Name: murine model of central venous stenosis using aortocaval fistula with an outflow stenosis
Uploaded: 2019-07-11T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Murine Model of Central Venous Stenosis using Aortocaval Fistula with an Outflow Stenosis at JoVE.com

This work was supported by US National Institute of Health (NIH) Grant R01-HL128406; the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Program Merit Review Award I01-BX002336; as well as with the resources and the use of facilities at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT.

All experiments were performed with approval from the Yale University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
1. Anesthesia and pre-operative procedures
<ol>
	<li>Sterilize all surgical instruments and materials by autoclaving. Turn on the thermal support device to be certain it is warm (40&#8211;42 &#176;C).</li>
	<li>Place a 9&#8211;11-week old C57BL/6 mouse into an acrylic induction chamber and anesthetize it with vaporized 2.5% isoflurane and 0.8 L/min oxygen. Anesthesia ind...

<ol>
	<li>Dember, L. 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=Effect+of+clopidogrel+on+early+failure+of+arteriovenous+fistulas+for+hemodialysis:+a+randomized+controlled+trial.">Effect of clopidogrel on early failure of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial.</a> JAMA. 299 (18), 2164-2171 (2008).</li><li>Dixon, B. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Why+don't+fistulas+mature?.">Why don't fistulas mature?.</a> Kidney International. 70 (8), 1413-1422 (2006).</li><li>Wilmink, T., Hollingworth, L., Powers, S., Allen, C., Dasgupta, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Natural+History+of+Common+Autologous+Arteriovenous+Fistulae:+Consequences+for+Planning+of+Dialysis.">Natural History of Common Autologous Arteriovenous Fistulae: Consequences for Planning of Dialysis.</a> European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. 51 (1), 134-140 (2016).</li><li>Al-Jaishi, A. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Patency+rates+of+the+arteriovenous+fistula+for+hemodialysis:+a+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis.">Patency rates of the arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.</a> American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 63 (3), 464-478 (2014).</li><li>Rocco, M. V., Bleyer, A. J., Burkart, J. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Utilization+of+inpatient+and+outpatient+resources+for+the+management+of+hemodialysis+access+complications.">Utilization of inpatient and outpatient resources for the management of hemodialysis access complications.</a> American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 28 (2), 250-256 (1996).</li><li>Roy-Chaudhury, P., Sukhatme, V. P., Cheung, A. 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B., Arici, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Arteriovenous+Fistulas+and+Their+Characteristic+Sites+of+Stenosis.">Arteriovenous Fistulas and Their Characteristic Sites of Stenosis.</a> AJR: American Journal of Roentgenology. 205 (4), 726-734 (2015).</li><li>Kian, K., Asif, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cephalic+arch+stenosis.">Cephalic arch stenosis.</a> Semin Dial. 21 (1), 78-82 (2008).</li><li>Agarwal, A. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Central+vein+stenosis.">Central vein stenosis.</a> American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 61 (6), 1001-1015 (2013).</li><li>Glanz, 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=Axillary+and+subclavian+vein+stenosis:+percutaneous+angioplasty.">Axillary and subclavian vein stenosis: percutaneous angioplasty.</a> Radiology. 168 (2), 371-373 (1988).</li><li>Yamamoto, 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=The+mouse+aortocaval+fistula+recapitulates+human+arteriovenous+fistula+maturation.">The mouse aortocaval fistula recapitulates human arteriovenous fistula maturation.</a> American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 305 (12), H1718-H1725 (2013).</li><li>North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Methods,+patient+characteristics,+and+progress.">Methods, patient characteristics, and progress.</a> Stroke. 22 (6), 711-720 (1991).</li><li>Kuwahara, G., 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=CD44+Promotes+Inflammation+and+Extracellular+Matrix+Production+During+Arteriovenous+Fistula+Maturation.">CD44 Promotes Inflammation and Extracellular Matrix Production During Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation.</a> Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 37 (6), 1147-1156 (2017).</li><li>Protack, C. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Eph-B4+regulates+adaptive+venous+remodeling+to+improve+arteriovenous+fistula+patency.">Eph-B4 regulates adaptive venous remodeling to improve arteriovenous fistula patency.</a> Scientific Reports. 7 (1), 15386 (2017).</li><li>Payne, H., Brill, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stenosis+of+the+Inferior+Vena+Cava:+A+Murine+Model+of+Deep+Vein+Thrombosis.">Stenosis of the Inferior Vena Cava: A Murine Model of Deep Vein Thrombosis.</a> J Vis Exp. (130), (2017).</li><li>Nam, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Partial+carotid+ligation+is+a+model+of+acutely+induced+disturbed+flow,+leading+to+rapid+endothelial+dysfunction+and+atherosclerosis.">Partial carotid ligation is a model of acutely induced disturbed flow, leading to rapid endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.</a> American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 297 (4), H1535-H1543 (2009).</li><li>Ene-Iordache, B., Remuzzi, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Disturbed+flow+in+radial-cephalic+arteriovenous+fistulae+for+haemodialysis:+low+and+oscillating+shear+stress+locates+the+sites+of+stenosis.">Disturbed flow in radial-cephalic arteriovenous fistulae for haemodialysis: low and oscillating shear stress locates the sites of stenosis.</a> Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation. 27 (1), 358-368 (2012).</li><li>Yamamoto, 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=Disturbed+shear+stress+reduces+Klf2+expression+in+arterial-venous+fistulae+in+vivo.">Disturbed shear stress reduces Klf2 expression in arterial-venous fistulae in vivo.</a> Physiological reports. 3, (2015).</li><li>Remuzzi, A., Ene-Iordache, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Novel+paradigms+for+dialysis+vascular+access:+upstream+hemodynamics+and+vascular+remodeling+in+dialysis+access+stenosis.">Novel paradigms for dialysis vascular access: upstream hemodynamics and vascular remodeling in dialysis access stenosis.</a> Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 8 (12), 2186-2193 (2013).</li></ol>

The murine AVF model has been used to study the basic mechanisms and molecular events leading to AVF maturation13,14. In this study, we modified an established murine AVF model to create a novel murine aortocaval fistula model with an IVC stenosis in the outflow tract of the fistula. Our ligation model is similar to several previously described murine models that use vascular ligation. A murine model of deep vein thrombosis was created using partial IVC ligation ...

Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are the most common accesses for hemodialysis, with superior patency and reduced infection compared to other accesses such as grafts or central venous catheters. However, up to 60% of AVF fail to mature1,2,3; a recent systematic review reported that primary patency rates at 1 year were only 60%4. Stenosis along the venous outflow predominantly causes failure of AVF maturation5,6. There are certain characteristic locations prone to stenosis proximal to the fistula: the juxtaanastomotic swing segment for the radiocephalic fistula, the cephalic arch region for the brachiocephalic fistula and the central vein for the fistula with previously placed ipsilateral subclavian or internal jugular vein catheters7,8.
Central venous stenosis is often asymptomatic in patients without an AVF, but can cause ipsilateral extremity edema by venous hypertension as well as failure of fistula maturation when challenged by fistula flow9. The pathophysiology of central venous stenosis is most likely related to inflammation and the activated coagulation cascade after device placement. Furthermore, constant movement of the catheter tip as well as increased flow from the fistula can alter shear stress, resulting in platelet deposition and venous wall thickening10. To understand the basic mechanisms underlying AVF failure caused by central venous stenosis, an animal model mimicking central venous stenosis with an AVF is required.
We have established a murine aortocaval fistula model that is easy to perform and master and recapitulates the clinical course of human AVF.11 We applied the concepts and technique of several previously established murine models to create a novel murine AVF model with venous stenosis. We introduce a murine aortocaval fistula model with an IVC stenosis in the outflow fistula that can be used for the study of central venous stenosis.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>20-60 Mhz scan head</td>
			<td>VisualSonics Inc.</td>
			<td>RMV-704</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8-0 Sterile Micro Suture, 6mm (140 &#181;), 3/8 Circle, TAP Point Needle</td>
			<td>AROSuture</td>
			<td>T06A08N14-13</td>
			<td>polyamide monofilament sutures</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Induction Chamber, 2 Liter 
			3.75&#34;W x 9.00&#34;D x 3.75&#34;H</td>
			<td>VetEquip</td>
			<td>941444</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isoflo, Isoflurane liquid</td>
			<td>Zoetis</td>
			<td>26675-46-7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mice, C57BL/6J</td>
			<td>The Jackson Laboratory</td>
			<td>664</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad</td>
			<td>Snuggle Safe</td>
			<td>6250</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PrecisionGlide Needle 25G</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>305122</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surflo I.V. Catheter 22G</td>
			<td>Terumo</td>
			<td>SR-OX2225CA</td>
			<td>0.85mm outer diameter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vascular clamp</td>
			<td>Roboz Surgical Instrument</td>
			<td>RS-5424</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vevo770 High Resolution Imaging System</td>
			<td>VisualSonics Inc.</td>
			<td>770</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

murine model of central venous stenosis using aortocaval fistula with an outflow stenosis

Central venous stenosis is an important entity contributing to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. A murine AVF model was modified to create a partial ligation of the inferior vena cava (IVC) in the outflow of the fistula, mimicking central venous stenosis. Technical aspects of this model are introduced. The aorta and IVC are exposed, following an abdominal incision. The infra-renal aorta and IVC are dissected for proximal clamping, and the distal aorta is exposed for puncture. The IVC at the midpoint between the left renal vein and the aortic bifurcation is carefully dissected to place an 8-0 suture beneath the IVC. After clamping the aorta and IVC, an AVF is created by puncturing the infra-renal aorta through both walls into the IVC with a 25 G needle, followed by ligating a 22 G intra-venous (IV) catheter and IVC together. The catheter is then removed, creating a reproducible venous stenosis without occlusion. The aorta and IVC are unclamped after confirming primary hemostasis. This novel model of central vein stenosis is easy to perform, reproducible, and will facilitate studies on AVF failure.

Male mice underwent the operation mentioned above to create both an AVF and an IVC stenosis. Control mice underwent only laparotomy and dissection of the tissues surrounding the IVC, e.g., a sham procedure, or only creation of an IVC stenosis without simultaneous creation of an AVF.
The IVC was observed with Doppler ultrasound on day 7 after the surgical procedure (Figure 2). The fistula and stenosi...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Murine Model of Central Venous Stenosis using Aortocaval Fistula with an Outflow Stenosis at JoVE.com

Murine Model of Central Venous Stenosis using Aortocaval Fistula with an Outflow Stenosis

An aortocaval fistula was created by puncturing the murine infra-renal aorta through both walls into the inferior vena cava and was followed by creation of a stenosis in its outflow via partial ligation of the inferior vena cava. This reproducible model can be used to study central venous stenosis.

Central venous stenosis is an important entity contributing to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. A murine AVF model was modified to create a partial ...

Central venous stenosis can cause both aortocaval fistula, or AVF, primary failure of maturation, as well as later failure in a working fistula. This technique uses a modified version of an established murine AVF model that recapitulates the clinical course of human AVF and is easily mastered through several critical steps. Before beginning the procedure, confirm a lack of response to toe pinch in a nine-to 11-week-old, C57-Black/6 mouse and place the mouse in the supine position in the surgical area.Apply ointment to the animal's eyes, and remove the fur from the ventral side of the neck to the lower abdomen. Then cleanse and disinfect the surgical site with three sequential 10%povidone-iodine and 70%isopropanol scrubs, and place a surgical drape over the animal. For clamp and puncture site exposure, place the mouse under a dissecting microscope and, using sterile technique and a scalpel, make a skin-deep, midline, abdominal incision from the lower liver edge to just above the pubis.Cut through the musculature with scissors to open the abdominal cavity, and insert a retractor into the abdomen. Move the bowels to the right side, and wrap them in a saline-soaked gauze. Move the bladder and the seminal vesicles to the caudal side of the animal, and use a microneedle holder to dissect the mesentery between the rectum and the retroperitoneum to secure a full view of the aorta and inferior vena cava, or IVC.Then use the microneedle holder to dissect the infrarenal aorta and IVC en bloc from the lateral and dorsal surrounding retroperitoneal tissues to cross-clamp the tissues together, and dissect the surrounding tissues to expose the aortic puncture site at approximately three-quarters of the distance from the left renal vein to the aortic bifurcation. For isolation of the IVC, dissect between the infrarenal IVC and the aorta immediately distal to the left renal vein and extend the dissection distally to halfway between the left renal vein and the aortic bifurcation for post-operative infrarenal IVC observation. Make a window to separate the IVC from the aorta, and dissect the IVC from the surrounding tissue.Then carefully place an 8-0 polyamide monofilament suture beneath the IVC and the aorta before pulling the suture end through the window to position the suture beneath the IVC only. To create the AVF, first bend a 25-gauge needle to a 45-to 60-degree angle four millimeters from the needle tip and clamp the infrarenal aorta and IVC with a microsurgical clip. Grasping the connective tissue surrounding the bifurcation, rotate the aorta medially and caudally to expose the puncture site of the aorta stretched slightly to the ventral side, and use the 25-gauge needle to puncture through the aorta into the IVC.When the tissue has been pierced, release the aorta and pull up from the left side of the aorta to cover the puncture site with the surrounding tissue. Then remove the needle, and press the puncture site gently with a cotton-tipped swab for hemostasis. For IVC stenosis creation, place the tip of a 22-gauge intravenous catheter longitudinally onto the IVC and ligate the catheter to the IVC with an 8-0 suture.When the suture has been placed, remove the catheter and confirm primary hemostasis before unclamping the aorta and the IVC. Cover the puncture site for another minute to ensure hemostasis, and return the organs to their abdominal cavity before closing the abdomen with 6-0 sutures. Then place the mouse into an individual bedding-free cage on a thermal support device with monitoring until full recovery, and use Doppler ultrasound to confirm the patency of the fistula.On day seven after the surgical procedure, the fistula and stenosis areas of the IVC are easily detected in the longitudinal view. In mice bearing a stenosis without an AVF, the stenosis segment exhibits a venous waveform with more spectral broadening than sham-operated mice but without much pulsatility. In mice having an AVF as well as a stenosis, the stenosis segment shows a pulsatile waveform in addition to spectral broadening, and the time-averaged maximum velocity of the flow at the stenosis in mice having an AVF with stenosis is significantly higher than in mice with stenosis alone.The mean IVC diameter at the stenosis in mice with stenosis alone is similar to that observed in mice with an AVF and stenosis. In addition, using either the upstream or downstream segment as a reference, the percent stenosis is significantly greater in mice having an AVF in addition to a stenosis. When you ligate the IV catheter and the IVC together, it is important to tie them tightly to create a reproducible stenosis.The application of this procedure to murine venous graft implantation model could answer how to overcome the occlusion of venous graft stenosis.

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Surgical Management of Meatal Stenosis with Meatoplasty

Meatal stenosis is a common urologic complication after circumcision. Children present to their primary care physicians with complaints of deviated urinary stream, difficult-to-aim, painful urination, and urinary frequency. Clinical exam reveals a pinpoint meatus and if the child is asked to urinate, he will usually have an upward, thin, occasionally forceful urinary stream with incomplete bladder emptying. The mainstay of management is meatoplasty (reconstruction of the distal urethra /meatus). This educational video will demonstrate how this is performed.

Meatoplasty, surgical management of meatal stenosis.

Meatal stenosis is a common urologic complication after circumcision.  Children present to their primary care physicians with complaints of deviated ...

Using Quantitative Real-time PCR to Determine Donor Cell Engraftment in a Competitive Murine Bone Marrow Transplantation Model

Murine bone marrow transplantation models provide an important tool in measuring hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) functions and determining genes/molecules that regulate HSCs. In these transplant model systems, the function of HSCs is determined by the ability of these cells to engraft and reconstitute lethally irradiated recipient mice. Commonly, the donor cell contribution/engraftment is measured by antibodies to donor- specific cell surface proteins using flow cytometry. However, this method heavily depends on the specificity and the ability of the cell surface marker to differentiate donor-derived cells from recipient-originated cells, which may not be available for all mouse strains. Considering the various backgrounds of genetically modified mouse strains in the market, this cell surface/ flow cytometry-based method has significant limitations especially in mouse strains that lack well-defined surface markers to separate donor cells from congenic recipient cells. Here, we reported a PCR-based technique to determine donor cell engraftment/contribution in transplant recipient mice. We transplanted male donor bone marrow HSCs to lethally irradiated congenic female mice. Peripheral blood samples were collected at different time points post transplantation. Bone marrow samples were obtained at the end of the experiments. Genomic DNA was isolated and the Y chromosome specific gene, Zfy1, was amplified using quantitative Real time PCR. The engraftment of male donor-derived cells in the female recipient mice was calculated against standard curve with known percentage of male vs. female DNAs. Bcl2 was used as a reference gene to normalize the total DNA amount. Our data suggested that this approach reliably determines donor cell engraftment and provides a useful, yet simple method in measuring hematopoietic cell reconstitution in murine bone marrow transplantation models. Our method can be routinely performed in most laboratories because no costly equipment such as flow cytometry is required.

Determining donor cell engraftment presents a challenge in mouse bone marrow transplant models that lack well-defined phenotypical markers. We described a methodology to quantify male donor cell engraftment in female transplant recipient mice. This method can be used in all mouse strains for the study of HSC functions.

Murine bone marrow transplantation models provide an important tool in measuring hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) functions and determining genes/molecules ...

Technical Aspects of the Mouse Aortocaval Fistula

Technical aspects of creating an arteriovenous fistula in the mouse are discussed. Under general anesthesia, an abdominal incision is made, and the aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) are exposed. The proximal infrarenal aorta and the distal aorta are dissected for clamp placement and needle puncture, respectively. Special attention is paid to avoid dissection between the aorta and the IVC. After clamping the aorta, a 25 G needle is used to puncture both walls of the aorta into the IVC. The surrounding connective tissue is used for hemostatic compression. Successful creation of the AVF will show pulsatile arterial blood flow in the IVC. Further confirmation of successful AVF can be achieved by post-operative Doppler ultrasound.

The goal is to produce an arteriovenous fistula that is simple and reproducible. This method does not use sutures or glue adhesive. Therefore the samples can be used with the least amount of foreign materials for analysis.

Technical aspects of creating an arteriovenous fistula in the mouse are discussed. Under general anesthesia, an abdominal incision is made, and the aorta ...

A Novel Murine Model of Arteriovenous Fistula Failure: The Surgical Procedure in Detail

The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) still suffers from a high number of failures caused by insufficient remodeling and intimal hyperplasia from which the exact pathophysiology remains unknown. In order to unravel the pathophysiology a murine model of AVF-failure was developed in which the configuration of the anastomosis resembles the preferred situation in the clinical setting. A model was described in which an AVF is created by connecting the venous end of the branch of the external jugular vein to the side of the common carotid artery using interrupted sutures. At a histological level, we observed progressive stenotic intimal lesions in the venous outflow tract that is also seen in failed human AVFs. Although this procedure can be technically challenging due to the small dimensions of the animal, we were able to achieve a surgical success rate of 97% after sufficient training. The key advantage of a murine model is the availability of transgenic animals. In view of the different proposed mechanisms that are responsible for AVF failure, disabling genes that might play a role in vascular remodeling can help us to unravel the complex pathophysiology of AVF failure.

Here we present a murine model of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure in which a clinically relevant anastomotic configuration is incorporated. This model can be used to study the pathophysiology and to test possible therapeutic interventions.

The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) still suffers from a high number of failures caused by insufficient remodeling and intimal hyperplasia from which the ...

Use of a Central Venous Line for Fluids, Drugs and Nutrient Administration in a Mouse Model of Critical Illness

This protocol describes a centrally catheterized mouse model of prolonged critical illness. We combine the cecal ligation and puncture method to induce sepsis with the use of a central venous line for fluids, drugs and nutrient administration to mimic the human clinical setting. Critically ill patients require intensive medical support in order to survive. While the majority of patients will recover within a few days, about a quarter of the patients need prolonged intensive care and are at high risk of dying from non-resolving multiple organ failure. Furthermore, the prolonged phase of critical illness is hallmarked by profound muscle weakness, and endocrine and metabolic changes, of which the pathogenesis is currently incompletely understood. The most widely used animal model in critical care research is the cecal ligation and puncture model to induce sepsis. This is a very reproducible model, with acute inflammatory and hemodynamic changes similar to human sepsis, which is designed to study the acute phase of critical illness. However, this model is hallmarked by a high lethality, which is different from the clinical human situation, and is not developed to study the prolonged phase of critical illness. Therefore, we adapted the technique by placing a central venous catheter in the jugular vein allowing us to administer clinically relevant supportive care, to better mimic the human clinical situation of critical illness. This mouse model requires an extensive surgical procedure and daily intensive care of the animals, but it results in a relevant model of the acute and prolonged phase of critical illness.

This protocol describes a centrally catheterized mouse model of prolonged critical illness. We combine the cecal ligation and puncture method to induce sepsis with the use of a central venous line for fluids, drugs and nutrient administration to mimic the human clinical setting.

This protocol describes a centrally catheterized mouse model of prolonged critical illness. We combine the cecal ligation and puncture method to induce ...

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 ...

Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat

The mechanism of mitral stenosis-induced pulmonary venous arterialization and group 2 pulmonary hypertension (PH) is unclear. There is no rodent model of group 2 PH, due to mitral stenosis (MS), to facilitate the investigation of disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies. We present a novel rat model of pulmonary venous congestion-induced pulmonary venous arterialization and group 2 PH caused by left atrial stenosis (LAS). LAS is achieved by constricting the left atrium using a half-closed titanium clip. After the LAS surgery, a rat model with a transmitral inflow velocity greater than or equal to 2.0 m/s on echocardiography gradually develops pulmonary venous arterialization and group 2 PH over an 8- to 10-week period. In this protocol, we provide the step-by-step procedure of how to perform the LAS surgery. The presented LAS rat model mimics MS in humans and is useful for studying the underlying molecular mechanism of pulmonary venous arterialization and for the preclinical evaluation of therapies for group 2 PH.

Left atrial stenosis (LAS) is a novel surgical technique used for studying group 2 pulmonary hypertension (PH) and mechanisms underlying pulmonary venous arterialization. Here, we present a protocol to constrict the left atrium using a titanium clip to cause pulmonary venous arterialization and moderate PH in a rat.

The mechanism of mitral stenosis-induced pulmonary venous arterialization and group 2 pulmonary hypertension (PH) is unclear. There is no rodent model of ...

A Modified Two Kidney One Clip Mouse Model of Renin Regulation in Renal Artery Stenosis

Renal artery stenosis is a common condition in patients with coronary or peripheral vascular disease where the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) is overactivated. In this context, there is a narrowing of the renal arteries that stimulate an increase in the expression and release of renin, the rate-limiting protease in RAAS. The resulting rise in renin expression is a known driver of renovascular hypertension, frequently associated with kidney injury and end organ damage. Thus, there is a great interest in developing novel treatments for this condition. The molecular and cellular mechanism of renin control in renal artery stenosis is not fully understood and warrants further investigation. To induce renal artery stenosis in mice, a modified 2 kidney 1 clip (2K1C) Goldblatt mouse model was developed. The right kidney was stenosed in wild type mice and sham operated mice were used as control. After renal artery stenosis, we determined renin expression and kidney injury. Kidneys were harvested, and fresh cortices were used to determine protein and mRNA expression of renin. This animal model is reproducible and can be used to study pathophysiological responses, molecular and cellular pathways involved in renovascular hypertension and kidney injury.

A modified 2 kidney 1 clip (2K1C) Goldblatt mouse model was developed using polyurethane tubing to initiate renal artery stenosis, inducing an increase in renin expression and kidney injury. Here, we describe a detailed procedure of preparing and placing the cuff onto the renal artery to generate a reproducible and consistent 2K1C mouse model.

Renal artery stenosis is a common condition in patients with coronary or peripheral vascular disease where the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) ...

A Rabbit Aortic Valve Stenosis Model Induced by Direct Balloon Injury

Animal models are emerging as an important tool to understand the pathologic mechanisms underlying aortic valve stenosis (AVS) because of the lack of access to reliable sources of diseased human aortic valves. Among the various animal models, AVS rabbit models are one of the most commonly used in large animal studies. However, traditional AVS rabbit models require a long-term period of dietary supplementation and genetic manipulation to induce significant stenosis in the aortic valve, limiting their use in experimental studies. To address these limitations, a new AVS rabbit model is proposed, in which stenosis is induced by a direct balloon injury to the aortic valve. The present protocol describes a successful technique for inducing AVS in New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits, with step-by-step procedures for the preparation, the surgical procedure, and the post-operative care. This simple and reproducible model offers a promising approach for studying the initiation and progression of AVS and provides a valuable tool for investigating the underlying pathological mechanisms of the disease.

An appropriate animal model is needed to understand the pathologic mechanisms underlying aortic valve stenosis (AVS) and to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. The present protocol describes a new procedure for developing the AVS rabbit model via a direct balloon injury in vivo.

Animal models are emerging as an important tool to understand the pathologic mechanisms underlying aortic valve stenosis (AVS) because of the lack of ...

Development of an Effective Mice Model for Studying Oronasal Fistulas

Establishment of an Oronasal Fistula Mice Model

This study presents a method utilizing heated ophthalmologic cautery to develop a viable model for investigating oronasal fistulas. C57BL/6 mice were used to establish the oronasal fistula (ONF) model. To create the ONF, the mice were anesthetized, immobilized, and their hard palates were exposed. During the surgical procedure, a 2.0 x 1.5 mm full-thickness mucosal injury was induced in the midline of the hard palate using ophthalmologic cautery. It was crucial to control the size of the ONF and minimize bleeding in order to ensure the success of the experiment. Verification of the ONF model's effectiveness was conducted on the 7th-day post-operation, encompassing both anatomical and functional assessments. The presence of the nasal septum within the oral cavity and the outflow of sterile water from the nostrils upon injection into the oral cavity confirmed the successful establishment of the ONF model. The model demonstrated a practical and successful oronasal fistula, characterized by a low mortality rate, significant weight changes, and minimal variation in ONF size. Future studies may consider adopting this methodology to elucidate the mechanisms of palate wound healing and explore novel treatments for oronasal fistulas.

Author Spotlight: Investigating Wound Healing in Mice Models of Oronasal Fistulas 

This article outlines a step-by-step procedure for establishing a mice model with an oronasal fistula. The oronasal fistula was created by employing heated ophthalmologic cautery to damage the midline portion of the hard palate, resulting in the formation of an opening between the oral and nasal cavities.

This study presents a method utilizing heated ophthalmologic cautery to develop a viable model for investigating oronasal fistulas. C57BL/6 mice were used ...