We would like to thank Alex Miller for manuscript revisions. This work was supported with the research grants awarded to M.G. from Cure CMD, Struggle Against Muscular Dystrophy (SAM) and Muscular Dystrophy Association (218938).

1. Tissue Raccolta e congelamento dei tessuti muscolari <ol><li> Euthanize il mouse con un sovradosaggio di isoflurano (2-cloro-2- (difluorometossi) -1,1,1-trifluoro-etano). Eseguire questo passaggio in una cappa aspirante e utilizzare un metodo di contenimento secondario, come un essiccatore o una campana di vetro contenente un batuffolo di cotone imbevuto di isoflurano. </li><li> Confermare la morte con fermezza spremitura zampa. Utilizzare un metodo secondario dell&#39;eutanasia come dislocazione cervicale. </li><li> Bagnare il pelo con il 70% di alcool per ridurre l&#39;incollaggio di ciocche di capelli sciolti sui muscoli. Sbucciare la pelle di dosso l&#39;arto utilizzando una pinza sottile come 5 #. </li><li> Separare cautamente il muscolo di interesse (tibiale anteriore (TA) in questo caso) dalle ossa sotto, partendo dal tendine e rimuovere. </li><li> Accise il muscolo, coprire in OCT (Optimum Cutting composto Temperature), e adagiarlo orizzontalmente su uno stampo di congelamento e getta etichettati. Assicurarsi che il muscolo è al suo normale orientamento fisiologico (testa di tail) senza stiramento. In alternativa, congelare il muscolo su piccole piazze di polistirolo e il pin con perni di insetti al fine di garantire la corretta lunghezza dei muscoli. </li><li> Raffreddare 2-metilbutano (isopentano) in un becher di acciaio con azoto liquido. Questo richiede, in media, 3-5 min. Continuate a mescolare intermittenza fino precipitati bianchi cominciano a formarsi sul fondo e sulle pareti del bicchiere. NOTA: In questo caso, isopentano ha raggiunto la temperatura ottimale di congelamento (-150 ° C) </li><li> Immergere gli stampi contenenti muscoli del refrigerata 2-metilbutano. Congelare piccoli muscoli, come il lungo del diaframma e delle dita (EDL) per 6-12 secondi e muscoli più grandi, come il soleo gastrocnemio (GS) e tricipiti per 15 - 20 sec. Non congelare i muscoli troppo a lungo come questo può portare alla rottura. </li><li> Trasferire i tessuti congelati su ghiaccio secco e lasciare evaporare isopentano (notare che questo processo richiede, in media, circa 15 - 20 min). Avvolgere i tessuti in un foglio di alluminio e memorizzarli in ultra bassa temperatura (-70 ° C a -80 ° C) fino sezionamento. </li></ol> 2. Incorporare i tessuti in ottobre preparare Tissue Block <ol><li> Tessuti di trasporto su ghiaccio secco per cyrostat per evitare lo scongelamento. Tessuto Trasferimento a criostato camera (impostato a -20 e -24 ° C per evitare la piena scongelamento dei tessuti) e lasciarli equilibrare per 30 min. </li><li> Girare la baia Peltier raffreddamento. Se il criostato non ha questo raffreddamento, utilizzare raffreddamento spray aerosol per congelare rapidamente la Ottobre Non lasciate che il disgelo muscolo in qualsiasi momento durante l&#39;incorporamento come questo può causare danni da congelamento. </li><li> Aggiungere uno strato sottile uniforme ottobre sul disco dei campioni e lasciate raffreddare. Quando la maggior parte della Ottobre è congelato sul fondo mentre ancora liquido sulla parte superiore, inserire il tessuto con l&#39;orientamento corretto (perpendicolare a ottobre per le sezioni trasversali e paralleli a ottobre per le sezioni longitudinali). Usare spruzzi di raffreddamento spray per congelare rapidamente ottobre Toccare la parte unembeded del tessuto con ext caloreRATTORE e attendere 45 secondi. </li><li> Aggiungere un altro strato sottile dell&#39;OCT intorno al muscolo, spruzzare con spray di raffreddamento aerosol ed estrarre il calore nel passaggio precedente. </li><li> Continuare ad aggiungere OCT in piccoli incrementi e rapidamente congelare la OCT utilizzando una combinazione di spray aerosol ed estrattore di calore di raffreddamento fino a quando l&#39;intero muscolo è coperto. </li><li> Mettere l&#39;estrattore di calore sulla parte superiore del blocco di tessuto e attendere per 5 min. </li></ol> 3. Preparazione Sezioni e identificare le sezioni da Mid-pancia Regione dei muscoli <ol><li> Montare il campione sulla testa dei campioni. Serrare la manopola per fissare il disco. Assicurarsi che il disco di preparato è in buon contatto con la testa del preparato. </li><li> Regolare la temperatura della camera tra il -21 e -24 ° C e attendere fino al raggiungimento della temperatura impostata. </li><li> Regolare le impostazioni di spessore (7 micron); tagliare il blocco avanzando o ritraendo il blocco utilizzando le impostazioni grossolane e fini. </li><li> Raccogliere sezioniil pre-riscaldato vetrini da microscopio carica positiva premendo la parte superiore della slitta sulle sezioni, utilizzando l&#39;attrazione tra cariche opposte per facilitare l&#39;adesione delle sezioni tagliate alla diapositiva. </li><li> Identificare sezioni metà pancia misurando sezione trasversale (CSA) delle sezioni. Fare questo software di imaging utilizzando il computer collegato al microscopio. NOTA: le immagini a contrasto di fase sono prese e la circonferenza di tutto il muscolo viene misurata tramite una funzione di traccia sul programma software. Questo produrrà sia CSA nonché diametro minimo ferret (misura della fibra dimensioni trasversali che si esprime come la distanza minima tra due tangenti paralleli sui lati opposti di una particella) misurazioni. Nota: Quando CSA e diametro minimo furetto misure cominciano a stabilizzarsi, a metà pancia è stato raggiunto. </li><li> Inventario e archiviare i vetrini a -80 ° C per il futuro colorazione. NOTA: ottobre non ha bisogno di essere rimosso prima di staininprocedure g. Una volta che le diapositive sono coprioggetto, sono pronti per essere colorati immediatamente. </li></ol> 4. Colorazione NOTA: Durante le procedure dettagliate passo-passo possono essere trovati sulla scheda tecnica del prodotto e devono essere seguite per le procedure di colorazione, ottimizzazione personale può essere richiesto per ottenere la colorazione ottimale. <ol><li> Poiché il montaggio di mezzi (vedi tabella) non è miscibile con acqua, disidratazione diapositive attraverso crescenti gradi di alcool (2 min ciascuno in 70%, 95% e 100% etanolo) e chiaro con xilene (100% per 5 min) per garantire diapositive non diventano opachi nel tempo. </li><li> Coverslip sezioni e lasciarli asciugare. Immagine con il microscopio dotato di software di imaging. </li></ol>

<ol>
	<li>Bonnemann, C. 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=Diagnostic+approach+to+the+congenital+muscular+dystrophies.">Diagnostic approach to the congenital muscular dystrophies.</a> Neuromuscular disorders : NMD. 24, 289-311 (2014).</li><li>Caughey, J. E., Pachomov, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+diaphragm+in+dystrophia+myotonica.">The diaphragm in dystrophia myotonica.</a> J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 22, 311-313 (1959).</li><li>Fetterman, G. H., Wratney, M. J., Donaldson, J. S., Danowski, T. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Muscular+dystrophy.+I.+History,+clinical+status,+muscle+strength,+and+biopsy+findings.">Muscular dystrophy. I. History, clinical status, muscle strength, and biopsy findings.</a> AMA J Dis Child. 91, 326-338 (1956).</li><li>Platzer, A. C., Chase, W. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Histologic+Alterations+in+Preclinical+Mouse+Muscular+Dystrophy.">Histologic Alterations in Preclinical Mouse Muscular Dystrophy.</a> The American journal of pathology. 44, 931-946 (1964).</li><li>Mercuri, E., 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=Muscle+magnetic+resonance+imaging+involvement+in+muscular+dystrophies+with+rigidity+of+the+spine.">Muscle magnetic resonance imaging involvement in muscular dystrophies with rigidity of the spine.</a> Ann Neurol. 67, 201-208 (2010).</li><li>Tasca, 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=Different+molecular+signatures+in+magnetic+resonance+imaging-staged+facioscapulohumeral+muscular+dystrophy+muscles.">Different molecular signatures in magnetic resonance imaging-staged facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy muscles.</a> PloS one. 7, e38779 (2012).</li><li>Girgenrath, M., Dominov, J. A., Kostek, C. A., Miller, J. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inhibition+of+apoptosis+improves+outcome+in+a+model+of+congenital+muscular+dystrophy.">Inhibition of apoptosis improves outcome in a model of congenital muscular dystrophy.</a> The Journal of clinical investigation. 114, 1635-1639 (2004).</li><li>Kumar, A., Yamauchi, J., Girgenrath, T., Girgenrath, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Muscle-specific+expression+of+insulin-like+growth+factor+1+improves+outcome+in+Lama2Dy-w+mice,+a+model+for+congenital+muscular+dystrophy+type+1A.">Muscle-specific expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 improves outcome in Lama2Dy-w mice, a model for congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A.</a> Human molecular genetics. 20, 2333-2343 (2011).</li><li>Mehuron, 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=Dysregulation+of+matricellular+proteins+is+an+early+signature+of+pathology+in+laminin-deficient+muscular+dystrophy.">Dysregulation of matricellular proteins is an early signature of pathology in laminin-deficient muscular dystrophy.</a> Skeletal muscle. 4, 14 (2014).</li><li>Yamauchi, J., Kumar, A., Duarte, L., Mehuron, T., Girgenrath, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Triggering+regeneration+and+tackling+apoptosis:+a+combinatorial+approach+to+treating+congenital+muscular+dystrophy+type+1+A.">Triggering regeneration and tackling apoptosis: a combinatorial approach to treating congenital muscular dystrophy type 1 A.</a> Human molecular genetics. 22, 4306-4317 (2013).</li><li>Sheriffs, I. N., Rampling, D., Smith, V. V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Paraffin+wax+embedded+muscle+is+suitable+for+the+diagnosis+of+muscular+dystrophy.">Paraffin wax embedded muscle is suitable for the diagnosis of muscular dystrophy.</a> Journal of clinical pathology. 54, 517-520 (2001).</li><li>Fox, C. H., Johnson, F. B., Whiting, J., Roller, P. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Formaldehyde+fixation.">Formaldehyde fixation.</a> Journal of Histochemistry &amp; Cytochemistry. 33, 845-853 (1985).</li><li>Maccarty, W. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Diagnostic+Reliability+of+Frozen+Sections.">The Diagnostic Reliability of Frozen Sections.</a> The American journal of pathology. 5, 377-380 (1929).</li><li>Shi, S. R., 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=Evaluation+of+the+value+of+frozen+tissue+section+used+as+'gold+standard'+for+immunohistochemistry.">Evaluation of the value of frozen tissue section used as 'gold standard' for immunohistochemistry.</a> Am J Clin Pathol. 129, 358-366 (2008).</li><li>Turan, 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=Accuracy+of+frozen+sections+for+intraoperative+diagnosis+of+complex+atypical+endometrial+hyperplasia.">Accuracy of frozen sections for intraoperative diagnosis of complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia.</a> Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP. 13, 1953-1956 (2012).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Istologia e immunoistochimica sono stati utilizzati come strumenti chiave per comprendere la manifestazione e la progressione della patologia in vari disturbi neuromuscolari. Classicamente, biopsie muscolari sono stati fissati prima di formaldeide e poi integrati con paraffina. Mentre fissazione formaldeide conserva l&#39;architettura dei tessuti e permette lo stoccaggio dei tessuti e il trasporto a temperatura ambiente, è inattiva anche enzimi e proteine ​​legami crociati che richiedono ulteriori misure per raggiu...

L&#39;esame di istologia muscolare gioca un ruolo fondamentale nella comprensione dei diversi tipi di malattie neuromuscolari 1-4. Quando combinato con altre tecniche, permette ai ricercatori di avere una migliore idea della manifestazione e la progressione della patologia e possono anche essere essenziale per valutare l&#39;efficacia di un intervento terapeutico 5-10. Tuttavia, per essere precisi, i tessuti devono essere conservati in modo appropriato in modo da preservare lo stato fisiologico immediatamente prima escissione. Ciò richiede grande attenzione durante la rimozione, la conservazione, il sezionamento, e la colorazione. I tessuti possono essere preparati in due modi diversi per luce studio microscopico. Il primo metodo, fissati in formalina paraffina (FFPE) sezioni, richiede tessuti da fissare nel 10% naturale formaldeide tamponata prima di essere embedded con paraffina 11,12. La fase di fissazione aiuta a preservare la morfologia meglio, ma anche link incrociati pr endogenooteins e perciò necessitano di procedure di recupero antigene intricato per immunostaining ed eliminando la possibilità di colorazione enzimatica su tali sezioni 12. Sezioni congelate, d&#39;altra parte, non devono essere pre-fisso o trasformati; Pertanto, le proteine ​​sono in grado di trattenere conformazioni biologici nativi 13,14. Inoltre, sezioni congelate consentono anche il tempo di risposta rapido, che a volte è necessario, ad esempio nella diagnosi intraoperatoria di sarcomi e altri biopsie chirurgiche 15. Tuttavia, se non fatto correttamente, questo metodo è soggetto a danni dovuti al ghiaccio, che introduce modifiche all&#39;architettura muscolare rendendo sezioni inadatti per l&#39;esame istologico. Questo documento illustrerà il metodo più efficace per preparare biopsie muscolari per raggiungere colorazione ottimale per un esame adeguato.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Cryostat</td>
			<td>Leica CM 1850&#160;</td>
			<td>Leica Microsystems Inc.</td>
			<td>Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 United States, office phone 1-800 248 0123 
			Richard Allen Scientific</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microscope</td>
			<td>Nikon Eclipse 50i&#160;</td>
			<td>Nikon Instruments Inc.</td>
			<td>1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, N.Y. 11747-3064, U.S.A. 
			Phone: +1-631-547-8500 
			Olympus</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Image analysis software</td>
			<td>Nikon Imaging Software Basic Research</td>
			<td>Nikon Instruments Inc.</td>
			<td>1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, N.Y. 11747-3064, U.S.A. 
			Phone: +1-631-547-8500 
			Image J, Metamorph</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isoflurane</td>
			<td>14043-220-05</td>
			<td>JD Medical Dist. Co., Inc.</td>
			<td>JD Medical Distrubuting Co., Inc 1923 West Peoria Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85029</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>OCT</td>
			<td>4583</td>
			<td>Sakura Inc.</td>
			<td>Sakrua Fintek, USA, Torrence, CA 90501, USA 
			Leica Microsystem</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Freeze It</td>
			<td>23-022524</td>
			<td>Thermofisher</td>
			<td>790 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139 
			VWR Scientific</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Disposable tissue mold</td>
			<td>22-363-554</td>
			<td>Thermofisher</td>
			<td>790 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139 
			VWR Scientific</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Colorfrost plus slides</td>
			<td>9991001</td>
			<td>Thermofisher</td>
			<td>790 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139 
			VWR Scientific</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetone</td>
			<td>650501-4L</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>3050 Spruce Street, St.Louis MO, 63103 
			VWR Scientific</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethyl alcohol</td>
			<td>HC-1300-1GL</td>
			<td>Thermofisher</td>
			<td>790 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139 
			VWR Scientific</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-methyl butane</td>
			<td>M 32631-SL</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>3050 Spruce Street, St.Louis MO, 63103 
			VWR Scientific</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Xylene</td>
			<td>HC-7001GA</td>
			<td>Thermofisher</td>
			<td>790 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139 
			VWR Scientific</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cytoseal 280</td>
			<td>8311-4</td>
			<td>Thermofisher</td>
			<td>790 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139 
			VWR Scientific</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hematoxylin Gill #3</td>
			<td>CS402-1D</td>
			<td>Thermofisher</td>
			<td>790 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139 
			VWR Scientific</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eosin</td>
			<td>6766007</td>
			<td>Thermofisher</td>
			<td>790 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139 
			VWR Scientific</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

do's and don'ts in the preparation of muscle cryosections for histological analysis

Valutazione istologica delle biopsie muscolari ha servito come uno strumento indispensabile per la comprensione dello sviluppo e la progressione della patologia di malattie neuromuscolari. Tuttavia, al fine di fare ciò, cura adeguata deve essere presa quando asportare e conservare tessuti per ottenere la colorazione ottimale. Un metodo di conservazione del tessuto comporta fissa tessuti in formaldeide e poi incorporare con la cera di paraffina. Questo metodo mantiene la morfologia bene e consente la memorizzazione a lungo termine a temperatura ambiente, ma è pesante e richiede una gestione di sostanze chimiche tossiche. Inoltre, i risultati di fissazione formaldeide in antigene cross-linking, che richiede protocolli di recupero antigene per immunocolorazione efficace. Al contrario, sezionamento congelati non richiede fissazione e mantiene quindi biologica dell&#39;antigene conformazione. Questo metodo fornisce anche un netto vantaggio in breve tempo di girarsi, il che rende particolarmente utile in situazioni che necessitano di una rapida valutazione istologica come intraoperativa biopsie chirurgiche. Qui si descrive il metodo più efficace di preparazione biopsie muscolari per la visualizzazione con diverse macchie istologiche ed immunologiche.

Il set-up per la raccolta e il congelamento dei tessuti può essere visto in Figura 1. Tessuti asportati devono essere memorizzati su una garza imbevuta di PBS per evitare l&#39;essiccazione (Figura 1A). Quando vengono selezionati i tessuti da utilizzare per l&#39;analisi istologica devono essere immersi in OCT e disposti su stampo crio nell&#39;orientamento corretto e più vicino alla lunghezza fisiologica possibile per garantire morfologia accurata (Figura 1B). Slurry...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Do's and Don'ts in the Preparation of Muscle Cryosections for Histological Analysis at JoVE.com

Do's and Don'ts in the Preparation of Muscle Cryosections for Histological Analysis

Here we demonstrate the most efficient methods for freezing, embedding, cryosectioning, and staining of muscle biopsies to avoid freezing artifacts.

Cosa fare e cosa non fare nella preparazione di Muscle criosezioni per l&#39;analisi istologica

Histological evaluation of muscle biopsies has served as an indispensable tool in the understanding of the development and progression of pathology of ...

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31.7K Views.  Boston University. Here we demonstrate the most efficient methods for freezing, embedding, cryosectioning, and staining of muscle biopsies to avoid freezing artifacts.

Video: Do's and Don'ts in the Preparation of Muscle Cryosections for Histological Analysis

Myo-mechanical Analysis of Isolated Skeletal Muscle

To assess the in vivo effects of therapeutic interventions for the treatment of muscle disease 1,2,3, quantitative methods are needed that measure force generation and fatigability in treated muscle. We describe a detailed approach to evaluating myo-mechanical properties in freshly explanted hindlimb muscle from the mouse. We describe the atraumatic harvest of mouse extensor digitorum longus muscle, mounting the muscle in a muscle strip myograph (Model 820MS; Danish Myo Technology), and the measurement of maximal twitch and tetanic tension, contraction time, and half-relaxation time, using a square pulse stimulator (Model S48; Grass Technologies). Using these measurements, we demonstrate the calculation of specific twitch and tetanic tension normalized to muscle cross-sectional area, the twitch-to-tetanic tension ratio, the force-frequency relationship curve and the low frequency fatigue curve 4. This analysis provides a method for quantitative comparison between therapeutic interventions in mouse models of muscle disease 1,2,3,5, as well as comparison of the effects of genetic modification on muscle function 6,7,8,9.

To assess the in vivo effects of therapeutic interventions for muscle disease, methods are needed to quantitate force generation and fatigability in treated muscle. We detail an approach to evaluating myo-mechanical properties in explanted mouse hindlimb muscle. This analysis provides a robust approach to quantitating the effects of genetic modification on muscle function, as well as comparison of therapies in mouse models of muscle disease.

Myo-meccanico Analisi dei isolata del muscolo scheletrico

To assess the in vivo effects of therapeutic interventions for the treatment of muscle disease 1,2,3, quantitative methods are needed that measure force ...

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In Vivo Canine Muscle Function Assay

We describe a minimally-invasive and reproducible method to measure canine pelvic limb muscle strength and muscle response to repeated eccentric 
contractions. The pelvic limb of an anesthetized dog is immobilized in a stereotactic frame to align the tibia at a right angle to the femur. Adhesive wrap affixes the 
paw to a pedal mounted on the shaft of a servomotor to measure torque. Percutaneous nerve stimulation activates pelvic limb muscles of the paw to either push (extend) or 
pull (flex) against the pedal to generate isometric torque. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation activates tibiotarsal extensor muscles. Repeated eccentric (lengthening) 
contractions are induced in the tibiotarsal flexor muscles by percutaneous peroneal nerve stimulation. The eccentric protocol consists of an initial isometric contraction 
followed by a forced stretch imposed by the servomotor. The rotation effectively lengthens the muscle while it contracts, e.g., an eccentric contraction. During 
stimulation flexor muscles are subjected to an 800 msec isometric and 200 msec eccentric contraction. This procedure is repeated every 5 sec. To avoid fatigue, 4 min rest 
follows every 10 contractions with a total of 30 contractions performed.

In Vivo Canine Muscle Function Assay

We describe a minimally-invasive and painless method to measure canine hindlimb muscle strength and muscle response to repeated eccentric contractions.

In Vivo saggio canina funzione muscolare

We describe a minimally-invasive and reproducible method to measure canine pelvic limb muscle strength and muscle response to repeated eccentric 
...

High-throughput Flow Cytometry Cell-based Assay to Detect Antibodies to N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor or Dopamine-2 Receptor in Human Serum

Over the recent years, antibodies against surface and conformational proteins involved in neurotransmission have been detected in autoimmune CNS diseases in children and adults. These antibodies have been used to guide diagnosis and treatment. Cell-based assays have improved the detection of antibodies in patient serum. They are based on the surface expression of brain antigens on eukaryotic cells, which are then incubated with diluted patient sera followed by fluorochrome-conjugated secondary antibodies. After washing, secondary antibody binding is then analyzed by flow cytometry. Our group has developed a high-throughput flow cytometry live cell-based assay to reliably detect antibodies against specific neurotransmitter receptors. This flow cytometry method is straight forward, quantitative, efficient, and the use of a high-throughput sampler system allows for large patient cohorts to be easily assayed in a short space of time. Additionally, this cell-based assay can be easily adapted to detect antibodies to many different antigenic targets, both from the central nervous system and periphery. Discovering additional novel antibody biomarkers will enable prompt and accurate diagnosis and improve treatment of immune-mediated disorders.

Over the recent years, live cell-based assays have been used successfully to detect antibodies against surface and conformational antigens. Here, we describe a method using high-throughput flow cytometry enabling the analysis of large cohorts of patients. Detection of novel antibodies will improve diagnosis and treatment of immune-mediated disorders.

High-throughput Citometria a Flusso test cellulare per individuare gli anticorpi per N-metil-D-aspartato Receptor o dopamina-2 recettore nel siero umano

Over the recent years, antibodies against surface and conformational proteins involved in neurotransmission have been detected in autoimmune CNS diseases ...

Collection and Extraction of Saliva DNA for Next Generation Sequencing

The preferred source of DNA in human genetics research is blood, or cell lines derived from blood, as these sources yield large quantities of high quality DNA. However, DNA extraction from saliva can yield high quality DNA with little to no degradation/fragmentation that is suitable for a variety of DNA assays without the expense of a phlebotomist and can even be acquired through the mail. However, at present, no saliva DNA collection/extraction protocols for next generation sequencing have been presented in the literature. This protocol optimizes parameters of saliva collection/storage and DNA extraction to be of sufficient quality and quantity for DNA assays with the highest standards, including microarray genotyping and next generation sequencing.

DNA extraction from saliva can provide a readily available source of high molecular weight DNA, with little to no degradation/fragmentation. This protocol provides optimized parameters for saliva collection/storage and DNA extraction to be of sufficient quality and quantity for downstream DNA assays with high quality requirements.

Raccolta ed estrazione di Saliva DNA per il sequenziamento di nuova generazione

The preferred source of DNA in human genetics research is blood, or cell lines derived from blood, as these sources yield large quantities of high quality ...

Carotid Artery Infusions for Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Analysis of Taxanes in Mice

When proposing the use of a drug, drug combination, or drug delivery into a novel system, one must assess the pharmacokinetics of the drug in the study model. As the use of mouse models are often a vital step in preclinical drug discovery and drug development1-8, it is necessary to design a system to introduce drugs into mice in a uniform, reproducible manner. Ideally, the system should permit the collection of blood samples at regular intervals over a set time course. The ability to measure drug concentrations by mass-spectrometry, has allowed investigators to follow the changes in plasma drug levels over time in individual mice1, 9, 10. In this study, paclitaxel was introduced into transgenic mice as a continuous arterial infusion over three hours, while blood samples were simultaneously taken by retro-orbital bleeds at set time points. Carotid artery infusions are a potential alternative to jugular vein infusions, when factors such as mammary tumors or other obstructions make jugular infusions impractical. Using this technique, paclitaxel concentrations in plasma and tissue achieved similar levels as compared to jugular infusion. In this tutorial, we will demonstrate how to successfully catheterize the carotid artery by preparing an optimized catheter for the individual mouse model, then show how to insert and secure the catheter into the mouse carotid artery, thread the end of the catheter out through the back of the mouse&#8217;s neck, and hook the mouse to a pump to deliver a controlled rate of drug influx. Multiple low volume retro-orbital bleeds allow for analysis of plasma drug concentrations over time.

This method was developed with the goal of delivering a steady drug solution via the carotid artery, to assess the pharmacokinetics of novel drugs in mouse models.

Infusi carotide di farmacocinetica e di farmacodinamica Analisi dei taxani nei topi

When proposing the use of a drug, drug combination, or drug delivery into a novel system, one must assess the pharmacokinetics of the drug in the study ...

Ultrasound Based Assessment of Coronary Artery Flow and Coronary Flow Reserve Using the Pressure Overload Model in Mice

Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) is a clinically useful, noninvasive tool for studying coronary artery flow velocity and coronary flow reserve (CFR) in humans. Reduced CFR is accompanied by marked intramyocardial and pericoronary fibrosis and is used as an indication of the severity of dysfunction. This study explores, step-by-step, the real-time changes measured in the coronary flow velocity, CFR and systolic to diastolic peak velocity (S/D) ratio in the setting of an aortic banding model in mice. By using a Doppler transthoracic imaging technique that yields reproducible and reliable data, the method assesses changes in flow in the septal coronary artery (SCA), for a period of over two weeks in mice, that previously either underwent aortic banding or thoracotomy. 
During imaging, hyperemia in all mice was induced by isoflurane, an anesthetic that increased coronary flow velocity when compared with resting flow. All images were acquired by a single imager. Two ratios, (1) CFR, the ratio between hyperemic and baseline flow velocities, and (2) systolic (S) to diastolic (D) flow were determined, using a proprietary software and by two independent observers. Importantly, the observed changes in coronary flow preceded LV dysfunction as evidenced by normal LV mass and fractional shortening (FS). 
The method was benchmarked against the current gold standard of coronary assessment, histopathology. The latter technique showed clear pathologic changes in the coronary artery in the form of peri-coronary fibrosis that correlated to the flow changes as assessed by echocardiography. 
The study underscores the value of using a non-invasive technique to monitor coronary circulation in mouse hearts. The method minimizes redundant use of research animals and demonstrates that advanced ultrasound-based indices, such as CFR and S/D ratios, can serve as viable diagnostic tools in a variety of investigational protocols including drug studies and the study of genetically modified strains.

Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is useful for assessment of myocardial oxygen demand and evaluation of cardiovascular risk. This study establishes a step-by-step transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic (TTDE) method for longitudinal monitoring of the changes in CFR, as measured from coronary artery in mice, under the experimental pressure overload of aortic banding.

Valutazione Ecografia base di coronaropatia Flow e flusso coronarico Reserve Utilizzando la pressione Sovraccarico modello nei topi

Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) is a clinically useful, noninvasive tool for studying coronary artery flow velocity and coronary flow ...

Human Vastus Lateralis Skeletal Muscle Biopsy Using the Weil-Blakesley Conchotome

Percutaneous muscle biopsy using the Weil-Blakesley conchotome is well established in both clinical and research practice. It is a safe, effective and well tolerated technique. The Weil-Blakesley conchotome has a sharp biting tip with a 4 - 6 mm wide hollow. It is inserted through a 5 - 10 mm skin incision and can be maneuvered for controlled tissue penetration. The tip is opened and closed within the tissue and then rotated through 90 -180&#176; to cut the muscle. The amount of muscle obtained following repeated sampling can vary from 20 mg to 290 mg which can be processed for both histology and molecular studies. The wound needs to be kept dry and vigorous physical activity kept to a minimum for approximately 72 hr although normal levels of activity can restart immediately following the procedure. This procedure is safe and effective when close attention is paid to the selection of subjects, full asepsis and post procedure care. &#160;Both right and left vastus lateralis are suitable for biopsy dependent on participant preference.

Human Vastus Lateralis Skeletal Muscle Biopsy Using the Weil-Blakesley Conchotome

This video demonstrates the technique of percutaneous muscle biopsy of the human vastus lateralis using the Weil-Blakesley conchotome.

Umano<em&gt; vasto laterale</em&gt; Biopsia muscolare scheletrico Utilizzando la Weil-Blakesley Conchotome

Percutaneous muscle biopsy using the Weil-Blakesley conchotome is well established in both clinical and research practice. It is a safe, effective and ...

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Atherosclerotic plaques, consisting of lipid-laden macrophages and calcification, develop in the coronary arteries, aortic valve, aorta, and peripheral conduit arteries and are the hallmark of cardiovascular disease. In humans, imaging with computed tomography allows for the quantification of vascular calcification; the presence of vascular calcification is a strong predictor of future cardiovascular events. Development of novel therapies in cardiovascular disease relies critically on improving our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis. Advancing our knowledge of atherosclerotic mechanisms relies on murine and cell-based models. Here, a method for imaging aortic calcification and macrophage infiltration using two spectrally distinct near-infrared fluorescent imaging probes is detailed. Near-infrared fluorescent imaging allows for the ex vivo quantification of calcification and macrophage accumulation in the entire aorta and can be used to further our understanding of the mechanistic relationship between inflammation and calcification in atherosclerosis. Additionally, a method for isolating and culturing animal aortic vascular smooth muscle cells and a protocol for inducing calcification in cultured smooth muscle cells from either murine aortas or from human coronary arteries is described. This in vitro method of modeling vascular calcification can be used to identify and characterize the signaling pathways likely important for the development of vascular disease, in the hopes of discovering novel targets for therapy.

Vascular calcification is an important predictor of and contributor to human cardiovascular disease. This protocol describes methods for inducing calcification of cultured primary vascular smooth muscle cells and for quantifying calcification and macrophage burden in animal aortas using near-infrared fluorescence imaging.

Calcificazione vascolare cellule muscolari lisce e imaging di aortica calcificazioni e infiammazione

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world.  Atherosclerotic plaques, consisting of lipid-laden macrophages and ...

Dissection of the Mouse Pancreas for Histological Analysis and Metabolic Profiling

We have been investigating the pancreas specific transcription factor, 1a cre-recombinase; lox-stop-lox- Kristen rat sarcoma, glycine to aspartic acid at the 12 codon (Ptf1acre/+;LSL-KrasG12D/+) mouse strain as a model of human pancreatic cancer. The goal of our current studies is to identify novel metabolic biomarkers of pancreatic cancer progression. We have performed metabolic profiling of urine, feces, blood, and pancreas tissue extracts, as well as histological analyses of the pancreas to stage the cancer progression. The mouse pancreas is not a well-defined solid organ like in humans, but rather is a diffusely distributed soft tissue that is not easily identified by individuals unfamiliar with mouse internal anatomy or by individuals that have little or no experience performing mouse organ dissections. The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed step-wise visual demonstration to guide novices in the removal of the mouse pancreas by dissection. This article should be especially valuable to students and investigators new to research that requires harvesting of the mouse pancreas by dissection for metabolic profiling or histological analyses.

This video article provides a detailed demonstration of the procedures required to successfully remove the pancreas from a mouse by dissection for histological analysis and metabolic profiling.

Dissezione del Pancreas del Mouse per l'analisi istologica e Profiling metabolico

We have been investigating the pancreas specific transcription factor, 1a cre-recombinase; lox-stop-lox- Kristen rat sarcoma, glycine to aspartic acid at ...

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 ...