Name: 3d imaging of the liver extracellular matrix in a mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Uploaded: 2022-02-25T13:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about 3D Imaging of the Liver Extracellular Matrix in a Mouse Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis at JoVE.com

We thank Hyesuk Park for the technical help. This research was supported by funding from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH (R01 2DK083283, to NJT), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), NIH (1R01AG060726, to NJT).&#160;We gratefully acknowledge Jon Mulholland and Kitty Lee of the Cell Sciences Imaging Facility in the Beckman Center for technical assistance with the two-photon microscopy imaging.&#160;

Animal experiments are performed according to the experimental procedures approved by the institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs) of Stanford University and the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Palo Alto. 6-8 week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed either chow or a fast-food diet supplemented with 4.2% high-fructose corn syrup (see Table of Materials) in drinking water for 14 weeks5. The mice were kept in standard cages at a 12 h dark/light cycle.
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The present protocol shows that decellularization through a low flow rate DOC in situ perfusion preserves the frangible triple-helical and native fibrillar collagen structures, providing a reliable and cost-effective platform to capture dynamic ECM remodeling in NASH liver fibrosis. Although decellularization was performed in normal and fibrotic livers before identifying ECM components or generating biological scaffolds for cell culture, the dynamics of ECM remodeling in liver fibrosis have not been well studied...

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease, affecting 20%-25% of the adult population. 25% of NAFLD patients progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), where the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma increases1. In the next 20 years, it is estimated that NASH will account for 2 million liver-related deaths in U.S2. As there are no approved treatments, there is an urgent need to decipher the mechanisms that cause liver fibrosis in NASH patients and develop targeted treatment3.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic, complex microenvironment that exerts bi-directional communication with cells to regulate tissue homeostasis4. The liver ECM is composed of structural elements such as proteoglycans, collagens, fibronectin, elastin, and other non-structural proteins (e.g., olfactomedin and thrombospondin) to provide physical and structural support4.
Liver fibrosis is a chronic wound-healing response to liver damage of various etiologies, including NASH3. It results from an imbalance in the dynamic ECM matrix remodeling process and is characterized by excessive structural proteins in the injured liver4. Fibrogenesis depends on the dynamic cell-cell communication among different hepatic cell types. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs),&#160;when activated, differentiate into Smooth Muscle Alpha 2 Actin-expressing, migrating, and proliferating myofibroblast-like cells and synthesize ECM proteins as a wound-closing action. Activated HSCs are the central collagen-producing cells in the liver1.
The molecular mechanism of ECM remodeling, patterns of fibrosis, and their relationship with cellular events are not clear. A better understanding of the three-dimensional (3D)&#160;ECM structure is still needed, even though mass spectrometry techniques have helped analyze ECM protein composition4. Traditionally, Masson&#39;s trichrome stain, Picro Sirius Red stains, and second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging have been performed on two-dimensional (2D) thin liver sections. The typical fibrosis pattern of NASH is called &#34;chicken wire,&#34; which extends to zone 3 and is perisinusoidal/pericellular fibrosis5,6. However, there has been a lack of studies focusing on the 3D structure of the native liver, particularly those that do not involve tissue sectioning. Robust imaging approaches to identify patterns and characteristics of fibrosis throughout dynamic ECM remodeling in liver fibrosis would significantly strengthen the understanding of NASH mechanisms and identify new therapeutic targets.
To address these challenges, a fast and efficient protocol was optimized to image the native liver ECM via decellularization7. Whole-liver decellularization is an approach to remove the hepatic cellular content while maintaining the native 3D ECM network through detergent perfusion. Mice were fed either chow or fast-food diet (FFD) for 14 weeks. Decellularization was performed after in situ portal vein perfusion with mild detergent and low flow rates to preserve triple-helical and native fibrillar collagen structures. Two-photon microscopy was applied to analyze changes in collagen structures in ECM. The 3D images of the native ECM structure in normal and NASH livers were reconstituted and analyzed. Performing in situ perfusion decellularization and analyzing the scaffold by two-photon microscopy provides a practical and affordable platform to visualize the dynamic ECM remodeling in the liver.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>4-0 MONOCRYL UNDYED 1 x 18&#34; P-3</td>
			<td>MONOCRYL</td>
			<td>Y494G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4-0 suture</td>
			<td>fisher scientific</td>
			<td>10-000-649</td>
			<td>https://www.fishersci.com/shop/products/monomid-nylon-non-absorbable-sutures-7/10000649?keyword=true</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AnaSed Injection (xylazine)</td>
			<td>AnaSed</td>
			<td>NDC 59399-110-20</td>
			<td>this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BD INSYTE AUTOGUARD I.V. CATHETER WITH BC TECHNOLOGY</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>382612</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chow diet</td>
			<td>Envigo</td>
			<td># 2918</td>
			<td>Control diet. A fixed formula, non-autoclavable diet manufactured with high quality ingredients and designed to support gestation, lactation, and growth of rodents.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fast-food diet (AIN76A Western Diet)</td>
			<td>Test Diet</td>
			<td>1810060</td>
			<td>https://www.testdiet.com/cs/groups/lolweb/@testdiet/documents/web_content/mdrf/mdux/~edisp/ducm04_051601.pdf</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hematoxylin and Eosin Stain Kit</td>
			<td>vectorlabs</td>
			<td>H-3502</td>
			<td>https://vectorlabs.com/hematoxylin-and-eosin-stain-kit.html</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kent Scientific Rat Surgical Kit</td>
			<td>fisher scientific</td>
			<td>13-005-205</td>
			<td>https://www.fishersci.com/shop/products/rat-surgical-kit/13005205#?keyword=mouse%20surgery%20kit</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KETAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION</td>
			<td>Vedco</td>
			<td>NDC 50989-996-06 - 10 mL - vial.</td>
			<td>KetaVed has been clinically studied in subhuman primates in addition to those species listed under Administration and Dosage.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Leica SP5 upright Confocal, multi-photon</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>SP5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Luer connector (Three-way stopcock with SPIN-LOCK&#174;)</td>
			<td>bbraun</td>
			<td>D300</td>
			<td>https://www.bbraunusa.com/en/products/b0/three-way-stopcockwithspin-lock.html</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Picrosirius Red Stain Kit</td>
			<td>Polysciences, Inc.</td>
			<td>24901</td>
			<td>https://www.polysciences.com/default/picrosirius-red-stain-kit-40771</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rayon tipped applicator</td>
			<td>puritan</td>
			<td>25-806 1PR</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium deoxycholate</td>
			<td>sigmaaldrich</td>
			<td>D6750-100G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syrup</td>
			<td>www.target.com</td>
			<td>24 fl oz</td>
			<td>https://www.target.com/p/pancake-syrup-24-fl-oz-market-pantry-8482/-/A-13007801</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Variable Speed Peristaltic Pump</td>
			<td>INTLLAB</td>
			<td>BT100</td>
			<td>https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082K97W5W/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A12NUUP87ZRRAR&#38;psc=1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>VECTASHIELD Antifade Mounting Medium</td>
			<td>vectorlabs</td>
			<td>H-1000-10</td>
			<td>https://vectorlabs.com/vectashield-mounting-medium.html</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

3d imaging of the liver extracellular matrix in a mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most common chronic liver disease in the United States, affecting more than 70 million Americans. NASH can progress to fibrosis and eventually to cirrhosis, a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and maintains liver homeostasis via matricellular signals. Liver fibrosis results from an imbalance in the dynamic ECM remodeling process and is characterized by excessive accumulation of structural elements and associated changes in glycosaminoglycans. The typical fibrosis pattern of NASH is called &#34;chicken wire,&#34; which usually consists of zone 3 perisinusoidal/pericellular fibrosis, based on features observed by Masson&#39;s trichrome stain and Picrosirius Red stains. However, these traditional thin two-dimensional (2D) tissue slide-based imaging techniques cannot demonstrate the detailed three-dimensional (3D) ECM structural changes, limiting the understanding of the dynamic ECM remodeling in liver fibrosis.
The current work optimized a fast and efficient protocol to image the native ECM structure in the liver via decellularization to address the above challenges. Mice were fed either with chow or fast-food diet for 14 weeks. Decellularization was performed after in situ portal vein perfusion, and the two-photon microscopy techniques were applied to image and analyze changes in the native ECM. The 3D images of the normal and NASH livers were reconstituted and analyzed. Performing in situ perfusion decellularization and analyzing the scaffold by two-photon microscopy provided a practical and reliable platform to visualize the dynamic ECM remodeling in the liver.

The collagen fibers were detected with second harmonic generation and two-photon microscopy. The signal is from the frangible triple-helical and native fibrillar collagen structures. Specific antibodies were not used to analyze collagen subtypes; however, this could be added to the imaging&#160;technique.
When the liver tissue is studied without decellularization, it is challenging to get high-resolution images of the collagen network (Figure 5A)....

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about 3D Imaging of the Liver Extracellular Matrix in a Mouse Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis at JoVE.com

3D Imaging of the Liver Extracellular Matrix in a Mouse Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

The present protocol optimizes the liver in situ perfusion/decellularization and two-photon microscopy methods to establish a reliable platform to visualize the dynamics of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling during non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most common chronic liver disease in the United States, affecting more than 70 million Americans. NASH can ...

NASH is one of the most important chronic liver disease in the world. It can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually the liver cancer. Study the dynamic change of the ECM in the NASH can help to understand the fibrosis better.Traditional to imaging cannot demonstrate 3D ECM structure changes, limiting the understanding of dynamic ECM remodeling process in the liver fibrosis. To begin, weigh the mouse before the procedure. After anesthetizing the mouse shave the ventral area using a hair clipper and disinfect the skin with 70%ethanol.Place the mouse on its back and immobilize the legs on the surgical board with tape. Use Mayo scissors and Adson forceps to make a three centimeter incision laterally in the lower abdomen. And then a five centimeter incision vertically from the low abdomen to the xiphoid process without opening the chest cavity.After opening the peritoneum, gently place the intestines to the animal's left and elevate the right lobe of the liver with a rayon tipped applicator to expose the portal vein. To catheterize the portal vein, induce a 24 gauge IV catheter into the distal end of the portal vein. Place the catheter tip before the portal vein branches out into the hepatic lobes.Withdraw the needle immediately when the catheter enters the vein. Check that the catheter is correctly positioned inside the vein by perfusing the liver with PBS using a one milliliter syringe via the catheter. Use Dumont micro forceps, a Castroviejo microneedle, and 4-0 suture to place a stitch below the branching of the portal vein and a second stitch one centimeter below to secure the catheter.Connect the catheter to a silicone tubing of one meter length, three millimeter inner diameter, and 4.1 millimeter outer diameter with a lure connector. Connect the silicone tubing to a peristaltic pump and a reservoir containing deionized water. Carefully remove the air bubbles inside the tube and avoid generating new bubbles during the perfusion.Set the peristaltic pump at a flow output of 0.2 milliliters per minute. Peruse first with deionized water for two hours and the color of the liver will change from red to yellow during perfusion. Switch the perfusion solution to 0.5%sodium deoxycholate and continue overnight and the liver will become white at the end of the perfusion.Switch the perfusion solution to deionized water and perfuse for two hours. Use Dumont micro forceps and micros springing scissors to collect the decellularized liver and wash it carefully in a Petri dish with PBS. Transfer a small piece of decellularized liver to a microscope slide and place the tissue in the middle.Add 10 microliters of antifade mounting medium to the tissue with a pipette to avoid tissue drying. Cover the tissue with a cover glass and apply a small force to flatten the sample. Seal the edges of the cover glass with colorless and transparent nail polish.Place a drop of a immersion oil on the top of the cover glass and place the slide on the microscope slide holder. Lower the 20X oil objective lens until it contacts the immersion oil. Switch to the violet channel of wavelength 405 nanometers.Turn on the shutter and focus the sample. Navigate and position the area of interest for imaging. Turn off the shutter before moving to image acquisition using laser light.To start the two photon laser, switch to the computer control and turn on the two photon laser first. Then turn on the two photon laser controller and shutter ensuring that the output power is higher than 2.5 watts. Reduce the laser power to prevent fluorescence quenching.Select and adjust detectors both photo multipliers and the hybrid to accommodate the chosen fluorophores. Choose simultaneous or sequential image acquisitions. Adjust the pinhole to the highest value.Adjust laser wavelengths, gain, power, offset the pixel dwell time, pixel size averaging, and zoom. Scroll the computer Z controller and set the Z dimensions. Define the start and endpoints and choose the numbers of images given within a volume.Acquire images. After performing the two photon microscopy, collagen fibers without decellularization revealed a low resolution image of the collagen network. In the decellularized extracellular matrix, apparent differences were observed in the morphology and spatial distribution between chow and fast food diet livers.Collagen fibers and mice on a chow diet exhibited an interweaving and well-organized network, whereas the mice on fast food diet showed collagen bundles with less connectivity. The three dimensional structure of the liver extracellular matrix shows that the collagen fibers in mice on the chow diet showed a well-organized network, but not in fast food diet mice. To confirm the quality of the fibrillar collagen in the decellularized extracellular matrix, the slides were stained with Hematoxylin Eosin and Picrosirius red.Hematoxylin and Eosin show that all the cells have been removed. In the Picrosirius red staining images, the extracellular matrix from the chow fed mice revealed a well-organized network. And in contrast, mice on fast food diet showed denser collagen fibers.Carefully remove the bubble inside of a tube before the perfusion. The bubble will block the vessel in the liver and affect the perfusion.

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