This study was supported by NeuralStem, Inc., and Johns Hopkins Project RESTORE.

NOTE: Toutes les procédures d&#39;animaux ont été approuvés par le Comité des soins et de l&#39;utilisation des animaux Johns Hopkins. machines d&#39;anesthésie nécessitent une inspection annuelle et l&#39;étalonnage nécessaire. 1. Anesthésie et de positionnement <ol><li> Anesthésie. <ol><li> Effectuer toutes les interventions chirurgicales sous anesthésie avec 2-3% isofluorane. Confirmez niveau approprié de l&#39;anesthésie par pincement de l&#39;orteil et le taux de respiration. Vérifiez que le rat ne bronche pas en réponse à un pincement de l&#39;orteil. NOTE: Un tressaillement indique anesthésie qui est trop tard et peut nécessiter une anesthésie plus avant de commencer ou une concentration isofluorane supérieur. Un taux inférieur à 1 souffle toutes les 2 sec est trop lent indiquant l&#39;anesthésie de respiration est trop élevé et peut exiger un éclaircissement de la concentration isofluorane. </li><li> Fixez l&#39;animal comme nécessaire pour éviter les mouvements de la tête lors de la procédure. Déposer une goutte de la lidocaïne sur l&#39;œil chirurgicale. Utilisez des larmes artificielles toutes les 10 min pour prévenir la sécheresse tandis que sous anesthésie. Donnerune injection de buprénorphine de 0,01 mg / kg SC pré-opératoire, puis tous les 6-8 heures au besoin. </li></ol></li><li> Positionnement. <ol><li> Placez rats dans un cadre stéréotaxique et garder au chaud avec un coussin chauffant. Mouiller la fourrure du cuir chevelu avec de l&#39;alcool en prenant soin d&#39;éviter l&#39;exposition sur les yeux. Utiliser des outils stériles et technique stérile pour minimiser les risques d&#39;infections post-opératoires. </li></ol></li></ol> 2. Contrôle des yeux <ol><li> Placez une suture 4-0 dans la conjonctive latérale et attacher avec assez de suture pour permettre une légère traction. </li></ol> 3. Dissection <ol><li> Dissection initiale. <ol><li> Faire une incision pouces ~ 1 dans la peau recouvrant la crête orbitale en utilisant une taille 10 scalpel comme le montre la figure 1. Rentrer la peau et le fascia sous-jacent et soigneusement disséquer le fascia. Pour prévenir les saignements excessifs dans la chirurgie, éviter de couper les vaisseaux sanguins tout en disséquant le fascia. Utilisez stratégiquement plconseils de coton ACED pour fournir l&#39;hémostase. </li></ol></li><li> Dissection profonde. NOTE: Avec une légère traction sur la conjonctive de l&#39;œil en tirant vers le bas et de la prise, le muscle orbitaire supérieure entrera en vue. Afin d&#39;exposer le nerf optique, ce muscle doit être coupé et la graisse rétro-orbitaire retiré. La graisse peut être jeté et ne doit pas être remplacé après l&#39;injection. De ce point, le nerf optique fascia doit être visible comme un faisceau de nerf optique lui-même, avec les vaisseaux sanguins enveloppés dans la dure-mère (Figure 1). <ol><li> Faire une petite incision dans la dure-mère utilisant le scalpel ou une aiguille biseautée de calibre 31 pour faire percer moins traumatisante. </li></ol></li></ol> 4. Pipette Injector <ol><li> Tirer une micropipette de verre à un diamètre de 50 à 100 um. Pour assurer la stabilité, la micropipette monter sur un micromanipulateur et le fixer à une seringue Hamilton reliée à une pompe à perfusion. </li><li> Tirez les billes (ou cellules souches)reconstituée dans un volume de 0,5 à 1,0 ul dans la micropipette rétrograde avec 0,5 ul de volume de solution de bleu de méthyle avant et après. NOTE: Un débit de perfusion réglé à 0,5-2 pi par min empêche traumatisme du nerf optique. </li></ol> 5. Injection <ol><li> Abaissez la pointe de la micropipette sur le nerf optique juste au-dessus de la dure entaillé. REMARQUE: Un petit mouvement, mais rapide de la pointe de verre dans les résultats du nerf optique dans le moins de dommages. Comme la pompe à perfusion commence, le colorant bleu de méthyle devrait mettre en évidence la zone du nerf optique injecté. Le colorant doit rester localisée dans le nerf optique sans fuite dans l&#39;espace sous-arachnoïdien. </li><li> Suivez la deuxième bande de bleu de méthylène pour déterminer quand l&#39;injection de cellules souches est complète et tourner la pompe à perfusion off que la deuxième dose de bleu de méthylène est injectée. Gardez la micropipette toujours dans le nerf optique pendant 2 minutes pour chaque volume de 1 pl injecté dans de prévenir l&#39;hypertensionéjection pression lors du retrait de la micropipette. NOTE: Une approche alternative est de relier la pointe de la pipette à une seringue remplie d&#39;air qui peut être manipulé manuellement. De toute façon, éviter une force excessive pour minimiser les dommages aux nerfs optiques. Nous vous recommandons d&#39;injecter plus de 2 pi de volume dans chaque nerf optique. </li></ol> 6. Suivi <ol><li> Immédiate. <ol><li> Lorsque l&#39;injection est terminée, retirez la micropipette avec des conseils de coton utilisés pour fournir l&#39;hémostase. Suturer la peau avec soie 3-0 et enlever la suture conjonctivale. </li><li> Gardez rats chaud sur un coussin chauffant jusqu&#39;à ce qu&#39;ils sortent de l&#39;anesthésie. Ne pas laisser un animal sans surveillance tant qu&#39;il a repris conscience suffisante pour maintenir décubitus sternal. Ne retournez pas un animal qui a subi une intervention chirurgicale à la compagnie d&#39;autres animaux jusqu&#39;à guérison complète. </li><li> Si l&#39;animal présente des signes de douleur excessive, y compris la léthargie, ataxie, ou breathin travaillég, administrer une analgésie appropriée avec la buprénorphine par voie intramusculaire (0,05 mg / kg) jusqu&#39;à trois fois par jour. </li></ol></li><li> Long terme. <ol><li> Pour le 24-48 heures suivantes, observer le rat pour des complications de la chirurgie, y compris gonflement ou la décharge de la plaie ou d&#39;autres signes de douleur tels que la vocalisation, l&#39;apparence voûtée, non-toilettage, ou ne pas manger. Envisager une consultation avec un vétérinaire ou l&#39;euthanasie éthique que nécessaire. </li></ol></li></ol>

<ol>
	<li>Dahlmann-Noor, A., Vijay, S., Jayaram, H., Limb, A., Khaw, P. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Current+approaches+and+future+prospects+for+stem+cell+rescue+and+regeneration+of+the+retina+and+optic+nerve.">Current approaches and future prospects for stem cell rescue and regeneration of the retina and optic nerve.</a> Canadian journal of ophthalmology Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie. 45 (4), 333-341 (2010).</li><li>Quigley, H. A., Iglesia, D. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stem+cells+to+replace+the+optic+nerve.">Stem cells to replace the optic nerve.</a> Eye. 18 (11), 1085-1088 (2004).</li><li>Ghaffarieh, A., Levin, L. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optic+nerve+disease+and+axon+pathophysiology.">Optic nerve disease and axon pathophysiology.</a> International review of neurobiology. 105, 1-17 (2012).</li><li>Fukui, Y., Hayasaka, S., Bedi, K. S., Ozaki, H. S., Takeuchi, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantitative+study+of+the+development+of+the+optic+nerve+in+rats+reared+in+the+dark+during+early+postnatal+life.">Quantitative study of the development of the optic nerve in rats reared in the dark during early postnatal life.</a> Journal of anatomy. 174, 37-47 (1991).</li><li>Celestre, P. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimally+invasive+approaches+to+the+cervical+spine.">Minimally invasive approaches to the cervical spine.</a> The Orthopedic clinics of North America. 43 (1), 137-147 (2012).</li><li>Hallas, B. H., Wells, M. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Novel+Technique+for+Multiple+Injections+into+the+Mammalian+Optic+Nerve.">A Novel Technique for Multiple Injections into the Mammalian Optic Nerve.</a> Kopf Carrier. 54, (2001).</li><li>Harvey, A. R., Hellstrom, M., Rodger, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Gene+therapy+and+transplantation+in+the+retinofugal+pathway.">Gene therapy and transplantation in the retinofugal pathway.</a> Progress in brain research. 175, 151-161 (2009).</li><li>Adachi-Usami, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optic+neuritis--from+diagnosis+to+optic+nerve+transplantation.">Optic neuritis--from diagnosis to optic nerve transplantation.</a> Nippon Ganka Gakkai zasshi. 104 (12), 841-857 (2000).</li><li>Slater, B. J., Vilson, F. L., Guo, Y., Weinreich, D., Hwang, S., Bernstein, S. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optic+nerve+inflammation+and+demyelination+in+a+rodent+model+of+nonarteritic+anterior+ischemic+optic+neuropathy.">Optic nerve inflammation and demyelination in a rodent model of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.</a> Investigative ophthalmology &amp; visual science. 54 (13), 7952-7961 (2013).</li><li>Zarbin, M. A., Arlow, T., Ritch, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Regenerative+nanomedicine+for+vision+restoration.">Regenerative nanomedicine for vision restoration.</a> Mayo Clinic proceedings. 88 (12), 1480-1490 (2013).</li></ol>

The authors have no meaningful disclosures to report.

Direct injection into the optic nerve of stem cells or other products intended to facilitate regeneration provides a convenient model compared to other means of injections into the CNS. This technique takes less time, requires less total anesthesia, avoids drilling or removing skull or bone tissue, reduces complications rates and allows for more rapid recovery following surgery. 
The most critical steps in this protocol include: 1. Adequate hemostasis in the surgical field to allow clear visua...

Le nerf optique offre un emplacement idéal pour le système nerveux central (SNC), y compris la recherche régénérative conditions ophtalmologiques tels que la névrite optique, le glaucome et les traumatismes. Les injections de diverses cellules souches ont démontré une efficacité ou soit montré prometteur pour remplacer la perte de myéline, ce qui augmente le nombre axonale et / ou prévenir les maladies dégénératives. 1,2 Le nerf optique humain contient environ 1,2 million d&#39;axones parallèles voyageant de la rétine au chiasme avec un diamètre d&#39;environ 3,0-3,5 mm. 3 Pour modéliser les maladies humaines en laboratoire, le rat a été utilisé fréquemment. Le nerf optique de rat adulte contient environ 100.000 axones au sein d&#39;un diamètre d&#39;environ 0,5 mm. 4 Une des limitations majeures dans la recherche régénérative CNS est l&#39;accès désossé directe. Les complications et les risques chirurgicaux à l&#39;animal sont plus élevés lorsque le crâne ou des vertèbres sont enlevés. Comme pour les avantages deapproches mini-invasives de la colonne vertébrale, 5 injections du nerf optique directs sans ouvrir le crâne offre réduite complications et une récupération plus rapide. Cette technique a été utilisée dans les études précédentes. 6 Dans ce manuscrit et la vidéo qui l&#39;accompagne, nous démontrons une procédure mini-invasive d&#39;injecter des cellules souches dans le rat nerf optique.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Lewis rat</td><td>Charles River</td><td>4</td><td>Any rat strain will work.</td></tr><tr><td>Anesthesia machine</td><td>Surgivet</td><td>CDS9000</td><td>CDS 9000 Small Animal Anesthesia Machine - Pole Mount</td></tr><tr><td>Infusion pump</td><td>Stoelting</td><td>53129</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dissection microscope</td><td>National Optical</td><td>409-411-1105</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fiber-optic light source</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>12-562-21</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dissection and Stereotaxic Instrument</td><td>Stoelting</td><td>51400</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pipette Puller</td><td>Kopf</td><td>750</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pipettes</td><td>World Precision Instruments</td><td>18150-6</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Disposable scalpel blades</td><td>Harvard Apparatus</td><td>810-15-021</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Iridectomy scissors</td><td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td><td>Uniband LA-4XF</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

minimally-invasive technique for injection into rat optic nerve

The rat optic nerve is a useful model for stem cell regeneration research. Direct injection into the rat optic nerve allows delivery into the central nervous system in a minimally-invasive surgery without bone removal. This technique describes an approach to visualization and direct injection of the optic nerve following minor fascial dissection from the orbital ridge, using a conjunctival traction suture to gently pull the eye down and out. Representative examples of an injected optic nerve show successful injection of dyed beads.

A la fin de l&#39;expérience, les rats ont été sacrifiés et perfusés avec 4% de paraformaldehyde. Les nerfs optiques ont été soigneusement disséqués et montés pour cryostat sectionnement. La figure 2 montre un exemple d&#39;un rat ensemble nerf optique à faible puissance dans lequel colorant bleu Evans a été injecté afin de visualiser le site. La flèche indique l&#39;emplacement précis de l&#39;injection. Cette dissection a été fait en quelques minutes de l&#39;injection, comme indiqu?...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Minimally-invasive Technique for Injection into Rat Optic Nerve at JoVE.com

Minimally-invasive Technique for Injection into Rat Optic Nerve

Direct injection into the rat optic nerve is useful for regenerative research. We demonstrate a minimally-invasive technique for direct injection into a rat optic nerve that does not involve opening the skull. Using this method, surgical complications are minimized and recovery is more rapid.

Technique mini-invasive pour injection dans Rat Optic Nerve

The rat optic nerve is a useful model for stem cell regeneration research. Direct injection into the rat optic nerve allows delivery into the central ...

minimally-invasive-technique-for-injection-into-rat-optic-nerve

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

9.5K vues.  Johns Hopkins University. Direct injection into the rat optic nerve is useful for regenerative research. We demonstrate a minimally-invasive technique for direct injection into a rat optic nerve that does not involve opening the skull. Using this method, surgical complications are minimized and recovery is more rapid. 

Vidéo: Minimally-invasive Technique for Injection into Rat Optic Nerve

Methods for Experimental Manipulations after Optic Nerve Transection in the Mammalian CNS

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are CNS neurons that output visual information from the retina to the brain, via the optic nerve. The optic nerve can be accessed within the orbit of the eye and completely transected (axotomized), cutting the axons of the entire RGC population. Optic nerve transection is a reproducible model of apoptotic neuronal cell death in the adult CNS 1-4. This model is particularly attractive because the vitreous chamber of the eye acts as a capsule for drug delivery to the retina, permitting experimental manipulations via intraocular injections. The diffusion of chemicals through the vitreous fluid ensures that they act upon the entire RGC population. Viral vectors, plasmids or short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can also be delivered to the vitreous chamber in order to infect or transfect retinal cells 5-12. The high tropism of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors is beneficial to target RGCs, with an infection rate approaching 90% of cells near the injection site 6, 7, 13-15. Moreover, RGCs can be selectively transfected by applying siRNAs, plasmids, or viral vectors to the cut end of the optic nerve 16-19 or injecting vectors into their target the superior colliculus 10. This allows researchers to study apoptotic mechanisms in the injured neuronal population without confounding effects on other bystander neurons or surrounding glia. RGC apoptosis has a characteristic time-course whereby cell death is delayed 3-4 days postaxotomy, after which the cells rapidly degenerate. This provides a window for experimental manipulations directed against pathways involved in apoptosis. Manipulations that directly target RGCs from the transected optic nerve stump are performed at the time of axotomy, immediately after cutting the nerve. In contrast, when substances are delivered via an intraocular route, they can be injected prior to surgery or within the first 3 days after surgery, preceding the initiation of apoptosis in axotomized RGCs. In the present article, we demonstrate several methods for experimental manipulations after optic nerve transection.

Optic Nerve transection is a widely used model of adult CNS injury. This model is ideal for performing a number of experimental manipulations that target the retina globally or directly target the injured neuronal population of retinal ganglion cells.

Méthodes de manipulations expérimentales après section du nerf optique dans le SNC des mammifères

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are CNS neurons that output visual information from the retina to the brain, via the optic nerve. The optic nerve can be ...

Recherche

Neurosciences

Intravitreous Injection for Establishing Ocular Diseases Model

Intravitreous injection is a widely used technique in visual sciences research. It can be used to establish animal models with ocular diseases or as direct application of local treatment. This video introduces how to use simple and inexpensive tools to finish the intravitreous injection procedure. Use of a 1 ml syringe, instead of a hemilton syringe, is used. Practical tips for how to make appropriate injection needles using glass pipettes with perfect tips, and how to easily connect the syringe needle with the glass pipette tightly together, are given.
To conduct a good intravitreous injection, there are three aspects to be observed: 1) injection site should not disrupt retina structure; 2) bleeding should be avoided to reduce the risk of infection; 3) lens should be untouched to avoid traumatic cataract. In brief, the most important point is to reduce the interruption of normal ocular structure. To avoid interruption of retina, the superior nasal region of rat eye was chosen. Also, the puncture point of the needle was at the par planar, which was about 1.5 mm from the limbal region of the rat eye. A small amount of vitreous is gently pushed out through the puncture hole to reduce the intraocular pressure before injection. With the 45&deg; injection angle, it is less likely to cause traumatic cataract in the rat eye, thus avoiding related complications and influence from lenticular factors. In this operation, there was no cutting of the conjunctiva and ocular muscle, no bleeding. With quick and minor injury, a successful intravitreous injection can be done in minutes. 
The injection set outlined in this particular protocol is specific for intravitreous injection. However, the methods and materials presented here can also be used for other injection procedures in drug delivery to the brain, spinal cord or other organs in small mammals.

Intravitreous injection is a widely used technique in visual sciences research for ocular diseases or as direct application of local treatment. This video demonstrated a protocol for intravitreous injection using a 1ml syringe with glass pipette. Useful tips about avoiding massive bleeding and lens damage are given.

Injection intravitréenne pour l&#39;établissement oculaire Modèle maladies

Intravitreous injection is a widely used technique in visual sciences research. It can be used to establish animal models with ocular diseases or as ...

Biologie

Rat Model of Photochemically-Induced Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Posterior Ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) is a sight-devastating disease in clinical practice. However, its pathogenesis and natural history have&#160;remained poorly understood. Recently, we developed a reliable, reproducible animal model of PION and tested the treatment effect of some neurotrophic factors in this model1. The purpose of this video is to demonstrate our photochemically induced model of posterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and to evaluate its effects with retrograde labeling of retinal ganglion cells. Following surgical exposure of the posterior optic nerve, a photosensitizing dye, erythrosin B, is intravenously injected and a laser beam is focused onto the optic nerve surface. Photochemical interaction of erythrosin B and the laser during irradiation damages the vascular endothelium, prompting microvascular occlusion mediated by platelet thrombosis and edematous compression. The resulting ischemic injury yields a gradual but pronounced retinal ganglion cell dieback, owing to a loss of axonal input - a remote, injury-induced and clinically relevant outcome. Thus, this model provides a novel platform to study the pathophysiologic course of PION,&#160;and can be further optimized for testing therapeutic approaches for optic neuropathies as well as other CNS ischemic diseases.

The goal of this protocol is to photochemically induce ischemic injury to the posterior optic nerve in rat. This model is critical to studies of the pathophysiology of posterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and therapeutic approaches for this and other optic neuropathies, as well as of other CNS ischemic diseases.

Modèle de rat de Photochimiquement induite postérieur neuropathie optique ischémique

Posterior Ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) is a sight-devastating disease in clinical practice. However, its pathogenesis and natural history ...

Médecine

An Alternative and Validated Injection Method for Accessing the Subretinal Space via a Transcleral Posterior Approach

Subretinal injections have been successfully used in both humans and rodents to deliver therapeutic interventions of proteins, viral agents, and cells to the interphotoreceptor/subretinal compartment that has direct exposure to photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Subretinal injections of plasminogen as well as recent preclinical and clinical trials have demonstrated safety and/or efficacy of delivering viral vectors and stem cells to individuals with advanced retinal disease. Mouse models of retinal disease, particularly hereditary retinal dystrophies, are essential for testing these therapies. The most common injection procedure in rodents is to use small transcorneal or transcleral incisions with an anterior approach to the retina. With this approach, the injection needle penetrates the neurosensory retina disrupting the underlying RPE and on insertion can easily nick the lens, causing lens opacification and impairment of noninvasive imaging. Accessing the subretinal space via a transcleral, posterior approach avoids these problems: the needle crosses the sclera approximately 0.5 mm from the optic nerve, without retinal penetration and avoids disrupting the vitreous. Collateral damage is limited to that associated with the focal sclerotomy and the effects of a transient, serous retinal detachment. The simplicity of the method minimizes ocular injury, ensures rapid retinal reattachment and recovery, and has a low failure rate. The minimal damage to the retina and RPE allows for clear assessment of the efficacy and direct effects of the therapeutic agents themselves. This manuscript describes a novel subretinal injection technique that can be used to target viral vectors, pharmacological agents, stem cells or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to the subretinal space in mice with high efficacy, minimal damage, and fast recovery.

An Alternative and Validated Injection Method for Accessing the Subretinal Space via a Transcleral Posterior Approach

Subretinal injections are the most common technique for delivering large therapeutic agents such as proteins and viral vectors to photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium. An alternative method in mice that successfully targets the subretinal space with minimal collateral damage and fast recovery times is described here.

Une méthode alternative et Validé Injection pour l&#39;accès à l&#39;espace sous-rétinien<i&gt; via</i&gt; Une approche transclérale Postérieur

Subretinal injections have been successfully used in both humans and rodents to deliver therapeutic interventions of proteins, viral agents, and cells to ...

The Rodent Model of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (rNAION)

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a focal ischemic lesion of the optic nerve that affects 1/700 individuals throughout their lifetime. NAION results in optic nerve edema, selective loss of the retinal ganglion cell neurons (RGCs) and atrophy of the optic nerve. A rodent model of NAION that expresses most NAION features and sequelae has been developed, which is applicable to both rats and mice. This model utilizes a focal laser application of 532 nm wavelength to illuminate a photoactive dye, Rose Bengal (RB), to cause capillary damage and leakage at the targeted anterior optic nerve (the laminar region). After rNAION induction, there is an early optic nerve ischemia, optic nerve edema, and intraneural inflammation, followed by selective RGC and axonal loss. Since the optic nerve is a CNS white matter tract, the rNAION model is applicable to mechanistic studies of selective white matter ischemia, as well as neuroprotective analyses and short and long-term mechanisms of glial and neuronal response to ischemia.

The Rodent Model of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy rNAION

The following report describes how to replicate the rodent model of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (rNAION), using the appropriate dye, contact lens and laser parameters. We also reveal the appropriate steps for evaluating the rNAION lesion in vivo.

Le modèle Rongeur de non-artéritique neuropathie optique ischémique antérieure (de rNAION)

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a focal ischemic lesion of the optic nerve that affects 1/700 individuals throughout their ...

Ultrahigh Resolution Mouse Optical Coherence Tomography to Aid Intraocular Injection in Retinal Gene Therapy Research

HR-SD-OCT is utilized to monitor the progression of photoreceptor degeneration in live mouse models, assess the delivery of therapeutic agents into the subretinal space, and to evaluate toxicity and efficacy in vivo. HR-SD-OCT uses near infrared light (800-880 nm) and has optics specifically designed for the unique optics of the mouse eye with sub-2-micron axial resolution. Transgenic mouse models of outer retinal (photoreceptor) degeneration and controls were imaged to assess the disease progression. Pulled glass microneedles were used to deliver sub retinal injections of adeno-associated virus (AAV) or nanoparticles (NP) via a trans-scleral and trans-choroidal approach. Careful positioning of the needle into the subretinal space was required prior to a calibrated pressure injection, which delivers fluid into the sub retinal space. Real time subretinal surgery was conducted on our retinal imaging system (RIS). HR-SD-OCT demonstrated progressive uniform retinal degeneration due to expression of a toxic mutant human mutant rhodopsin (P347S) (RHOP347S) transgene in mice. HR-SD-OCT allows rigorous quantification of all the retinal layers. Outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and photoreceptor outer segment length (OSL) measurements correlate with photoreceptor vitality, degeneration, or rescue. The RIS delivery system allows real-time visualization of subretinal injections in neonatal (~P10-14) or adult mice, and HR-SD-OCT immediately determines success of delivery and maps areal extent. HR-SD-OCT is a powerful tool that can evaluate the success of subretinal surgery in mice, in addition to measuring vitality of photoreceptors in vivo. HR-SD-OCT can also be used to identify uniform animal cohorts to evaluate the extent of retinal degeneration, toxicity, and therapeutic rescue in preclinical gene therapy research studies.

Here we demonstrate a novel approach to using high resolution spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (HR-SD-OCT) to assist delivery of gene therapy agents into the subretinal space, assess its areal coverage, and characterize photoreceptor vitality.

Tomographie à cohérence optique souris ultra haute résolution pour faciliter l’Injection intraoculaire dans la recherche de la thérapie génique rétinienne

HR-SD-OCT is utilized to monitor the progression of photoreceptor degeneration in live mouse models, assess the delivery of therapeutic agents into the ...

Sheath-Preserving Optic Nerve Transection in Rats to Assess Axon Regeneration and Interventions Targeting the Retinal Ganglion Cell Axon

Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons converge at the optic nerve head to convey visual information from the retina to the brain. Pathologies such as glaucoma, trauma, and ischemic optic neuropathies injure RGC axons, disrupt transmission of visual stimuli, and cause vision loss. Animal models simulating RGC axon injury include optic nerve crush and transection paradigms. Each of these models has inherent advantages and disadvantages. An optic nerve crush is generally less severe than a transection and can be used to assay axon regeneration across the lesion site. However, differences in crush force and duration can affect tissue responses, resulting in variable reproducibility and lesion completeness. With optic nerve transection, there is a severe and reproducible injury that completely lesions all axons. However, transecting the optic nerve dramatically alters the blood brain barrier by violating the optic nerve sheath, exposing the optic nerve to the peripheral environment. Moreover, regeneration beyond a transection site cannot be assessed without reapposing the cut nerve ends. Furthermore, distinct degenerative changes and cellular pathways are activated by either a crush or transection injury.
The method described here incorporates the advantages of both optic nerve crush and transection models while mitigating the disadvantages. Hydrostatic pressure delivered into the optic nerve by microinjection completely transects the optic nerve while maintaining the integrity of the optic nerve sheath. The transected optic nerve ends are reapposed to allow for axon regeneration assays. A potential limitation of this method is the inability to visualize the complete transection, a potential source of variability. However, visual confirmation that the visible portion of the optic nerve has been transected is indicative of a complete optic nerve transection with 90-95% success. This method could be applied to assess axon regeneration promoting strategies in a transection model or investigate interventions that target the axonal compartments.

This protocol describes an optic nerve transection that preserves the optic nerve sheath in rats. Hydrostatic pressure from microinjections into the optic nerve generate a complete transection, allowing for sutureless reapposition of the transected optic nerve ends and direct targeting of the axonal compartment in a transection model.

Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons converge at the optic nerve head to convey visual information from the retina to the brain. Pathologies such as ...

Direct Vagus Nerve Injection Protocol For Rats

There is a relative abundance of strategies and methodologies to facilitate drug delivery to the central nervous system. However, drug delivery directly to the peripheral nervous system is less common, with fewer detailed methods publications available to aid researchers. Here, we describe a direct nerve injection method for peripheral nervous system drug delivery, using the vagus nerve as a model nerve. This method can be used in the treatment of autonomic nervous system disorders through targeting of the left vagus nerve, although this general injection method can be extrapolated to injection of other nerves with minor modification. This method explains all critical steps involved in the procedure involving microsurgery in anesthetized adult rats under a dissecting microscope. The use of a tracking dye is described to facilitate the monitoring of injection fidelity in real time. Illustrations of successful and failed injections are provided. If carried out properly, direct vagus nerve injections can be conducted in a safe manner that is well-tolerated by the rat without post-delivery complications. For example, once the surgeons were trained in this method, six out of six rats were successfully injected without any complications. This method of direct nerve injection for preclinical rat studies is capable of delivering agents (including but not limited to gene therapy) to peripheral nerves.

We present a protocol for direct vagus nerve injection in rats, enabling drug delivery directly into the nerve without post-injection complications. This method applies to preclinical neurological studies involving autonomic nervous system manipulation. It can be used for direct nerve injection for other nerves in rats and other species, with necessary modifications.

Protocole d’injection directe du nerf vague pour les rats

There is a relative abundance of strategies and methodologies to facilitate drug delivery to the central nervous system. However, drug delivery directly ...

Transconjunctival Approach for Injection into the Rat Optic Nerve

The rat serves as an important model for studying disorders of the optic nerve, including heritable, traumatic, neoplastic, and autoimmune conditions. Accessing the rat optic nerve for experimental manipulations and injections is challenging due to the small size of the orbit and the vascularity of the surrounding orbital tissues. Previous techniques have involved a cutaneous incision, which carries a higher risk of infection and requires wound closure. This study aims to describe a unique, less invasive, and potentially more efficient approach to accessing the rat optic nerve. A transconjunctival incision, along with a rat spinal cord hook, is used to isolate the optic nerve for experimental injections. In these experiments, an adenoviral vector is injected into the optic nerve with the goal of using this technique for direct gene therapy delivery in the future. This technique can also be applied by investigators requiring access to the rat optic nerve for other experimental studies, including drug delivery and optic nerve injury research.

This protocol describes a unique technique using a transconjunctival approach to access the rat optic nerve for injections.

Approche transconjonctivale pour l’injection dans le nerf optique du rat

The rat serves as an important model for studying disorders of the optic nerve, including heritable, traumatic, neoplastic, and autoimmune conditions. ...

<meta charset="utf8"></head><body>Technique d’injection intracamérale optimisée chez le rat pour réduire les lésions tissulaires

Intracameral Injection in Rats with Low Risk of Adverse Effects

Intracameral injection is a standard administration routine in ophthalmology. The application of intracameral injection in rodents for research is challenging due to the limiting dimensions and anatomy of the eye, including the small aqueous humor volume, the lens curvature, and lens thickness. Potential damage during intracameral injections introduces adverse effects and experimental variability. This protocol describes a procedure for intracameral injection in rats, allowing precision and reproducibility.
Sprague-Dawley rats were used as experimental models. Since the lens position in rats protrudes into the anterior chamber, injecting from the periphery, as done in humans, is unfavorable. Therefore, an incision is created in the central corneal region using a 31 gauge 0.8 mm stiletto blade to form a self-sealing tunnel into the anterior chamber. An incision at&#160;an angle close to the flat allows to create a long tunnel, which minimizes the loss of aqueous humor and shallowing of the anterior chamber. A 34 gauge nanoneedle is inserted into the tunnel for injection. This enables penetration with minimal friction resistance and avoids touching the lens. Injection of trypan-blue allows&#160;visualization&#160;by slit microscopy the presence of the dye in the anterior chamber and exclude leakage. Bioavailability to the corneal endothelial layer is demonstrated by injection of Hoechst dye, which stained the nuclei of corneal endothelial cells after injection.
In conclusion, this protocol implements a procedure for accurate intracameral injection in rats. This procedure may be used for intracameral delivery of various drugs and compounds in experimental rat models, increasing the efficiency and reproducibility of ophthalmic research.

<meta charset="utf8"></head><body>Pleins feux sur l’auteur : Un nouveau protocole pour les injections intracamérulaires afin d’améliorer la précision en ophtalmologie des rongeurs

This protocol describes a technique for intracameral injection in rats using a central corneal incision and a long tunnel into the anterior chamber. This injection method minimizes the risk of inducing inadvertent tissue damage and thereby improves precision and reproducibility.

Technique mini-invasive pour injection dans Rat Optic Nerve

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