Name: in vivo evaluation of the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the rat tongue
Uploaded: 2017-07-06T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue at JoVE.com

This investigation was supported by two National Institutes of Health Grants: HL089447 ("Obesity and OSA: Understanding the Importance of Tongue Fat &amp; Metabolic Function") and HL094307 ("Understanding the Relationship Between Obesity and Tongue Fat")

All the procedures including animal subjects have been approved by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of the University of Pennsylvania (Protocol number 805822).&#160;The described procedure is terminal and does not require the utilization of aseptic conditions or pharmaceutical grade products.
1. Surgical Procedures
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/56006/56006fig1.jpg" /> 
Figu...

<ol>
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P., Konopacki, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Alterations+in+contractile+properties+of+tongue+muscles+in+old+rats.">Alterations in contractile properties of tongue muscles in old rats.</a> Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 114 (10), 799-803 (2005).</li><li>Schwarz, E. C., Thompson, J. M., Connor, N. P., Behan, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Effects+of+Aging+on+Hypoglossal+Motoneurons+in+Rats.">The Effects of Aging on Hypoglossal Motoneurons in Rats.</a> Dysphagia. 24 (1), 40 (2008).</li><li>Pae, E. -. K., Wu, J., Nguyen, D., Monti, R., Harper, R. 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R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In-situ+mechanical+characteristics+of+the+tongue+are+not+altered+in+the+obese+Zucker+rat.">In-situ mechanical characteristics of the tongue are not altered in the obese Zucker rat.</a> Sleep. 32 (7), 957 (2009).</li><li>Brennick, M. J., 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=Tongue+fat+infiltration+in+obese+versus+lean+Zucker+rats.">Tongue fat infiltration in obese versus lean Zucker rats.</a> Sleep. 37 (6), 1095-1102 (2014).</li><li>Stedman, H. H., Sweeney, H. L., Shrager, J. B., Maguire, H. C., Panettieri, R. A., Petrof, B., Narusawa, M., Leferovich, J. M., Sladky, J. T., Kelly, A. 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M. <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+intramuscular+fat+on+skeletal+muscle+mechanics:+implications+for+the+elderly+and+obese.">The effect of intramuscular fat on skeletal muscle mechanics: implications for the elderly and obese.</a> J R Soc Interface. 12 (109), 20150365 (2015).</li><li>Kim, A. 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=Tongue+fat+and+its+relationship+to+obstructive+sleep+apnea.">Tongue fat and its relationship to obstructive sleep apnea.</a> Sleep. 37 (10), 1639-1648 (2014).</li><li>Kim, A. 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Changes in tongue metabolism and/or composition, e.g. tongue fat infiltration as a consequence of obesity, are predicted to cause quantifiable changes of the parameters assessed by our protocol. The quantification of tongue force is of great interest since an imbalance between protrusive and retrusive activity or overall tongue weakening may result in the occlusion of the upper airway15. Exercise techniques aiming to increase tongue strength have been successfully applied in rats<sup clas...

The tongue provides essential support for mastication, deglutition, taste-sensing and speaking. The presence of extrinsic and intrinsic musculature, with distinct innervation and anatomy/function, accounts for the uniqueness of this muscular hydrostat. Recent advances in imaging techniques have provided a more detailed view of its complex anatomy1. Decreased tongue functionality, tongue atrophy, dysphagia, and speech impediments are also common manifestations of myopathic conditions such as Parkinson2, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)3, Myotonic Dystrophy (MD)4 and other myopathies.
Changes in muscle composition associated with common disease states affect the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the tongue. For example, functional analysis of tongue force has uncovered changes in contractile properties associated with aging5,6, hypoxia7,8 and obesity9,10. In the case of muscular dystrophy, increased fibrosis leads to higher muscle stiffness, which translates to lower compliance to deformation when a Lissajous deformation protocol is applied11. Conversely, changes in muscle fat content, like those documented in obese patients, alter both metabolic12 and mechanical properties of skeletal muscle13,14 and are predicted to increase muscle compliance to deformation. Increased tongue fat also correlates with the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in humans17 by increasing tongue volume to the point of partial upper airway occlusion (apnea)15,16. Similarly to humans, tongue fat infiltration has been documented in obese Zucker rats10, suggesting that this model is a valuable tool for studying the effects of fat infiltration on tongue physiology.
Measuring tongue force requires delicate surgical techniques to isolate and bilaterally stimulate the hypoglossal nerves17,18. Such techniques have been previously described in rats5,17,19,20, rabbits21 and humans22,23, yet with limited visual aids to the investigator. Due to its highly technical nature, the availability of a detailed protocol would significantly improve the accessibility and reproducibility of this technique. The goal of our experimental paradigm is to illustrate a valid and reliable technique for measuring strength and viscoelastic properties of the tongue in a rat model. To accomplish this, the rat is anesthetized, the hypoglossal nerves are exposed and the trachea is cannulated to ensure free access to the animal&#39;s tongue. A suture loop then connects the tip of the tongue to a force transducer, capable of controlling both force and length, while two bipolar hook electrodes stimulate the hypoglossal nerves to induce contraction of the tongue. After the force measurement is completed, the length-controlling capabilities of the force transducer are used to rapidly change the length of the tongue, according to a sine-wave protocol with fixed amplitude (Lissajous curves), duration and frequency, allowing one to derive its viscoelastic properties11,24. The protocol will guide the investigator through the dissection steps, the positioning of the animal on the experimental platform, placement of electrodes, and finally to the acquisition and analyses of the force and viscoelasticity data.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="577">
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		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:203px;">SurgiSuite (heated Surgical tray)</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">Kent Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">SurgiSuite-LG</td>
			<td style="width:187px;">Includes heated platform</td>
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			<td height="34" style="height:34px;width:203px;">LED Lighting and Magnification Kit</td>
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			<td style="width:89px;">SURGI- 5003</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:203px;">RC2 Rodent Circuit Controller</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">VetEquip</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">922100</td>
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			<td height="51" style="height:51px;width:203px;">Isoflurane</td>
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			<td style="width:89px;">29405</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:203px;">Alcohol Prep</td>
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			<td style="width:89px;">6818</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:203px;">Cotton-tipped applicators</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:203px;">Hair remover lotion</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:203px;">D-PBS</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">Corning</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">21-030-CM</td>
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			<td height="34" style="height:34px;width:203px;">Hemostatic Forceps</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">Merit</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">97-458</td>
			<td style="width:187px;">Any tissue forceps can be used instead</td>
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		<tr height="51">
			<td height="51" style="height:51px;width:203px;">Microdissecting Forceps, Angled, Serrated, 10.2cm, SS</td>
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			<td style="width:89px;">504479</td>
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			<td style="width:89px;">12075-14</td>
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			<td height="34" style="height:34px;width:203px;">Thermal cautery</td>
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			<td style="width:187px;">Disposable cauteries are available at lower cost</td>
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			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:203px;">IV 14g x 3.25&#34; cannula</td>
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			<td style="width:89px;">B-D382268H</td>
			<td style="width:187px;">For tracheal cannulation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="34">
			<td height="34" style="height:34px;width:203px;">Braided silk non-absorbable suture size 4-0</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">Harvard Apparatus</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">SP104</td>
			<td style="width:187px;">For stabilization of the tracheal cannula</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="34">
			<td height="34" style="height:34px;width:203px;">Braided non-absorbable silk 5/0 suture</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">Surgik LC, USA</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">ESILRC15387550</td>
			<td style="width:187px;">For suturing the tongue</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="34">
			<td height="34" style="height:34px;width:203px;">Plastic-coated metal twist-tie (or electrical wire)</td>
			<td style="width:99px;"></td>
			<td style="width:89px;"></td>
			<td style="width:187px;">For securing the rat&#39;s nose to the platform</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:203px;">Camera stick</td>
			<td style="width:99px;"></td>
			<td style="width:89px;"></td>
			<td style="width:187px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="34">
			<td height="34" style="height:34px;width:203px;">3 way-swivel and Trilene 9Kg test monofilament line</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">Berkley</td>
			<td style="width:89px;"></td>
			<td style="width:187px;">For securing the jaw and maintaining the mouth open</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="51">
			<td height="51" style="height:51px;width:203px;">Camera stick with adjustable angle</td>
			<td style="width:99px;"></td>
			<td style="width:89px;"></td>
			<td style="width:187px;">For supporting the 3 way-swivel and maintaining the mouth open.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="85">
			<td height="85" style="height:85px;width:203px;">in situ Muscle Test System</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">Aurora Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">809C</td>
			<td style="width:187px;">This system is designed for mice and was modified by extending the platform. Alternatively the rat-specific 806D system can be used.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="119">
			<td height="119" style="height:119px;width:203px;">Dual-Mode Muscle lever (force transducer)</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">Aurora Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">305C-LR</td>
			<td style="width:187px;">309C offers higher excursion capabilities than 305C-LR. Link for more information and specifications: http://aurorascientific.com/products/muscle-physiology/dual-mode-muscle-levers/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="34">
			<td height="34" style="height:34px;width:203px;">Needle Electrodes (surgical steel, 29 gauge)</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">AD Instruments</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">MLA1204</td>
			<td style="width:187px;">300C is recommended for use in mice.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="51">
			<td height="51" style="height:51px;width:203px;">Magnetic Stands</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">M10</td>
			<td style="width:187px;">Used for making the bipolar stimulating hook electrodes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="51">
			<td height="51" style="height:51px;width:203px;">Kite Manual Micromanipulator</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">KITE-R and KITE-L</td>
			<td style="width:187px;">Require a steel plate</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="34">
			<td height="34" style="height:34px;width:203px;">Stackable Double Binding Post with Banana Jack x BNC Jack</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">McMaster Carr</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">6704K13</td>
			<td style="width:187px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="35">
			<td height="35" style="height:35px;width:203px;">Carbon fiber composites digital caliper</td>
			<td style="width:99px;">VWR</td>
			<td style="width:89px;">36934-152</td>
			<td style="width:187px;"></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

in vivo evaluation of the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the rat tongue

The tongue is a highly innervated and vascularized muscle hydrostat on the floor of the mouth of most vertebrates. Its primary functions include supporting mastication and deglutition, as well as taste-sensing and phonetics. Accordingly, the strength and volume of the tongue can impact the ability of vertebrates to accomplish basic activities such as feeding, communicating, and breathing. Human patients with sleep apnea have enlarged tongues, characterized by reduced muscle tone and increased intramuscular fat that can be visualized and quantified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The abilities to measure force generation and viscoelastic properties of the tongue constitute important tools for obtaining functional information to correlate with imaging data. Here, we present techniques for measuring tongue force production in anesthetized Zucker rats via electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerves and for determining the viscoelastic properties of the tongue by applying passive Lissajous force/deformation curves.

<img alt="Figure 3" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/56006/56006fig3.jpg" /> 
Figure 3: Representative Results. 
(A) Examples of successful twitch and tetanic force traces. The corresponding stimulation is represented by the red trace. (B) Example of unsuccessful tongue tetanic contractions due to submaximal contraction (blue trace) and indirect stimulation of the neck muscles. Both conditions may be improved by reposition...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue at JoVE.com

In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue

We describe a surgical procedure in an anesthetized rat model for determining the muscle tone and viscoelastic properties of the tongue. The procedure involves specific stimulation of the hypoglossal nerves and application of passive Lissajous force/deformation curves to the muscle.

In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue

The tongue is a highly innervated and vascularized muscle hydrostat on the floor of the mouth of most vertebrates. Its primary functions include ...

The overall goal of this procedure is to assess the strength and viscoelastic properties of the tongue in anesthetized rats. This method can help answer key questions in the field of sleep disordered breathing, about obstructive sleep apnea. The main advantages of this technique are the fields quantitative data regarding muscle performance and with appropriate training, it can be easily undertaken using the curb pen that's commonly found in most muscle mechanics laboratories.Those method can provide insight into the physiology and mechanics of the rat tongue. It can also be applied to other systems including, mouse models. We first had the idea for this methodology when we were evaluating how fat accumulation at the base of the tongue can alter the mechanical properties of this muscle.After confirming the appropriate level of sedation by a lack of response to toe pinch, use a pair of operating scissors to resect an oval area of skin over the neck of the rat and remove the skin. Blunt dissect through any fat tissue, the sublingual and submaxillary glands and the muscle layer surrounding the trachea. Using electrocautery, resect the digastric muscle proximal to the hyoid bone in the possible contact sites around the nerve.Then, add a drop of mineral oil onto the nerve to protect it from dehydration. Use a pair of fine forceps to dissect the hypoglossal nerve from the surrounding flesh. Using a hook to make sure that at least three millimeters of the nerve are available for connecting to the bipolar electrode.Using micro hemastatic forceps, crush the hypoglossal nerve as distally from the hyoid bone as possible, to avoid retrograde propagation of the stimulus with five seconds of gentle pressure. When the hemastatic grasps the nerve, a brief twitch at the base of the tongue should be visible. Then, repeat the identification and nerve disruption on the other side.To intubate the trachea, first, gently blunt dissect the smooth muscle surrounding the trachea, to expose the tracheal tissue. Next, use a pair of suture tying forceps to carefully lift the trachea and pass a four zero suture underneath the trachea, close to the thorax. Tie an initial loose knot between the sixth and seventh ring from the larynx and slide the stem of a mineral oil lubricated transfer pipette under the trachea.When the pipette is in place, make a small incision between the fourth and fifth rings from the larynx. With the canella connected to the anesthesia, insert the canella gently into the incision for a depth of approximately, five rings. Secure the canella to the suture to create an airtight seal and use suture tying forceps to carefully grasp the tongue.Then, pass a PBS soaked 20 centimeter long silk black braided, five zero suture medially through the tip of the tongue and tie an approximately four centimeters wide loop in the suture. To determine the isometric force and viscoelastic properties of the tongue, place the animal in the supine position in the heated tray of the incisu muscle test system and use a plastic coated metal twist tie to secure the nose of the animal to the tray. Insert a three way swivel tied to a nine kilogram text monofilament line, to maintain the mouth in the open position, and connect the suture loop, to the force transducer.Tape the limbs and the abdomen to immobilize the animal during the stimulations and connect a custom made stimulating hook by polar electrode to each hypoglossal nerve. Use a stackable double binding post to convert the two banana terminals of each electrode into a single BNC connector. Then, use a BNC splitter to connect the electrodes to the stimulator mode of the apparatus.After confirming that the neck and tongue are aligned with the lever of the force transducer, gradually adjust the length of the tongue and apply twitch stimulations until a maximal force is obtained. Once the maximal twitch force is obtained, use a vernier caliper to measure the tongue length from the insertion at the hyoid bone to the tip of the tongue. To measure isometric force, apply a twitch, follow 20 seconds later by a tetanic stimulation, recording the maximal twitch and tetanic forces.To determine the viscoelastic properties of the tongue, without changing the position of the animal, three to five minutes after the isometric force determination, apply cycles of passive stretches with increasing displacement from the optimal length without stimulating the hypoglossal nerves. Here, the expected values for the twitch and tetanic forces in a three month old Zucker rat, are shown. The tetanic force developed following stimulation, should quickly peak.Followed by a slow decrease until the stimulation stops. In this graph, unsuccessful contractions in which the fourth generation did not reach a plateau level before the end of the stimulation, or in which the stimulus triggered contraction of the neck muscles, can be observed. These representative Lissajous work loops of length and force traces, were obtained by stretching the tongue from 5%to 50%of the optimal length.The loops can then be combined to generate typical Lissajous loop traces. Once mastered, this technique can completed in approximately one and a half hours if it is performed properly. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to expose and isolate the hypoglossal nerves and how to determine the mechanical viscoelastic properties of the tongue.Thanks for watching and good luck with your experiments.

in-vivo-evaluation-mechanical-viscoelastic-properties-rat

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Quantitative Visualization and Detection of Skin Cancer Using Dynamic Thermal Imaging

In 2010 approximately 68,720 melanomas will be diagnosed in the US alone, with around 8,650 resulting in death 1. To date, the only effective treatment for melanoma remains surgical excision, therefore, the key to extended survival is early detection 2,3. Considering the large numbers of patients diagnosed every year and the limitations in accessing specialized care quickly, the development of objective in vivo diagnostic instruments to aid the diagnosis is essential. New techniques to detect skin cancer, especially non-invasive diagnostic tools, are being explored in numerous laboratories. Along with the surgical methods, techniques such as digital photography, dermoscopy, multispectral imaging systems (MelaFind), laser-based systems (confocal scanning laser microscopy, laser doppler perfusion imaging, optical coherence tomography), ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, are being tested. Each technique offers unique advantages and disadvantages, many of which pose a compromise between effectiveness and accuracy versus ease of use and cost considerations. Details about these techniques and comparisons are available in the literature 4.
Infrared (IR) imaging was shown to be a useful method to diagnose the signs of certain diseases by measuring the local skin temperature. There is a large body of evidence showing that disease or deviation from normal functioning are accompanied by changes of the temperature of the body, which again affect the temperature of the skin 5,6. Accurate data about the temperature of the human body and skin can provide a wealth of information on the processes responsible for heat generation and thermoregulation, in particular the deviation from normal conditions, often caused by disease. However, IR imaging has not been widely recognized in medicine due to the premature use of the technology 7,8 several decades ago, when temperature measurement accuracy and the spatial resolution were inadequate and sophisticated image processing tools were unavailable. This situation changed dramatically in the late 1990s-2000s. Advances in IR instrumentation, implementation of digital image processing algorithms and dynamic IR imaging, which enables scientists to analyze not only the spatial, but also the temporal thermal behavior of the skin 9, allowed breakthroughs in the field.
In our research, we explore the feasibility of IR imaging, combined with theoretical and experimental studies, as a cost effective, non-invasive, in vivo optical measurement technique for tumor detection, with emphasis on the screening and early detection of melanoma 10-13. In this study, we show data obtained in a patient study in which patients that possess a pigmented lesion with a clinical indication for biopsy are selected for imaging. We compared the difference in thermal responses between healthy and malignant tissue and compared our data with biopsy results. We concluded that the increased metabolic activity of the melanoma lesion can be detected by dynamic infrared imaging.

We demonstrated that malignant pigmented lesions with increased metabolic activity generate quantifiable amounts of heat and the measurement of the transient thermal response of the skin to a cooling excitation allows quantitative identification of melanoma and other skin cancers (vs. non-proliferative nevi) at an early stage of the disease.

In 2010 approximately 68,720 melanomas will be diagnosed in the US alone, with around 8,650 resulting in death 1. To date, the only effective treatment ...

The Spared Nerve Injury (SNI) Model of Induced Mechanical Allodynia in Mice

Peripheral neuropathic pain is a severe chronic pain condition which may result from trauma to sensory nerves in the peripheral nervous system. The spared nerve injury (SNI) model induces symptoms of neuropathic pain such as mechanical allodynia i.e. pain due to tactile stimuli that do not normally provoke a painful response [1]. 
The SNI mouse model involves ligation of two of the three branches of the sciatic nerve (the tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve), while the sural nerve is left intact [2]. The lesion results in marked hypersensitivity in the lateral area of the paw, which is innervated by the spared sural nerve. The non-operated side of the mouse can be used as a control. The advantages of the SNI model are the robustness of the response and that it doesn&#x2019;t require expert microsurgical skills.
The threshold for mechanical pain response is determined by testing with von Frey filaments of increasing bending force, which are repetitively pressed against the lateral area of the paw [3], [4]. A positive pain reaction is defined as sudden paw withdrawal, flinching and/or paw licking induced by the filament. A positive response in three out of five repetitive stimuli is defined as the pain threshold. 
As demonstrated in the video protocol, C57BL/6 mice experience profound allodynia as early as the day following surgery and maintain this for several weeks.

The Spared Nerve Injury SNI Model of Induced Mechanical Allodynia in Mice

The Spared Nerve Injury animal model is described here as a mouse model of peripheral neuropathic pain following partial denervation of the sciatic nerve by lesioning the tibial and common peroneal nerve branches, leaving the remaining sural nerve intact. Behavioral modification resulting from mechanical allodynia is quantified by von Frey filaments.

Peripheral neuropathic pain is a severe chronic pain condition which may result from trauma to sensory nerves in the peripheral nervous system. The spared ...

Handling of the Cotton Rat in Studies for the Pre-clinical Evaluation of Oncolytic Viruses

Oncolytic viruses are a novel anticancer therapy with the ability to target tumor cells, while leaving healthy cells intact. For this strategy to be successful, recent studies have shown that involvement of the host immune system is essential. Therefore, oncolytic virotherapy should be evaluated within the context of an immunocompetent model. Furthermore, the study of antitumor therapies in tolerized animal models may better recapitulate results seen in clinical trials. Cotton rats, commonly used to study respiratory viruses, are an attractive model to study oncolytic virotherapy as syngeneic models of mammary carcinoma and osteosarcoma are well established. However, there is a lack of published information on the proper handling procedure for these highly excitable rodents. The handling and capture approach outlined minimizes animal stress to facilitate experimentation. This technique hinges upon the ability of the researcher to keep calm during handling and perform procedures in a timely fashion. Finally, we describe how to prepare cotton rat mammary tumor cells for consistent subcutaneous tumor formation, and how to perform intratumoral and intraperitoneal injections. These methods can be applied to a wide range of studies furthering the development of the cotton rat as a relevant pre-clinical model to study antitumor therapy.

Cotton rats are extremely excitable and have a strong flight-or-fight response. A handling method optimized to reduce the stress of the animals is described which will make cotton rats more accessible as a preclinical model.

Oncolytic viruses are a novel anticancer therapy with the ability to target tumor cells, while leaving healthy cells intact.  For this strategy to be ...

Re-Arterialized Rat Partial Liver Transplantation with an in vivo Vessel-Oriented 70% Hepatectomy

Split liver transplantation and living liver donor liver transplantation were developed in the clinic to utilize liver organs in a more efficient manner. To better understand the mechanism behind these surgical procedures, a rat partial liver transplantation (PLTx) model was established for relevant surgical studies. Because of the complexity of the rat PLTx model, a protocol with detailed descriptions is required. An article published previously reported a protocol in which ex vivo hepatectomy was used to achieve 50% rat PLTx. In contrast to this protocol, we introduced a re-arterialized PLTx with an in vivo 70% hepatectomy. An updated vessel-oriented hepatectomy was incorporated into the rat PLTx to refine the microsurgical procedure. The portal veins and hepatic arteries of the left lateral lobe and the median lobe were individually dissected and ligated before removal of the liver parenchyma, thereby decreasing the probability of bleeding in the remnant liver stump. Furthermore, an end-to-side vessel anastomosis between the common hepatic artery and the enlarged proper hepatic artery was introduced to re-arterialize the hepatic artery. By using this end-to-side vessel anastomosis technique, the diameter of the anastomosis was enlarged, thereby decreasing the difficulty of hand suture and maintaining a high rate of anastomotic patency. Moreover, the cuff anastomosis of the infrahepatic vena cava was slightly modified. A section of circumferential liver parenchyma around the vena cava of a recipient was preserved during cuff anastomosis to maintain the three-dimensional shape of the vascular lumen. This section of liver parenchyma was removed after completing the anastomosis. With this modification, the step involving placement of stay sutures was omitted, thereby further shortening the cuff anastomosis time. By using this protocol of rat PLTx, a low liver enzyme level, an intact liver lobular architecture and a high survival rate were achieved after microsurgery.

Re-Arterialized Rat Partial Liver Transplantation with an in vivo Vessel-Oriented 70% Hepatectomy

Here, a protocol involving re-arterialized rat partial liver transplantation is presented. Specifically, 70% liver was resected in vivo by using an updated technique of vessel-oriented hepatectomy. The hepatic artery was reconstructed in an end-to-side manner. The cuff technique was modified to shorten the anastomosis time of the infrahepatic vena cava.

Split liver transplantation and living liver donor liver transplantation were developed in the clinic to utilize liver organs in a more efficient manner. ...

Evaluation of Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation in the Rat Using Laser Doppler Flowmetry

When investigating the body&#39;s mechanisms for regulating cerebral blood flow, a relative measurement of microcirculatory blood flow can be obtained using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). This paper demonstrates a closed skull preparation that allows cerebral blood flow to be assessed without penetrating the skull or installing a chamber or cerebral window. To evaluate autoregulatory mechanisms, a model of controlled blood pressure reduction via graded hemorrhage can be utilized while simultaneously employing LDF. This enables the real time tracking of the relative changes in the blood flow in response to reductions in arterial blood pressure produced by the withdrawal of circulating blood volume. This paradigm is a valuable approach to study cerebral blood flow autoregulation during reductions in arterial blood pressure and, with minor modifications in the protocol, is also valuable as an experimental model of hemorrhagic shock. In addition to evaluating autoregulatory responses, LDF can be used to monitor the cortical blood flow when investigating metabolic, myogenic, endothelial, humoral, or neural mechanisms that regulate cerebral blood flow and the impact of various experimental interventions and pathological conditions on cerebral blood flow.

This article demonstrates the use of laser Doppler flowmetry to evaluate the ability of the cerebral circulation to autoregulate its blood flow during reductions in arterial blood pressure.

When investigating the body&#39;s mechanisms for regulating cerebral blood flow, a relative measurement of microcirculatory blood flow can be obtained ...

A Probing Device for Quantitatively Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Soft Tissues during Arthroscopy

Probing in arthroscopic surgery is performed by pulling or pushing the soft tissue, which provides feedback for understanding the condition of the soft tissue. However, the output is only qualitative based on the &#8220;surgeon&#8217;s feeling&#8221;. Herein is described a probing device developed to address this issue by measuring the resistance of soft tissues quantitatively with a tri-axial force sensor. Under both conditions (i.e., pull- and push-probing certain tissues mimicking the acetabular labrum and cartilage), this probing device is found to be useful for measuring some mechanical properties in joints during arthroscopy.

Probing during arthroscopy surgery is normally done to assess the condition of the soft tissue, but this approach has always been subjective and qualitative. This report describes a probing device that can measure the resistance of the soft tissue quantitatively with a tri-axial force sensor during arthroscopy.

Probing in arthroscopic surgery is performed by pulling or pushing the soft tissue, which provides feedback for understanding the condition of the soft ...

Biological Preparation and Mechanical Technique for Determining Viscoelastic Properties of Zonular Fibers

Elasticity is essential to the function of tissues such as blood vessels, muscles, and lungs. This property is derived mostly from the extracellular matrix (ECM), the protein meshwork that binds cells and tissues together. How the elastic properties of an ECM network relate to its composition, and whether the relaxation properties of the ECM play a physiological role, are questions that have yet to be fully addressed. Part of the challenge lies in the complex architecture of most ECM systems and the difficulty in isolating ECM components without compromising their structure. One exception is the zonule, an ECM system found in the eye of vertebrates. The zonule comprises fibers hundreds to thousands of micrometers in length that span the cell-free space between the lens and the eyewall. In this report, we describe a mechanical technique that takes advantage of the highly organized structure of the zonule to quantify its viscoelastic properties and to determine the contribution of individual protein components. The method involves dissection of a fixed eye to expose the lens and the zonule and employs a pull-up technique that stretches the zonular fibers equally while their tension is monitored. The technique is relatively inexpensive yet sensitive enough to detect alterations in viscoelastic properties of zonular fibers in mice lacking specific zonular proteins or with aging. Although the method presented here is designed primarily for studying ocular development and disease, it could also serve as an experimental model for exploring broader questions regarding the viscoelastic properties of elastic ECM&#39;s and the role of external factors such as ionic concentration, temperature, and interactions with signaling molecules.

The protocol describes a method for the study of extracellular matrix viscoelasticity and its dependence on protein composition or environmental factors. The matrix system targeted is the mouse zonule. The performance of the method is demonstrated by comparing the viscoelastic behavior of wild-type zonular fibers with those lacking microfibril-associated glycoprotein-1.

Elasticity is essential to the function of tissues such as blood vessels, muscles, and lungs. This property is derived mostly from the extracellular ...

Ex Vivo and In Vivo Animal Models for Mechanical and Chemical Injuries of Corneal Epithelium

Corneal injury to the ocular surface, including chemical burn and trauma, may cause severe scarring, symblepharon, corneal limbal stem cells deficiency, and result in a large, persistent corneal epithelial defect. Epithelial defect with the following corneal opacity and peripheral neovascularization result in irreversible visual impairment and hinder future management, especially keratoplasty. Since the animal model can be used as an effective drug development platform, models of corneal injury to the mouse and alkali burn to rabbit corneal epithelium are developed here. New Zealand white rabbit is used in the alkali burn model. Different concentrations of sodium hydroxide can be applied onto the central circular area of the cornea for 30 s under intramuscular and topical anesthesia. After copious isotonic normal saline irrigation, residual loose corneal epithelium was removed with corneal burr deep down to the Bowman's layer within this circular area. Wound healing was documented by fluorescein staining under Cobalt blue light. C57BL/6 mice were used in the traumatic model of murine corneal epithelium. The murine central cornea was marked using a skin punch, 2 mm in diameter, and then debrided by a corneal rust ring remover with a 0.5 mm burr under a stereomicroscope. These models can be prospectively used to validate the therapeutic effect of eye drops or mixed agents such as stem cells, which potentially facilitate corneal epithelial regeneration. By observing corneal opacity, peripheral neovascularization, and conjunctival congestion with stereomicroscope and imaging software, therapeutic effects in these animal models can be monitored.

Ex Vivo and In Vivo Animal Models for Mechanical and Chemical Injuries of Corneal Epithelium

Here, animal models based on mouse and rabbit are developed for mechanical and chemical injury of corneal epithelium to screen new therapeutics and the underlying mechanism.

Corneal injury to the ocular surface, including chemical burn and trauma, may cause severe scarring, symblepharon, corneal limbal stem cells deficiency, ...

Repetitive Blood Sampling from the Subclavian Vein of Conscious Rat

Rats are widely used in pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies that need to collect a certain amount of blood at specific time points to detect drug exposure. The rat blood sampling method determines the quality of the plasma and further affects the precision of the test results. The subclavian vein blood collection method described in this protocol collects blood samples repeatedly in the conscious state of animals to meet the needs of PK and TK tests. The skills of restraint handling and appropriate procedure of needle incision ensure the success rate of blood collection. It is easy to operate while ensuring the quality of plasma and at the same time catering to animal welfare. However, this method requires skilled operation, and an improper one may cause animal weakness, pain, lameness, and even mortality. The current method has been used in the testing facility for a 4-week oral toxicity study in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with TK. The maximum amount of blood collected within 24 h did not exceed 20% of the animal's total blood. The animals' body weight was more than 200 g for males and females. The data showed that the animals' bodyweight increased steadily every week, and the clinical observation was normal after repetitive sample collection.

The present protocol describes a simple and efficient method for collecting blood from the subclavian vein in rats. It enables rapid, timely, and easily identifiable sampling without anesthesia and obtains high-quality blood through repetitive sample collection.

Rats are widely used in pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies that need to collect a certain amount of blood at specific time points to ...

Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer

In muco-obstructive lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis) and other respiratory conditions (e.g., viral/bacterial infections), mucus biophysical properties are altered by goblet cell hypersecretion, airway dehydration, oxidative stress, and the presence of extracellular DNA. Previous studies showed that sputum viscoelasticity correlated with pulmonary function and that treatments affecting sputum rheology (e.g., mucolytics) can result in remarkable clinical benefits. In general, rheological measurements of non-Newtonian fluids employ elaborate, time-consuming approaches (e.g., parallel/cone-plate rheometers and/or microbead particle tracking) that require extensive training to perform the assay and interpret the data. This study tested the reliability, reproducibility, and sensitivity of Rheomuco, a user-friendly benchtop device that is designed to perform rapid measurements using dynamic oscillation with a shear-strain sweep to provide linear viscoelastic moduli (G&#39;, G&#34;, G*, and tan &#948;) and gel point characteristics (&#947;c&#160;and &#963;c) for clinical samples within 5 min. Device performance was validated using different concentrations of a mucus simulant, 8 MDa polyethylene oxide (PEO), and against traditional bulk rheology measurements. A clinical isolate harvested from an intubated patient with status asthmaticus (SA) was then assessed in triplicate measurements and the coefficient of variation between measurements is &#60;10%. Ex vivo use of a potent mucus reducing agent, TCEP, on SA mucus resulted in a five-fold decrease in elastic modulus and a change toward a more &#34;liquid-like&#34; behavior overall (e.g., higher tan &#948;). Together, these results demonstrate that the tested benchtop rheometer can make reliable measures of mucus viscoelasticity in clinical and research settings. In summary, the described protocol could be used to explore the effects of mucoactive drugs (e.g., rhDNase, N-acetyl cysteine) onsite to adapt treatment on a case-by-case basis, or in preclinical studies of novel compounds.

The viscoelastic properties of mucus play a critical role in mucociliary clearance. However, traditional mucus rheological techniques require complex and time-consuming approaches. This study provides a detailed protocol for the use of a benchtop rheometer that can rapidly and reliably perform viscoelastic measurements.