1. Preparazione 1.1. Anestesia dei ratti <ol><li> Collocare il ratto in una camera preintasato con isoflurano (a seconda delle dimensioni della camera di circa 3 minuti del 5%) per anestetizzare il ratto. </li><li> Una volta anestetizzato, rimuovere il ratto e si pesa. </li><li> Collocare il naso del topo nella maschera anestesia (2-3% isoflurano in ossigeno 1 L / min) per mantenere l&#39;anestesia. Durante l&#39;anestesia con isoflurano, le frequenze cardiache di ratti diminuiscono a 300-340 bpm (380-420 bpm nei topi). </li></ol> 1.2. Inserire una cannula venosa coda <ol><li> Lavare la coda del topo con acqua calda (38 ° C) e sapone per permettere ai vasi sanguigni di essere più facilmente visibili. </li><li> Incannulare o vena, che può essere facilmente visto sulla faccia laterale della coda. Utilizzando un 22-24 G IV catetere, iniziare i tentativi di circa 1/3 del modo dalla punta. </li><li> Se gli sforzi iniziali non hanno successo, riprovare più prossimale. </li><li> Prendere sangue sample per l&#39;analisi di ematocrito (necessario calcolare frazione di volume extracellulare = ECV). </li><li> Fissare il catetere iv con colla di pelle e nastro adesivo. </li></ol> 1.3. Posizionamento degli elettrodi <ol><li> Pulire tutti i briganti con tampone imbevuto di alcool saturo o con acqua e sapone. </li><li> Sono necessari quattro elettrodi, uno per piede. </li><li> Collegare gli elettrodi al centro della zampa e fissarli con del nastro adesivo. </li><li> Twist o intrecciare i cavi ECG intorno a vicenda per ridurre al minimo la formazione di loop che potrebbero causare interferenze con il segnale ECG. </li></ol> 2. Scansione 2.1. Posizionamento dell&#39;animale e monitoraggio <ol><li> Collocare il ratto in una posizione supina o prona sul tubo imaging e posizionare il cuore al centro della bobina. </li><li> Disporre il topo in modo che il naso riposa nel cono che trasporta l&#39;anestesia isoflurano (2-3% in ossigeno 1 L / min). Il ratto è permesso di respiroliberamente in tutta l&#39;intera procedura di imaging. </li><li> Posizionare il sensore del termometro a orifizio anale e fissarlo sul tavolo con del nastro adesivo. </li><li> Temperatura corporea è mantenuta a 38 ± 1 ° C da un sistema di riscaldamento dell&#39;acqua calda. Il tappetino riscaldamento è posto sotto l&#39;aspetto inferiore dell&#39;animale che si estende fuori dalla bobina. Si prega di vedere la rappresentazione schematica del setup sperimentale MRI (Figura 2) per maggiori dettagli. </li><li> Collegare gli elettrodi ECG, una volta che il segnale ECG è stabile iniziare imaging. </li></ol> 2.2. Parametri del protocollo di scansione / Imaging <ol><li> In questo studio è stato utilizzato un sistema di Ingenia 3.0T MRI clinica Philips con una bobina con il 70 mm di diametro interno [requisiti di sistema MR sono un piccolo foro (ad esempio 16 cm) o di grandi dimensioni (diametro umano, ad esempio 65 cm) con piccolo animale dedicato bobina, capacità di gating ECG per frequenze cardiache fino a 500/min, l&#39;apporto di ossigeno e di un sistema di rimozione di gas anestetici]. </li><li> Iniziare con un sondaggio per individuare il cuore al centro del campo di vista MRI. </li><li> Una volta che la posizione è corretta, continua con due camere e quattro camere cine viste MRI per determinare la geometria della pila di immagini asse corto. </li><li> Per SALLI, posizione della cavità media breve fetta asse su due e quattro-immagini-camera (PreSALLI). Una combinazione di 4,000 msec durata acquisizione e 4,000 msec durata rilassamento consente sufficiente recupero della magnetizzazione lungo l&#39;asse z e impedisce il surriscaldamento dei gradienti. Per consentire l&#39;analisi funzionale, le fasi devono essere impostati ad almeno 12, con sottocampionamento temporale del fattore 2 per accelerare l&#39;acquisizione. </li><li> Iniettare il mezzo di contrasto a base di gadolinio nel catetere a permanenza, senza muovere il topo. Attendere cinque minuti. </li><li> Iniziare a pianificare SALLI come multislice pila asse corto, composto da almeno 7 fette (slice spessore 2,4 millimetri). Posizionare le fette in modo che la più distale è sotto l&#39;apice del cuore e tegli livello superiore è immediatamente distale alle valvole cardiache. Cercare di garantire che gli assi corti sono perpendicolari al setto. Quasi ogni 30 minuti (circa tre Sallis) iniettare un&#39;altra dose di mezzo di contrasto. </li><li> Quando l&#39;acquisizione delle immagini è terminata rimuovere il ratto dallo scanner e farlo recuperare da anestesia. </li></ol> 3. Ricostruzione di immagini Ricostruzione delle immagini può essere effettuata sia in linea con i parametri di ricostruzione predefiniti, o non in linea utilizzando uno strumento dedicato ricostruzione di immagini: 3.1. Online Ricostruzione <ol><li> Diversi parametri possono essere definiti tra cui: </li></ol><ul><li> Per la mappatura T1: ubicazione e la larghezza della finestra ricostruzione all&#39;interno del ciclo cardiaco (ad esempio da 50 a 100 msec per raggiungere sistolica mappa T1 nella frequenza cardiaca 300/min) </li><li> Per IR-preparati (LGE) immagini: posizione e la larghezza del tempo di inversione (TI) finestra e il numero di immagini da wi ricostruitosottile quella finestra (ad esempio TI 100-300 msec, 5 immagini, per generare 5 immagini LGE con TI 100-150-200-250-300 msec). </li></ul> 3.2. Offline Ricostruzione <ol><li> Quando si utilizza un pacchetto software dedicato (GyroTools, Zürich, Svizzera) per la ricostruzione di immagini, estrarre i tre insiemi di dati (Cine MR, inversione di recupero e mappe T1) in un modo più interattivo. </li><li> Regolare la definizione di fine sistole o telediastole per il T1 selezionando l&#39;immagine cine corrispondente. </li><li> Visualizzare mappe T1 come mappe a colori. Trova i valori esatti passando il mouse sopra una zona di interesse. Le immagini possono essere memorizzate in vari formati di immagine per ulteriori analisi (ad esempio il calcolo di ECV da pre-e post-valori di contrasto T1 del miocardio e la piscina di sangue) 12. </li></ol>

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	<li>Messroghli, D. R., Nordmeyer, S., Buehrer, 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=Small+animal+Look-Locker+inversion+recovery+(SALLI)+for+simultaneous+generation+of+cardiac+T1+maps+and+cine+and+inversion+recovery-prepared+images+at+high+heart+rates:+initial+experience.">Small animal Look-Locker inversion recovery (SALLI) for simultaneous generation of cardiac T1 maps and cine and inversion recovery-prepared images at high heart rates: initial experience.</a> Radiology. 261 (1), 258-2565 (2011).</li><li>Messroghli, D. R., Nordmeyer, S., Dietrich, T., 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=Assessment+of+diffuse+myocardial+fibrosis+in+rats+using+small-animal+Look-Locker+inversion+recovery+T1+mapping.">Assessment of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in rats using small-animal Look-Locker inversion recovery T1 mapping.</a> Circ. Cardiovasc. Imaging. 4 (6), 636-640 (2011).</li><li>Flett, A. S., Hayward, M. P., Ashworth, M. T., 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=Equilibrium+contrast+cardiovascular+magnetic+resonance+for+the+measurement+of+diffuse+myocardial+fibrosis:+preliminary+validation+in+humans.">Equilibrium contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance for the measurement of diffuse myocardial fibrosis: preliminary validation in humans.</a> Circulation. 122 (2), 138-144 (2010).</li><li>Arheden, H., Saed, M., Higgins, C. N., 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=Measurement+of+the+distribution+volume+of+gadopentetate+dimeglumine+at+echo-planar+MR+imaging+to+quantify+myocardial+infarction:+comparison+with+99mTc-DTPA+autoradiography+in+rats.">Measurement of the distribution volume of gadopentetate dimeglumine at echo-planar MR imaging to quantify myocardial infarction: comparison with 99mTc-DTPA autoradiography in rats.</a> Radiology. 211 (3), 698-708 (1999).</li><li>Messroghli, D. R., Walters, K., Plein, 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=Myocardial+T1+mapping:+application+to+patients+with+acute+and+chronic+myocardial+infarction.">Myocardial T1 mapping: application to patients with acute and chronic myocardial infarction.</a> Magn. Reson. Med. 58 (1), 34-40 (2007).</li><li>O H-Ici, D., Ridgway, J., Kuehne, T., 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=Cardiovascular+magnetic+resonance+of+myocardial+edema+using+a+short+inversion+time+inversion+recovery+(STIR)+black-blood+technique:+Diagnostic+accuracy+of+visual+and+semi-quantitative.">Cardiovascular magnetic resonance of myocardial edema using a short inversion time inversion recovery (STIR) black-blood technique: Diagnostic accuracy of visual and semi-quantitative.</a> 14 (1), (2012).</li><li>Sagar, S., Liu, P. P., Cooper, L. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Myocarditis.">Myocarditis.</a> Lancet. 379, 738-747 (2012).</li><li>Skouri, H. N., Dec, G. W., Friedrich, M. G., Cooper, L. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Noninvasive+imaging+in+myocarditis.">Noninvasive imaging in myocarditis.</a> J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. , 2085-2093 (2006).</li><li>Zagrosek, A., Abdel-Aty, H., Boy&#233;, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cardiac+magnetic+resonance+monitors+reversible+and+irreversible+myocardial+injury+in+myocarditis.">Cardiac magnetic resonance monitors reversible and irreversible myocardial injury in myocarditis.</a> JACC Cardiovasc. Imaging. 2 (2), 131-138 (2009).</li><li>Friedrich, M. G., Sechtem, U., Schulz-Menger, 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=Cardiovascular+magnetic+resonance+in+myocarditis:+a+JACC+White+Paper.">Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in myocarditis: a JACC White Paper.</a> J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 54, 1475-1487 (2009).</li><li>Korkusuz, H., Esters, P., Naguib, N., 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=Acute+myocarditis+in+a+rat+model:+late+gadolinium+enhancement+with+histopathological+correlation.">Acute myocarditis in a rat model: late gadolinium enhancement with histopathological correlation.</a> Eur. Radiol. 19 (11), 2672-2678 (2009).</li><li>Ugander, M., Oki, A. J., Hsu, L. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Extracellular+volume+imaging+by+magnetic+resonance+imaging+provides+insights+into+overt+and+sub-clinical+myocardial+pathology.">Extracellular volume imaging by magnetic resonance imaging provides insights into overt and sub-clinical myocardial pathology.</a> Eur. Heart J. 33 (10), 1268-1278 (2012).</li><li>Gilson, W. D., Kraitchman, D. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cardiac+magnetic+resonance+imaging+in+small+rodents+using+clinical+1.5.">Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in small rodents using clinical 1.5.</a> T and. 3 (1), 35-45 (2007).</li><li>Messroghli, D. R., Radjenovic, A., Kozerke, S., Higgins, D. M., Sivananthan, M. U., Ridgway, J. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Modified+Look-Locker+inversion+recovery+(MOLLI)+for+high-resolution+T1+mapping+of+the+heart.">Modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) for high-resolution T1 mapping of the heart.</a> Magnetic resonance in medicine. 52 (1), 141-146 (2004).</li></ol>

Tutte le procedure di animali sono stati condotti in conformità con le Linee Guida per la cura e l&#39;uso di animali da laboratorio, e approvati dalle autorità locali per la cura degli animali. Nessun conflitto di interessi dichiarati.

Qui vi presentiamo un metodo per generare multimodalità (cine MR, inversione-recupero e T1 mappe) immagini RM nei piccoli animali. Piccola ricerca su animali ha un ruolo sempre più importante nella ricerca sulle malattie cardiovascolari, e CMR è un potente strumento che ci permette di studiare la composizione funzione, struttura e dei tessuti del miocardio. Tuttavia, piccolo animale CMR ha una serie di sfide uniche a causa delle elevate frequenze cardiache e le piccole dimensioni del cuore. Miglioramento dei metodi d...

La miocardite è una delle principali cause di insufficienza cardiaca acuta, morte improvvisa, e cardiomiopatia dilatativa cronica 7. CMR è stato stabilito come la tecnica gold standard per la misurazione della funzione e per l&#39;analisi dei tessuti in vivo. Nuove tecniche di imaging e miglioramenti nella diagnostica per immagini non potevano solo migliorare la diagnosi di miocardite, ma anche favorire lo studio della fisiopatologia e identificazione velocità di target terapeutici 8-10. Piccolo di imaging animale è un importante strumento per lo studio delle malattie cardiovascolari. Le tecniche comunemente impiegati nella clinica CMR, quali ritardo gadolinio (LGE) non possono essere facilmente trasferiti al piccolo animale CMR a causa di alti tassi di cuore gli animali &#39;, ma potrebbero essere già indicata 11. Il piccolo animale Look-Locker inversion recovery (SALLI) approccio genera dati di immagini multimodali imposta che consenta la valutazione complessiva sia della funzione cardiaca e la morfologia (figure 1 aND 3). Qui vi mostriamo, in dettaglio, la procedura di installazione e per l&#39;imaging piccolo animale con un protocollo tipico SALLI. In particolare vi mostriamo la ricostruzione e l&#39;analisi dei set di dati di imaging T1.

<table border="1">
		<tbody>
		 <tr>
			<td>Name of Reagent/Material</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments</td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>Adhesive Tape (Silkafix)</td>
			<td>Lohmann und Rauscher</td>
			<td>34327</td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>Gadopentetat-Dimeglumin (Magnevist)</td>
			<td>Bayer</td>
			<td>G-00012163</td>
			<td>2mmol/Kg</td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>Introcan Safety-W (G24)</td>
			<td>B. Braun</td>
			<td>4254503-01</td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>Red Dot, Neonatal Monitoring Electrode with Pre-Attached Lead Wire</td>
			<td>3M</td>
			<td>2269T</td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>Skin glue (Histoacryl)</td>
			<td>B. Braun</td>
			<td>1050052</td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>Scales (Typ 440)</td>
			<td>Kern</td>
			<td>95088</td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>Skin desinfection (Softasept N)</td>
			<td>B. Braun Petzold</td>
			<td>360250</td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>Thermometer </td>
			<td>LumaSense Technologies</td>
			<td>Luxtron 812</td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		</tbody>
 </table>

assessment of cardiac function and myocardial morphology using small animal look-locker inversion recovery (salli) mri in rats

Piccola risonanza magnetica animale è uno strumento importante per lo studio della funzione cardiaca e cambiamenti nel tessuto miocardico. Le alte frequenze cardiache dei piccoli animali (da 200 a 600 battiti / min) hanno già limitato il ruolo della CMR imaging. Piccolo animale Look-Locker inversion recovery (SALLI) è una sequenza di mappatura T1 per piccoli animali per superare questo problema 1. Mappe T1 forniscono informazioni quantitative circa le alterazioni dei tessuti e contrasto cinetica agente. È anche possibile rilevare processi miocardiche diffuse come fibrosi interstiziale o edema 1-6. Inoltre, da un singolo insieme di dati di immagine, è possibile esaminare la funzione cardiaca e infarto cicatrici generando cine e inversione di recupero preparati immagini tardo gadolinio enhancement di tipo MR 1. Il video presentato mostra passo-passo le procedure per eseguire piccoli animali CMR imaging. Qui si è presentato con una Sprague-Dawl sanoey ratto, tuttavia esso può naturalmente essere estesa a diversi cardiaci piccoli modelli animali.

Qui mostriamo i risultati di un sano Sprague Dawley ratto. Con una configurazione animale ben preparato abbiamo descritto prima, è possibile ottenere un segnale ECG stabile. Simile a protocolli MRI cardiache umane, si parte con un sondaggio per individuare il cuore. Se la posizione del ratto nella bobina è corretta, si continua con una vista due camere e una vista quattro camere per rilevare la geometria per la pila SALLI. La tecnica SALLI produce tre tipi di immagini acquisite contemporan...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Assessment of Cardiac Function and Myocardial Morphology Using Small Animal Look-locker Inversion Recovery SALLI MRI in Rats at JoVE.com

Assessment of Cardiac Function and Myocardial Morphology Using Small Animal Look-locker Inversion Recovery SALLI MRI in Rats

Contrasto per risonanza magnetica cardiaca (CMR) consente completo<em&gt; In vivo</em&gt; Valutazione del cuore in piccoli modelli animali di malattia cardiovascolare. Qui dettaglio le procedure per eseguire l&#39;imaging CMR, la ricostruzione e l&#39;analisi utilizzando Piccoli Animali Lock-Locker Inversion Recovery (SALLI) nei ratti.

Valutazione della funzione cardiaca e Morfologia miocardica Utilizzando Small Animal Look-Locker Inversion Recovery (SALLI) MRI nei ratti

Small animal magnetic resonance  imaging is an important tool to study cardiac function and changes in myocardial  tissue. The high heart rates of small ...

assessment-cardiac-function-myocardial-morphology-using-small-animal

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Assessment of Cardiac Function and Myocardial Morphology Using Small Animal Look-locker Inversion Recovery (SALLI) MRI in Rats

12.6K Views.  German Heart Institute Berlin. Contrasto per risonanza magnetica cardiaca (CMR) consente completo In vivo Valutazione del cuore in piccoli modelli animali di malattia cardiovascolare. Qui dettaglio le procedure per eseguire l'imaging CMR, la ricostruzione e l'analisi utilizzando Piccoli Animali Lock-Locker Inversion Recovery (SALLI) nei ratti.

Video: Assessment of Cardiac Function and Myocardial Morphology Using Small Animal Look-locker Inversion Recovery SALLI MRI in Rats

Assessment of Cardiac Function and Energetics in Isolated Mouse Hearts Using 31P NMR Spectroscopy

Bioengineered mouse models have become powerful research tools in determining causal relationships between molecular alterations and models of cardiovascular disease. Although molecular biology is necessary in identifying key changes in the signaling pathway, it is not a surrogate for functional significance. While physiology can provide answers to the question of function, combining physiology with biochemical assessment of metabolites in the intact, beating heart allows for a complete picture of cardiac function and energetics. For years, our laboratory has utilized isolated heart perfusions combined with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to accomplish this task. Left ventricular function is assessed by Langendorff-mode isolated heart perfusions while cardiac energetics is measured by performing 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the perfused hearts. With these techniques, indices of cardiac function in combination with levels of phosphocreatine and ATP can be measured simultaneously in beating hearts. Furthermore, these parameters can be monitored while physiologic or pathologic stressors are instituted. For example, ischemia/reperfusion or high workload challenge protocols can be adopted. The use of aortic banding or other models of cardiac pathology are apt as well. Regardless of the variants within the protocol, the functional and energetic significance of molecular modifications of transgenic mouse models can be adequately described, leading to new insights into the associated enzymatic and metabolic pathways. Therefore, 31P NMR spectroscopy in the isolated perfused heart is a valuable research technique in animal models of cardiovascular disease.

Assessment of Cardiac Function and Energetics in Isolated Mouse Hearts Using 31P NMR Spectroscopy

Langendorff-mode isolated heart perfusion, in conjunction with 31P NMR spectroscopy, combines the fields of biochemistry and physiology into one experiment. The protocol allows for the dynamic measurement of high energy phosphate content and turnover in the heart while concurrently monitoring physiologic function. When performed correctly, this is a valuable technique in the assessment of cardiac energetics.

Valutazione della funzione cardiaca e Energetica nel Cuori mouse isolato mediante 31 P spettroscopia NMR

Bioengineered mouse models have become powerful research tools in determining causal relationships between molecular alterations and models of ...

Ricerca

Medicina

Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats

With heart failure leading the cause of death in the USA (Hunt), biomedical research is fundamental to advance medical treatments for cardiovascular diseases. Animal models that mimic human cardiac disease, such as myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia-reperfusion (IR) that induces heart failure as well as pressure-overload (transverse aortic constriction) that induces cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (Goldman and Tarnavski), are useful models to study cardiovascular disease. In particular, myocardial ischemia (MI) is a leading cause for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality despite controlling certain risk factors such as arteriosclerosis and treatments via surgical intervention (Thygesen). Furthermore, an acute loss of the myocardium following myocardial ischemia (MI) results in increased loading conditions that induces ventricular remodeling of the infarcted border zone and the remote non-infarcted myocardium. Myocyte apoptosis, necrosis and the resultant increased hemodynamic load activate multiple biochemical intracellular signaling that initiates LV dilatation, hypertrophy, ventricular shape distortion, and collagen scar formation. This pathological remodeling and failure to normalize the increased wall stresses results in progressive dilatation, recruitment of the border zone myocardium into the scar, and eventually deterioration in myocardial contractile function (i.e. heart failure). The progression of LV dysfunction and heart failure in rats is similar to that observed in patients who sustain a large myocardial infarction, survive and subsequently develops heart failure (Goldman). The acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model in rats has been used to mimic human cardiovascular disease; specifically used to study cardiac signaling mechanisms associated with heart failure as well as to assess the contribution of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of heart failure. The method described in this report is the rat model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This model is also referred to as an acute ischemic cardiomyopathy or ischemia followed by reperfusion (IR); which is induced by an acute 30-minute period of ischemia by ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) followed by reperfusion of the tissue by releasing the LAD ligation (Vasilyev and McConnell). This protocol will focus on assessment of the infarct size and the area-at-risk (AAR) by Evan's blue dye and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) following 4-hours of reperfusion; additional comments toward the evaluation of cardiac function and remodeling by modifying the duration of reperfusion, is also presented. Overall, this AMI rat animal model is useful for studying the consequence of a myocardial infarction on cardiac pathophysiological and physiological function.

The rat model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is useful to study the consequence of a MI on cardiac pathophysiological and physiological function.

Infarto acuto del miocardio in topi

With heart failure leading the cause of death in the USA (Hunt), biomedical research is fundamental to advance medical treatments for cardiovascular ...

MRI and PET in Mouse Models of Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death in the Western world. The similarity of the mouse heart to the human heart has made it an ideal model for testing novel therapeutic strategies.
In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gives excellent views of the heart noninvasively with clear anatomical detail, which can be used for accurate functional assessment. Contrast agents can provide basic measures of tissue viability but these are nonspecific. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a complementary technique that is highly specific for molecular imaging, but lacks the anatomical detail of MRI. Used together, these techniques offer a sensitive, specific and quantitative tool for the assessment of the heart in disease and recovery following treatment.
In this paper we explain how these methods are carried out in mouse models of acute myocardial infarction. The procedures described here were designed for the assessment of putative protective drug treatments. We used MRI to measure systolic function and infarct size with late gadolinium enhancement, and PET with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to assess metabolic function in the infarcted region. The paper focuses on practical aspects such as slice planning, accurate gating, drug delivery, segmentation of images, and multimodal coregistration. The methods presented here achieve good repeatability and accuracy maintaining a high throughput.

We describe how to perform MRI and PET imaging of the mouse heart. The protocol is tailored to assess treatment efficacy in models of myocardial infarction and heart failure.

Myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death in the Western world. The similarity of the mouse heart to the human heart has made it an ...

Ascending Aortic Constriction in Rats for Creation of Pressure Overload Cardiac Hypertrophy Model

Ascending aortic constriction is the most common and successful surgical model for creating pressure overload induced cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Here, we describe a detailed surgical procedure for creating pressure overload and cardiac hypertrophy in rats by constriction of the ascending aorta using a small metallic clip. After anesthesia, the trachea is intubated by inserting a cannula through a half way incision made between two cartilage rings of trachea. Then a skin incision is made at the level of the second intercostal space on the left chest wall and muscle layers are cleared to locate the ascending portion of aorta. The ascending aorta is constricted to 50&#8211;60% of its original diameter by application of a small sized titanium clip. Following aortic constriction, the second and third ribs are approximated with prolene sutures. The tracheal cannula is removed once spontaneous breathing was re-established. The animal is allowed to recover on the heating pad by gradually lowering anesthesia. The intensity of pressure overload created by constriction of the ascending aorta is determined by recording the pressure gradient using trans-thoracic two dimensional Doppler-echocardiography. Overall this protocol is useful to study the remodeling events and contractile properties of the heart during the gradual onset and progression from compensated cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure stage.

We describe a stepwise procedure for creating pressure overload and left ventricular hypertrophy in Wistar rats by constriction of the ascending aorta using a small metallic clip. This model is extensively used for studying remodeling changes during cardiac hypertrophy and for identifying and evaluating strategies for regression of such changes.

Crescente aortica Costrizione in ratti per la creazione di sovraccarico di pressione cardiaca Ipertrofia Modello

Ascending aortic constriction is the most common and successful surgical model for creating pressure overload induced cardiac hypertrophy and heart ...

Assessment of Right Ventricular Structure and Function in Mouse Model of Pulmonary Artery Constriction by Transthoracic Echocardiography

Emerging clinical data support the notion that RV dysfunction is critical to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and heart failure1-3. Moreover, the RV is significantly affected in pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). In addition, the RV is remarkably sensitive to cardiac pathologies, including left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, valvular disease or RV infarction4. To understand the role of RV in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases, a reliable and noninvasive method to access the RV structurally and functionally is essential.
A noninvasive trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) based methodology was established and validated for monitoring dynamic changes in RV structure and function in adult mice. To impose RV stress, we employed a surgical model of pulmonary artery constriction (PAC) and measured the RV response over a 7-day period using a high-frequency ultrasound microimaging system. Sham operated mice were used as controls. Images were acquired in lightly anesthetized mice at baseline (before surgery), day 0 (immediately post-surgery), day 3, and day 7 (post-surgery). Data was analyzed offline using software.
Several acoustic windows (B, M, and Color Doppler modes), which can be consistently obtained in mice, allowed for reliable and reproducible measurement of RV structure (including RV wall thickness, end-diastolic&#160;and end-systolic dimensions), and function (fractional area change, fractional shortening, PA peak velocity, and peak pressure gradient) in normal mice and following PAC.
Using this method, the pressure-gradient resulting from PAC was accurately measured in real-time using Color Doppler mode and was comparable to direct pressure measurements performed with a Millar high-fidelity microtip catheter. Taken together, these data demonstrate that RV measurements obtained from various complimentary views using echocardiography are reliable, reproducible and can provide insights regarding RV structure and function. This method will enable a better understanding of the role of RV cardiac dysfunction.

Right ventricle (RV) dysfunction is critical to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, yet limited methodologies are available for its evaluation. Recent advances in ultrasound imaging provide a noninvasive and accurate option for longitudinal RV study. Herein, we detail a step-by-step echocardiographic method using a murine model of RV pressure overload.

Valutazione del ventricolo destro Struttura e funzione in modello murino di polmonare Arteria Costrizione da ecocardiografia transtoracica

Emerging clinical data support the notion that RV dysfunction is critical to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and heart failure1-3. Moreover, ...

Echocardiographic and Histological Examination of Cardiac Morphology in the Mouse

An increasing number of genetically modified mouse models has become available in recent years. Moreover, the number of pharmacological studies performed in mice is high. Phenotypic characterization of these mouse models also requires the examination of cardiac function and morphology. Echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are commonly used approaches to characterize cardiac function and morphology in mice. Echocardiographic and MRI equipment specialized for use in small rodents is&#160;expensive and requires a dedicated space. This protocol describes cardiac measurements in mice using a clinical echocardiographic system with a 15 MHz human vascular probe. Measurements are performed on anesthetized adult mice. At least three image sequences are recorded and analyzed for each animal in M-mode in the parasternal short-axis view. Afterwards, cardiac histological examination is performed, and cardiomyocyte diameters are determined on hematoxylin-eosin- or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-stained paraffin sections. Vessel density is determined morphometrically after Pecam-1 immunostaining. The protocol has been applied successfully to pharmacological studies and different genetic animal models under baseline conditions, as well as after experimental myocardial infarction by the permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). In our experience, echocardiographic investigation is limited to anesthetized animals and is feasible in adult mice weighing at least 25 g.

Echocardiographic examination is frequently used in mice. Expensive high-resolution ultrasound devices have been developed for this purpose. This protocol describes an affordable echocardiographic procedure combined with histological morphometric analyses to determine cardiac morphology.

Esame ecocardiografico ed istologico della morfologia cardiaca nel topo

An increasing number of genetically modified mouse models has become available in recent years. Moreover, the number of pharmacological studies performed ...

In Vivo Evaluation of Fracture Callus Development During Bone Healing in Mice Using an MRI-compatible Osteosynthesis Device for the Mouse Femur

Endochondral fracture healing is a complex process involving the development of fibrous, cartilaginous, and osseous tissue in the fracture callus. The amount of the different tissues in the callus provides important information on the fracture healing progress. Available in vivo techniques to longitudinally monitor the callus tissue development in preclinical fracture-healing studies using small animals include digital radiography and &#181;CT imaging. However, both techniques are only able to distinguish between mineralized and non-mineralized tissue. Consequently, it is impossible to discriminate cartilage from fibrous tissue. In contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visualizes anatomical structures based on their water content and might therefore be able to noninvasively identify soft tissue and cartilage in the fracture callus. Here, we report the use of an MRI-compatible external fixator for the mouse femur to allow MRI scans during bone regeneration in mice. The experiments demonstrated that the fixator and a custom-made mounting device allow repetitive MRI scans, thus enabling longitudinal analysis of fracture-callus tissue development.

In Vivo Evaluation of Fracture Callus Development During Bone Healing in Mice Using an MRI-compatible Osteosynthesis Device for the Mouse Femur

The evaluation of tissue development in the fracture callus during endochondral bone healing is essential to monitor the healing process. Here, we report the use of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible external fixator for the mouse femur to allow MRI scans during bone regeneration in mice.

In Vivo Valutazione dello sviluppo di callo di frattura durante la guarigione dell'osso nei topi utilizzando un MRI-compatibile con osteosintesi per il femore di Mouse

Endochondral fracture healing is a complex process involving the development of fibrous, cartilaginous, and osseous tissue in the fracture callus. The ...

Normothermic Ex Situ Heart Perfusion in Working Mode: Assessment of Cardiac Function and Metabolism

The current standard method for organ preservation (cold storage, CS), exposes the heart to a period of cold ischemia that limits the safe preservation time and increases the risk of adverse post-transplantation outcomes. Moreover, the static nature of CS does not allow for organ evaluation or intervention during the preservation interval. Normothermic ex situ heart perfusion (ESHP) is a novel method for preservation of the donated heart that minimizes cold ischemia by providing oxygenated, nutrient-rich perfusate to the heart. ESHP has been shown to be non-inferior to CS in the preservation of standard-criteria donor hearts and has also facilitated the clinical transplantation of the hearts donated after the circulatory determination of death. Currently, the only available clinical ESHP device perfuses the heart in an unloaded, non-working state, limiting assessments of myocardial performance. Conversely, ESHP in working mode provides the opportunity for comprehensive evaluation of cardiac performance by assessment of functional and metabolic parameters under physiologic conditions. Moreover, earlier experimental studies have suggested that ESHP in working mode may result in improved functional preservation. Here, we describe the protocol for ex situ perfusion of the heart in a large mammal (porcine) model, which is reproducible for different animal models and heart sizes. The software program in this ESHP apparatus allows for real-time and automated control of the pump speed to maintain desired aortic and left atrial pressure and evaluates a variety of functional and electrophysiological parameters with minimal need for supervision/manipulation.

Normothermic ex situ heart perfusion (ESHP), preserves the heart in a beating, semi-physiologic state. When performed in a working mode, ESHP provides the opportunity to perform sophisticated assessments of donor heart function and organ viability. Here, we describe our method for myocardial performance evaluation during ESHP.

Normotermica Ex Situ cuore aspersione in modalità di lavoro: valutazione della funzione cardiaca e il metabolismo

The current standard method for organ preservation (cold storage, CS), exposes the heart to a period of cold ischemia that limits the safe preservation ...

Continuous Blood Sampling in Small Animal Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Enables the Measurement of the Arterial Input Function

For quantitative analysis and bio-kinetic modeling of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) data, the determination of the temporal blood time-activity concentration also known as arterial input function (AIF) is a key point, especially for the characterization of animal disease models and the introduction of newly developed radiotracers. The knowledge of radiotracer availability in the blood helps to interpret PET/CT-derived data of tissue activity. For this purpose, online blood sampling during the PET/CT imaging is advisable to measure the AIF. In contrast to manual blood sampling and image-derived approaches, continuous online blood sampling has several advantages. Besides the minimized blood loss, there is an improved resolution and a superior accuracy for the blood activity measurement. However, the major drawback of online blood sampling is the costly and time-consuming preparation to catheterize the femoral vessels of the animal. Here, we describe an easy and complete workflow for catheterization and continuous blood sampling during small animal PET/CT imaging and compared it to manual blood sampling and an image-derived approach. Using this highly-standardized workflow, the determination of the fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) AIF is demonstrated. Further, this procedure can be applied to any radiotracer in combination with different animal models to create fundamental knowledge of tracer kinetic and model characteristics. This allows a more precise evaluation of the behavior of pharmaceuticals, both for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the preclinical research of oncological, neurodegenerative and myocardial diseases.

Here a protocol for continuous blood sampling during PET/CT imaging of rats to measure the arterial input function (AIF) is described. The catheterization, the calibration and setup of the system and the data analysis of the blood radioactivity are demonstrated. The generated data provide input parameters for subsequent bio-kinetic modeling.

Il campionamento continuo del sangue nella tomografia a emissione di positroni di piccole dimensioni/tomografia computerizzata consente la misurazione della funzione di input arteriosa

For quantitative analysis and bio-kinetic modeling of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) data, the determination of the temporal ...

Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Anatomy and Function in Adult Rats

The use of experimental animal models has become crucial in cardiovascular science. Most studies using rodent models are focused on two-dimensional imaging to study the cardiac anatomy of the left ventricle and M-mode echo to assess its dimensions. However, this could limit a comprehensive study. Herein, we describe a protocol that allows an assessment of the heart chamber size, left ventricular function (systolic and diastolic) and valvular function. A conventional medical ultrasound machine was used in this protocol and different echo views were obtained through left parasternal, apical and suprasternal windows. In the left parasternal window, the long and short axis were acquired to analyze left chamber dimensions, right ventricle and pulmonary artery dimensions, and mitral, pulmonary and aortic valve function. The apical window allows the measurement of heart chamber dimensions and evaluation of systolic and diastolic parameters. It also allows Doppler assessment with detection and quantification of heart valve disturbances (regurgitation or stenosis). Different segments and walls of the left ventricle are visualized throughout all views. Finally, the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta can be imaged through the suprasternal window. A combination of ultrasound imaging, Doppler flow and tissue Doppler assessment have been obtained to study cardiac morphology and function. This represents an important contribution to improve the assessment of cardiac function in adult rats with impact for research using these animal models.

A non-invasive protocol for transthoracic echocardiography assessment of cardiac anatomy and function for adult rats is presented in the current study. The heart valves, all four cardiac chambers and the ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending aorta are studied in detail.

Valutazione ecocardiografica dell'anatomia e della funzione cardiaca nei ratti adulti

The use of experimental animal models has become crucial in cardiovascular science. Most studies using rodent models are focused on two-dimensional ...