Normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion in clinical lung transplantation.</a> New England Journal of Medicine. 364 (15), 1431-1440 (2011).</li><li>Kao, C. C., Parulekar, A. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Is+perfusate+exchange+during.">Is perfusate exchange during.</a> Annals of Translational Medicine. 8 (3), 43 (2020).</li><li>Alquicira-Mireles, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Participaci&#243;n de la serotonina en los cambios de permeabilidad vascular en la preservaci&#243;n pulmonar en conejo. , (2013).</li><li>Arreola-Ram&#237;rez, 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=.">.</a> Papel de la liberaci&#243;n de acetilcolina y sustancia P en el deterioro de la funci&#243;n pulmonar en un modelo experimental de preservaci&#243;n pulmonar en conejo. , (2009).</li><li>Isolated lung perfusion systems for small to large animal models. Harvard Apparatus. Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE) Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.harvardapparatus.com/media/harvard/pdf/Isolated%20Lung%20Perfusion%20Systems%20Brochure.pdf">https://www.harvardapparatus.com/media/harvard/pdf/Isolated%20Lung%20Perfusion%20Systems%20Brochure.pdf</a> (2021)</li><li>Jiao, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evolving+trend+of+EVLP:+Advancements+and+emerging+pathways.">Evolving trend of EVLP: Advancements and emerging pathways.</a> SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine. 1 (4), 287-303 (2019).</li><li>Mordant, P., 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=Mesenchymal+stem+cell+treatment+is+associated+with+decreased+perfusate+concentration+of+interleukin-8+during+ex+vivo+perfusion+of+donor+lungs+after+18-hour+preservation.">Mesenchymal stem cell treatment is associated with decreased perfusate concentration of interleukin-8 during ex vivo perfusion of donor lungs after 18-hour preservation.</a> The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation: The Official Publication of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. 35 (10), 1245-1254 (2016).</li><li>Cowan, P. J., Hawthorne, W. J., Nottle, M. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Xenogeneic+transplantation+and+tolerance+in+the+era+of+CRISPR-Cas9.">Xenogeneic transplantation and tolerance in the era of CRISPR-Cas9.</a> Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation. 24 (1), 5-11 (2019).</li><li>Collaborators, G. C. R. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prevalence+and+attributable+health+burden+of+chronic+respiratory+diseases,+1990-2017:+a+systematic+analysis+for+the+Global+Burden+of+Disease+Study+2017.">Prevalence and attributable health burden of chronic respiratory diseases, 1990-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.</a> The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 8 (6), 585-596 (2020).</li><li>Bravo-Reyna, C. C., Torres-Villalobos, G., Aguilar-Blas, N., Fr&#237;as-Guill&#233;n, J., Guerra-Mora, J. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparative+study+of+capillary+filtration+coefficient+(Kfc)+determination+by+a+manual+and+automatic+perfusion+system.+Step+by+step+technique+review.">Comparative study of capillary filtration coefficient (Kfc) determination by a manual and automatic perfusion system. Step by step technique review.</a> Physiological Research. 68 (6), 901-908 (2019).</li><li>Pereira, M. 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This work displays a general view of the isolated lung perfusion system, an essential technique in pulmonary physiology research. The isolated lung perfusion system offers a great degree of versatility in its uses and allows the evaluation of several parameters relevant in the testing of a wide range of hypotheses15. An isolated lung system is a tool with worldwide presence that, in the last decade, has further established its relevance for organ-specific evaluations and also expanded its usefulne...

Brodie and Dixon first described the ex-vivo lung perfusion system in 1903 1. Since then, it has become a gold standard tool for studying the physiology, pharmacology, toxicology, and biochemistry of the lungs2,3. The technique offers a consistent and reproducible way to evaluate the viability of lung transplants, and to determine the effect of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, arachidonic acid metabolites, and substance P, among others, as well as their interactions during pulmonary phenomena such as bronchoconstriction, atelectasis, and pulmonary edema. The isolated lung system has been a key technique in unveiling the important role of the lungs in the elimination of biogenic amines from general circulation4,5. Additionally, the system has been used to evaluate the biochemistry of pulmonary surfactant6. Over the last few decades, the ex-vivo lung perfusion system has become an ideal platform for lung transplantation research7. In 2001 a team lead by Stig Steen described the first clinical application of the ex-vivo lung perfusion system by using it to recondition the lungs of a 19-year-old donor, who was initially rejected by transplantation centers due to its injuries. The left lung was harvested and perfused for 65 min; afterward, it was successfully transplanted into a 70-year-old man with COPD8. Further research into lung reconditioning using the ex-vivo perfusion led to developing the Toronto technique for extended lung perfusion to assess and treat injured donor lungs9,10. Clinically, the ex-vivo lung perfusion system has shown to be a safe strategy to increase donor pools by treating and reconditioning sub-standard donor lungs, presenting no significant difference in risks or outcomes against standard criteria donors10. 
The main advantage of the isolated lung perfusion system is that the experimental parameters can be evaluated in a complete functional organ that preserves its physiological function under an artificial laboratory setup. Furthermore, it allows the measurement and manipulation of pulmonary mechanical ventilation to analyze the components of pulmonary physiology such as airway resistance, total vascular resistance, gas exchange, and edema formation, which to date cannot be measured precisely in vivo on lab animals2. Notably, the composition of the solution with which the lung is perfused can be fully controlled, enabling the addition of substances to evaluate their effects in real-time and sample collection from perfusion for further study11. Researchers working with the isolated lung system should bear in mind that mechanical ventilation causes decay of the pulmonary tissue shortening its useful time. This progressive fall in mechanical parameters can be significantly delayed by hyperinflating the lungs occasionally during the time of the experiment4. Still, the preparation cannot usually last more than eight hours. Another consideration for the ex-vivo lung perfusion system is the absence of central nervous regulation and lymphatic drainage. The effects of their absence are not yet fully understood and could potentially be a source of bias in certain experiments. 
The isolated lung perfusion system technique can be performed in the rabbit model with a high degree of consistency and reproducibility. This work describes the technical and surgical procedures for the implementation of the ex-vivo isolated lung perfusion technique as developed for the rabbit model at Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias in Mexico City, intending to share the insights and provide a clear guide on key steps in the application of this experimental model.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>2-Stop Tygon E-Lab Tubing, 3.17 mm ID, 12/pack, Black/White</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-1864</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Adapter for Positive Pressure Ventilation on IPL-4</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-4312</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Adapter for Positive Pressure Ventilation on IPL-4</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-4312</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Alternative Pressure-Free Gas Supply for IPL-4: To supply the trachea with gas mixture different from room air during negative ventilation</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-4309</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Base Unit for the Rabbit to Fetal Pig Isolated Perfused Lung</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-4138</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bovine serum A2:D41albumin lyophilized powder</td>
			<td>sigma</td>
			<td>3912</td>
			<td>500 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Calcium chloride, CaCl2&#183;2H2O.</td>
			<td>JT Baker</td>
			<td>10035-04-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cryogenic vials</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>430659</td>
			<td>2 mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>D-glucosa, C6H12O6.</td>
			<td>sigma</td>
			<td>G5767</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Differential Low Pressure Transducer DLP2.5, Range +- 2.5 cmH2O, HSE Connector</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-3882</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Differential Pressure Transducer MPX, Range +- 100 cmH2O, HSE Connector</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-0064</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eppendorf tubes</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethanol absolute HPLC grade</td>
			<td>Caledon</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Falcon tubes</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>14 mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Harvard Peristaltic Pump P-230 (Complete with Control Box and P-230 Motor Drive)</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>70-7001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heated Linear Pneumotachometer 0 to 10 L/min flow range</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>59-9349</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heater Controller for Single Pneumotachometer 230 VAC, 50 Hz</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>59-9703</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heparin</td>
			<td>PISA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>5000 UI</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HPLC Column (C18 100A 5U)</td>
			<td>Alltech</td>
			<td>98121213</td>
			<td>150 mm x 4.6 mm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hydrophilic Syringe Filter</td>
			<td>Millex</td>
			<td>SLLGR04NL</td>
			<td>4 mm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IPL-4 Core System for Isolated Rabbit to Fetal Pig Lung, 230</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-4296</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IPL-4 Core System for Isolated Rabbit to Fetal Pig Lung, 230 V</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-4296</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Jacketed Glass Reservoir for Buffer Solution, with Frit and Tubing, 6.0 L</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-0322</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lauda Thermostatic Circulator, Type E-103, 230 V/50 Hz, 3 L Bath Volume, Temperature Range 20 to 150&#176;C</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-0125</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Left Atrium Cannula for Rabbit with Basket, OD 5.9 mm</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-4162</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Low Range Blood Pressure Transducer P75 for PLUGSYS Module</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-0020</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, MgSO4&#183;7H2O</td>
			<td>JT Baker</td>
			<td>10034-99-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microcentrifuge Tube</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>430909</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Negative Pressure Ventilation Control Option with Pressure Regulator for IPL-4</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-4298</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>New Zeland rabbits</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PISABENTAL (Pentobarbital sodium)</td>
			<td>PISA</td>
			<td>Q-7833-215</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PLUGSYS Case, Type 603* 7</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-0045</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PLUGSYS TCM Time Counter Module</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-1750</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PLUGSYS Transducer Amplifier Module (TAM-A)</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-0065</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PLUGSYS Transducer Amplifier Module (TAM-D)</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-1793</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PLUGSYS VCM-4R Ventilation Control Module with Pressure Regulator</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-1755</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Potassium chloride, KCl.</td>
			<td>JT Baker</td>
			<td>3040-01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, KH2PO4</td>
			<td>JT Baker</td>
			<td>7778-77-0</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PROCIN (Xylacine clorhydrate)</td>
			<td>PISA</td>
			<td>Q-7833-099</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pulmonary Artery Cannula for Rabbit with Basket, OD 4.6 mm</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-4161</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scalpel knife</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Serotonin 5-HT</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Servo Controller for Perfusion (SCP</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-2806</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Snap Cap Microcentrifuge Tube</td>
			<td>Costar</td>
			<td>3620</td>
			<td>1.7 mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3</td>
			<td>sigma</td>
			<td>S6014</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium chloride, NaCl.</td>
			<td>sigma</td>
			<td>S9888</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical gloves No. 7 1/2</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical gloves No. 8</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Taygon tubes</td>
			<td>Masterflex</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tracheal Cannula for Rabbit, OD 5.0 mm</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)</td>
			<td>73-4163</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

isolated lung perfusion system in the rabbit model

The isolated lung perfusion system has been widely used in pulmonary research, contributing to elucidate the lungs&#39; inner workings, both micro and macroscopically. This technique is useful in the characterization of pulmonary physiology and pathology by measuring metabolic activities and respiratory functions, including interactions between circulatory substances and the effects of inhaled or perfused substances, as in drug testing. While in vitro methods involve the slicing and culturing of tissues, the isolated ex vivo lung perfusion system allows to work with a complete functional organ making possible the study of a continuous physiological function while recreating ventilation and perfusion. However, it should be noted that the effects of the absence of central innervation and lymphatic drainage still have to be fully assessed. This protocol aims to describe the assembly of the isolated lung apparatus, followed by the surgical extraction and cannulation of lungs and heart from experimental lab animals, as well as to display the perfusion technique and signal processing of data. The average viability of the isolated lung ranges between 5-8 h; during this period, the pulmonary capillary permeability increases, causing edema and lung injury. The functionality of preserved pulmonary tissue is measured by the capillary filtration coefficient (Kfc), used to determine the extent of pulmonary edema through time.

The isolated lung perfusion system allows organ manipulation for biopsy, sample collection from perfusion, and real-time data collection of physiological parameters. The isolated system can be used to test many hypotheses involving different functions and lung phenomena, from metabolic and enzymatic activity to edema formation and preservation periods for lung transplants.
Figure 1&#160;displays a diagram of the fully assembled isolated lung perfusion system along...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Isolated Lung Perfusion System in the Rabbit Model at JoVE.com

Isolated Lung Perfusion System in the Rabbit Model

The isolated rabbit lung preparation is a gold standard tool in pulmonary research. This publication aims to describe the technique as developed for the study of physiological and pathological mechanisms involved in airway reactivity, lung preservation, and preclinical research in lung transplantation and pulmonary edema.

The isolated lung perfusion system has been widely used in pulmonary research, contributing to elucidate the lungs&#39; inner workings, both micro and ...

This technique is useful in the characterization of pulmonary physiology and pathology by measuring metabolic activities and respiratory function. Isolated lung perfusion system allows to work with a complete functional organ making possible the study of a continuous physiological function while recreating ventilation and perfusion. This method could provide insight into the characterization of the non-respiratory capabilities of the pulmonary tissues, such as metabolic activity and the activities of various components like alveolar macrophage and endothelial tissue.To begin with, assemble the working apparatus, ensuring that it contains the main steel column mounted on a base plate holding the artificial thorax with the pneumotachometer and weight transducer located above the column and behind the preheating coil with a bubble trap. Connect all the transducers to the central electronics unit and prepare the ventilation system besides the apparatus. After shaving the surgical site of the anesthetized rabbit, make a ventral median line incision of three to five centimeters from the sternum manubrium up to the neck.Use the operating scissors to cut the anterior 2/3 of the trachea between the cartilage rings. Insert a five millimeter tracheal cannula through the tracheal fibrous membrane and fix the cannula carefully with a 4-0 silk suture. Place the forceps or tweezers underneath the trachea to ensure the cannula does not bend against the trachea.Connect the respiration pump to the tracheal cannula, set the tidal volume at 10 milliliters per kilogram and initiate the ventilation quickly after the tracheotomy and before the thorax is opened to maintain positive pressure in the lungs for preventing lung collapse during the surgery. To access the thoracic cavity, use a scalpel or scissors to open the thorax wall and perform a medial sternotomy up to the upper third of the thorax. Hold the thorax halves open with two retractors.Localize the superior and inferior vena cava and tag them with threads. Before the exsanguination of the animal, identify the right ventricle and inject 1, 000 international units per kilogram of heparin. Immediately after the injection, ligate the superior and inferior vena cava with the pre-looped thread.Cut through the manubrium sterni to extend the medial sternotomy towards the tracheal cannula, releasing the trachea on both sides from connecting tissue. Now resect the trachea above the tracheal cannula and gently pull up the cannula in a cranial/caudal axis. After exsanguination for harvesting the cardiopulmonary block, use direct digital dissection or spring scissors to separate the connective tissue and remove the lungs from the thorax.Next, dissect the vasculature and esophagus. Lift the isolated lungs out of the thorax and carefully place the lungs over a sterile gauze on a Petri dish. To prevent atelectasis, ventilate the lungs using positive pressure ventilation with positive end expiratory pressure set at two centimeters of water column.Cut the ventricles off the heart at the level of the atrioventricular groove. After opening the two ventricles, introduce the pulmonary artery cannula through the right pulmonary artery and the left atrium cannula through the mitral valve into the left atrium. Fix the cannulae with a 4-0 silk suture including the surrounding tissues in the ligatures of the pulmonary artery and left atrium to avoid structural distension.Inject 250 milliliters of saline isotonic solution through the arterial cannula to flush the remaining blood from the vascular bed. For the perfusion setup, place the isolated lungs carefully into the lung chamber. Attach the trachea to the transductor on the chamber cover and connect the cannulated vessels to the perfusion system, then close and secure the chamber with the rotary lock.Next, attach the chamber lid and switch over the stopcock to shift from positive to negative pressure ventilation. Perfuse the lungs with 200 milliliters of artificial blood-free perfusate starting with the flow at three milliliters per minute per kilogram, then slowly step up the flow over five minutes to five milliliters per minute per kilogram. And for the next five minutes, allow the flow to reach eight milliliters per minute per kilogram, followed by a maximum flux of 10 milliliters per minute per kilogram for five minutes.Ventilate the lungs with humidified air at a frequency of 30 beats per minute, a tidal volume of 10 milliliters per kilogram and an end expiratory pressure of two centimeters of water column. To achieve zone three conditions, wait for 10 to 15 minutes to obtain an equilibrium characterized by an ISO gravimetric state, ensuring that the venous pressure is stable throughout the registry. Ensure that the weight of the lung remains constant and the arterial and left atrial pressures are stable to achieve zone three conditions to open up a maximum number of pulmonary vessels and maintain the microvascular bed content during the experiment.For the electronic control and signal processing, ensure that the respiratory flow, weight changes, microvascular pressure, tidal volume, vascular resistance, among others, are registered on a multiple central electronics unit that integrates signals coming from the transducers and displays them on the evaluation system. The concentration of 5-HT and monoamine oxidase involved in the lung metabolism and vascular permeability were assessed. The concentration of 5-HT and monoamine oxidase peaked after 15 minutes of preservation and then decreased during the next six hours.Afterward, perfusion levels showed a non-statistically significant increase up to 24 hours. The release rates of 5-HT and monoamine oxidase indicated that during the first hour of the preservation, 5-HT levels rose higher than monoamine oxidase and decreased within six hours after being recaptured by endothelial cells and platelets, as well as monoamine oxidase-mediated catabolism. Neutral endopeptidase activity increased at nine hours and then decreased and remained stable during 12 to 24 hours.Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity decreased after four hours, then increased and remained stable through time til 24 hours. The effect of pulmonary preservation in capillary permeability was assessed for 24 hours, indicating that the perfused lung suffered a progressive increase in capillary filtration coefficient. The effect of different additives in the capillary permeability of the isolated lung perfusion system under diverse conditions was checked and a maximum increase in the permeability was observed with atropin.The most important maneuver is to correctly place the lungs into a lung chamber and connect the cannulated vessels to the perfusion system. The implications of this technique extend toward interactions between circulatory substances and the effects of inhaled or perfused substances as in drug testing and various lung pathologies.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Microsurgical Venous Pouch Arterial-Bifurcation Aneurysms in the Rabbit Model: Technical Aspects

For ruptured human cerebral aneurysms endovascular embolization has become an equivalent alternative to aneurysm clipping.1 However, large clinical trials have shown disappointing long-term results with unacceptable high rates of aneurysm recanalization and delayed aneurysm rupture.2 To overcome these problems, animal experimental studies are crucial for the development of better endovascular devices.3-5
Several animal models in rats, rabbits, canines and swine are available.6-8 Comparisons of the different animal models showed the superiority of the rabbit model with regard to hemodynamics and comparability of the coagulation system and cost-effectiveness.9-11 
The venous pouch arterial bifurcation model in rabbits is formed by a venous pouch sutured into an artificially created true bifurcation of both common carotid arteries (CCA). The main advantage of this model are true bifurcational hemodynamics.12 The major drawbacks are the sofar high microsurgical technical demands and high morbidity and mortality rates of up to 50%.13 These limitations have resulted in less frequent use of this aneurysm model in the recent years. These shortcomings could be overcome with improved surgical procedures and modified peri- and postoperative analgetic management and anticoagulation.14-16 Our techniques reported in this paper demonstrate this optimized technique for microsurgical creation of arterial bifurcation aneurysms.

An optimized technique for the microsurgical creation of arterial bifurcation aneurysms mimicking bifurcation human cerebral aneurysms is described. A venous pouch is sutured into an artificially created true bifurcation of both common carotid arteries. Facilitated microsurgical techniques and aggressive postoperative anticoagulation and analgesia lead to minimized morbidity rates and high aneurysm patency rates.

For ruptured human cerebral aneurysms endovascular embolization has become an equivalent alternative to aneurysm clipping.1 However, large clinical trials ...

NADH Fluorescence Imaging of Isolated Biventricular Working Rabbit Hearts

Since its inception by Langendorff1, the isolated perfused heart remains a prominent tool for studying cardiac physiology2. However, it is not well-suited for studies of cardiac metabolism, which require the heart to perform work within the context of physiologic preload and afterload pressures. Neely introduced modifications to the Langendorff technique to establish appropriate left ventricular (LV) preload and afterload pressures3. The model is known as the isolated LV working heart model and has been used extensively to study LV performance and metabolism4-6. This model, however, does not provide a properly loaded right ventricle (RV). Demmy et al. first reported a biventricular model as a modification of the LV working heart model7, 8. They found that stroke volume, cardiac output, and pressure development improved in hearts converted from working LV mode to biventricular working mode8. A properly loaded RV also diminishes abnormal pressure gradients across the septum to improve septal function. Biventricular working hearts have been shown to maintain aortic output, pulmonary flow, mean aortic pressure, heart rate, and myocardial ATP levels for up to 3 hours8.
When studying the metabolic effects of myocardial injury, such as ischemia, it is often necessary to identify the location of the affected tissue. This can be done by imaging the fluorescence of NADH (the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)9-11, a coenzyme found in large quantities in the mitochondria. NADH fluorescence (fNADH) displays a near linearly inverse relationship with local oxygen concentration12 and provides a measure of mitochondrial redox state13. fNADH imaging during hypoxic and ischemic conditions has been used as a dye-free method to identify hypoxic regions14, 15 and to monitor the progression of hypoxic conditions over time10.
The objective of the method is to monitor the mitochondrial redox state of biventricular working hearts during protocols that alter the rate of myocyte metabolism or induce hypoxia or create a combination of the two. Hearts from New Zealand white rabbits were connected to a biventricular working heart system (Hugo Sachs Elektronik) and perfused with modified Krebs-Henseleit solution16 at 37 &deg;C. Aortic, LV, pulmonary artery, and left &amp; right atrial pressures were recorded. Electrical activity was measured using a monophasic action potential electrode. To image fNADH, light from a mercury lamp was filtered (350&plusmn;25 nm) and used to illuminate the epicardium. Emitted light was filtered (460&plusmn;20 nm) and imaged using a CCD camera. Changes in the epicardial fNADH of biventricular working hearts during different pacing rates are presented. The combination of the heart model and fNADH imaging provides a new and valuable experimental tool for studying acute cardiac pathologies within the context of realistic physiological conditions.

The objective is to monitor the mitochondrial redox state of isolated hearts within the context of physiologic preload and afterload pressures. A biventricular working rabbit heart model is presented. High spatiotemporal resolution fluorescence imaging of NADH is used to monitor the mitochondrial redox state of epicardial tissue.

Since its inception by Langendorff1, the isolated perfused heart remains a prominent tool for studying cardiac physiology2. However, it is not well-suited ...

Optimized System for Cerebral Perfusion Monitoring in the Rat Stroke Model of Intraluminal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

The translational potential of pre-clinical stroke research depends on the accuracy of experimental modeling. Cerebral perfusion monitoring in animal models of acute ischemic stroke allows to confirm successful arterial occlusion and exclude subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral perfusion monitoring can also be used to study intracranial collateral circulation, which is emerging as a powerful determinant of stroke outcome and a possible therapeutic target. Despite a recognized role of Laser Doppler perfusion monitoring as part of the current guidelines for experimental cerebral ischemia, a number of technical difficulties exist that limit its widespread use. One of the major issues is obtaining a secure and prolonged attachment of a deep-penetration Laser Doppler probe to the animal skull. In this video, we show our optimized system for cerebral perfusion monitoring during transient middle cerebral artery occlusion by intraluminal filament in the rat. We developed in-house a simple method to obtain a custom made holder for twin-fibre (deep-penetration) Laser Doppler probes, which allow multi-site monitoring if needed. A continuous and prolonged monitoring of cerebral perfusion could easily be obtained over the intact skull.

Cerebral perfusion monitoring has been demonstrated to improve accuracy in ischemic stroke models. Technical difficulties often limit the use of this essential tool for cerebrovascular research. In this video, an optimized system is shown to obtain a single or multi-site hemodynamic monitoring during intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

The translational potential of pre-clinical stroke research depends on the accuracy of experimental modeling. Cerebral perfusion monitoring in animal ...

The Rabbit Blood-shunt Model for the Study of Acute and Late Sequelae of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Technical Aspects

Early brain injury and delayed cerebral vasospasm both contribute to unfavorable outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Reproducible and controllable animal models that simulate both conditions are presently uncommon. Therefore, new models are needed in order to mimic human pathophysiological conditions resulting from SAH.
This report describes the technical nuances of a rabbit blood-shunt SAH model that enables control of intracerebral pressure (ICP). An extracorporeal shunt is placed between the arterial system and the subarachnoid space, which enables examiner-independent SAH in a closed cranium. Step-by-step procedural instructions and necessary equipment are described, as well as technical considerations to produce the model with minimal mortality and morbidity. Important details required for successful surgical creation of this robust, simple and consistent ICP-controlled SAH rabbit model are described.

The experimental intracranial pressure-controlled blood shunt subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model in the rabbit combines the standard procedures &#8212; subclavian artery cannulation and transcutaneous cisterna magna puncture, which enables close mimicking of human pathophysiological conditions after SAH. We present step-by-step instructions and discuss key surgical points for successful experimental SAH creation.

Early brain injury and delayed cerebral vasospasm both contribute to unfavorable outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Reproducible and ...

Method of Isolated Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion in a Rat Model: Lessons Learned from Developing a Rat EVLP Program

The number of acceptable donor lungs available for lung transplantation is severely limited due to poor quality. Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) has allowed lung transplantation in humans to become more readily available by enabling the ability to assess organs and expand the donor pool. As this technology expands and improves, the ability to potentially evaluate and improve the quality of substandard lungs prior to transplant is a critical need. In order to more rigorously evaluate these approaches, a reproducible animal model needs to be established that would allow for testing of improved techniques and management of the donated lungs as well as to the lung-transplant recipient. In addition, an EVLP animal model of associated pathologies, e.g., ventilation induced lung injury (VILI), would provide a novel method to evaluate treatments for these pathologies. Here, we describe the development of a rat EVLP lung program and refinements to this method that allow for a reproducible model for future expansion. We also describe the application of this EVLP system to model VILI in rat lungs. The goal is to provide the research community with key information and &#8220;pearls of wisdom&#8221;/techniques that arose from trial and error and are critical to establishing an EVLP system that is robust and reproducible.

Method of Isolated Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion in a Rat Model: Lessons Learned from Developing a Rat EVLP Program

Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) has allowed lung transplantation in humans to become more readily available by enabling the ability to assess organs and expand the donor pool. Here, we describe the development of a rat EVLP program and refinements that allow for a reproducible model for future expansion.

The number of acceptable donor lungs available for lung transplantation is severely limited due to poor quality. Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) has allowed ...

Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma

Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) is a procedure where the liver is surgically isolated and perfused with a high concentration of the chemotherapeutic agent melphalan. Briefly, the procedure starts with the setup of a percutaneous veno-venous bypass from the femoral vein to the external jugular vein. Via a laparotomy, catheters are then inserted into the proper hepatic artery and the caval vein. The portal vein and the caval vein, both supra- and infrahepatically, are then clamped. The arterial and venous catheters are connected to a heart lung machine and the liver is perfused with melphalan (1 mg/kg body weight) for 60 min. This way it is possible to locally perfuse the liver with a high dose of a chemotherapeutic agent, without leakage to the systemic circulation.
In previous studies including patients with isolated liver metastases of uveal melanoma, an overall response rate of 33-100% and a median survival between 9 and 13 months, have been reported. The aim of this protocol is to give a clear description of how to perform the procedure and to discuss IHP as a treatment option for liver metastases of uveal melanoma.

Here, we present a protocol how to perform an isolated liver perfusion (IHP) with melphalan and we also discuss IHP as a treatment option for liver metastases of uveal melanoma.

Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) is a procedure where the liver is surgically isolated and perfused with a high concentration of the chemotherapeutic ...

Open Tracheostomy Gastric Acid Aspiration Murine Model of Acute Lung Injury Results in Maximal Acute Nonlethal Lung Injury

Acid pneumonitis is a major cause of sterile acute lung injury (ALI) in humans. Acid pneumonitis spans the clinical spectrum from asymptomatic to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by neutrophilic alveolitis, and injury to both alveolar epithelium and vascular endothelium. Clinically, ARDS is defined by acute onset of hypoxemia, bilateral patchy pulmonary infiltrates and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Human studies have provided us with valuable information about the physiological and inflammatory changes in the lung caused by ARDS, which has led to various hypotheses about the underling mechanisms. Unfortunately, difficulties determining the etiology of ARDS, as well as a wide range of pathophysiology have resulted in a lack of critical information that could be useful in developing therapeutic strategies.
Translational animal models are valuable when their pathogenesis and pathophysiology accurately reproduce a concept proven in both in vitro and clinical settings. Although large animal models (e.g., sheep) share characteristics of the anatomy of human trachea-bronchial tree, murine models provide a host of other advantages including: low cost; short reproductive cycle lending itself to greater data acquisition; a well understood immunologic system; and a well characterized genome leading to the availability of a variety of gene deletion and transgenic strains. A robust model of low pH induced ARDS requires a murine ALI that targets mainly the alveolar epithelium, secondarily the vascular endothelium, as well as the small airways leading to the alveoli. Furthermore, a reproducible injury with wide differences between different injurious and non-injurious insults is important.
The murine gastric acid aspiration model presented here using hydrochloric acid employs an open tracheostomy and recreates a pathogenic scenario that reproduces the low pH pneumonitis injury in humans. Additionally, this model can be used to examine interaction of a low pH insult with other pulmonary injurious entities (e.g., food particles, pathogenic bacteria).

This protocol induces acute lung injury in a mouse that has close fidelity to the pathogenesis of acid pneumonitis observed in humans. We generate a maximal acute nonlethal low pH lung injury and account for differences in rodent-human anatomic respiratory structure using an open tracheostomy coupled with circumferential pressure release.

Acid pneumonitis is a major cause of sterile acute lung injury (ALI) in humans. Acid pneumonitis spans the clinical spectrum from asymptomatic to acute ...

Method of Direct Segmental Intra-hepatic Delivery Using a Rat Liver Hilar Clamp Model

Major hepatic surgery with inflow occlusion, and liver transplantation, necessitate a period of warm ischemia, and a period of reperfusion leading to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury with myriad negative consequences. Potential I/R injury in marginal organs destined for liver transplantation contributes to the current donor shortage secondary to a decreased organ utilization rate. A significant need exists to explore hepatic I/R injury in order to mediate its impact on graft function in transplantation. Rat liver hilar clamp models are used to investigate the impact of different molecules on hepatic I/R injury. Depending on the model, these molecules have been delivered using inhalation, epidural infusion, intraperitoneal injection, intravenous administration or injection into the peripheral superior mesenteric vein. A rat liver hilar clamp model has been developed for use in studying the impact of pharmacologic molecules in ameliorating I/R injury. The described model for rat liver hilar clamp includes direct cannulation of the portal supply to the ischemic hepatic segment via a side branch of the portal vein, allowing for direct segmental hepatic delivery. Our approach is to induce ischemia in the left lateral and median lobes for 60 min, during which time the substance under study is infused. In this case, pegylated-superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD), a free radical scavenger, is infused directly into the ischemic segment. This series of experiments demonstrates that infusion of PEG-SOD is protective against hepatic I/R injury. Advantages of this approach include direct injection of the molecule into the ischemic segment with consequent decrease in volume of distribution and reduction in systemic side effects.

A unique rat liver hilar clamp model was developed for studying the impact of pharmacologic molecules in ameliorating ischemia-reperfusion injury. This model includes direct cannulation of the portal supply to the ischemic liver segment via a branch of the portal vein, allowing for direct hepatic delivery.

Major hepatic surgery with inflow occlusion, and liver transplantation, necessitate a period of warm ischemia, and a period of reperfusion leading to ...

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 ...

Transthoracic Echocardiographic Examination in the Rabbit Model

Large animal models such as the rabbit are valuable for translational preclinical research. Rabbits have a similar cardiac electrophysiology compared to that of humans and that of other large animal models such as dogs and pigs. However, the rabbit model has the additional advantage of lower maintenance costs compared to other large animal models. The longitudinal evaluation of cardiac function using echocardiography, when appropriately implemented, is a useful methodology for preclinical assessment of novel therapies for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (e.g. cardiac regeneration). The correct use of this non-invasive tool requires the implementation of a standardized examination protocol following international guidelines. Here we describe, step by step, a detailed protocol supervised by veterinary cardiologists for performing echocardiography in the rabbit model, and demonstrate how to correctly obtain the different echocardiographic views and imaging planes, as well as the different imaging modes available in a clinical echocardiography system routinely used in human and veterinary patients.

Here we describe, step by step, a detailed protocol for performing echocardiography in the rabbit model. We show how to correctly obtain the different echocardiographic views and imaging planes, as well as the different imaging modes available in a clinical echocardiography system routinely used in human and veterinary patients.

Large animal models such as the rabbit are valuable for translational preclinical research. Rabbits have a similar cardiac electrophysiology compared to ...