The authors would like to thank Autumn Peterson for assistance with mouse photography, Daniel Thoresen for assistance with mice, and Drs. Nicole Ward and Abdelmadjid Belkadi for assistance with surgical denervation. These studies were supported by funding from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (grants R00AR059796 and R01AR065409); the University of Michigan Department of Dermatology; the Biological Sciences Scholars Program; the Center for Organogenesis; the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center; and the John S. and Suzanne C. Munn Cancer Fund. S.C.P. was supported by funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (grant T32 GM007315). This work was also supported by the NIH Intramural Research Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute.

Tutte le procedure descritte in questo protocollo sono stati eseguiti in conformità alle norme stabilite dalla University of Michigan Unità per la Medicina di Laboratorio degli animali. 1. Indurre ricombinazione genetica nei topi Nota: Il Gli1 TM3 (CRE / ERT2) Alj / J ceppo di topi (Gli1-CreERT2) 13 permette di mira di ricombinazione genetica tamoxifene indotta a TD epiteli. Attraversare questo ceppo con B6.129S4-Gt (ROSA) topi reporter 26Sor tm1Sor / J (LacZ) 22 per generare Gli1, animali LacZ di visualizzare le cellule TD di tutto il montaggio colorazione di seguito. <ol><li> Preparare la soluzione tamoxifene ad una concentrazione di 12,5 mg / ml in olio di mais. <ol><li> In una provetta da 1,5 ml, aggiungere fino a 20 mg di tamoxifene cristallini, e quindi 1 ml di olio di mais. Saldamente nastro il tubo di un vortex e vortex in continuo con l&#39;impostazione più alta a temperatura ambiente fino a quando il tamoxifene si è completamente dissolto (2-4 ore), comeconfermata esaminando il tubo sotto un microscopio da dissezione per l&#39;assenza di particolato tamoxifene. </li><li> Trasferire la soluzione in una provetta da 15 ml e diluire le tamoxifene ad una concentrazione finale di 12,5 mg / ml di olio di mais aggiuntivo. Mescolare vortexando la soluzione viscosa per un ulteriore 30 sec. Conservare questa soluzione per 1 settimana a 4 ° C al buio. </li></ol></li><li> Iniettare la soluzione tamoxifene via intraperitoneale nel Gli1; ​​topi LacZ, ad un volume di 200 microlitri per 20 g di peso corporeo del mouse, per una dose tamoxifene efficace di 2,5 mg per 20 g di peso mouse. </li></ol> 2. biopsie cutanee Harvest NOTA: a seconda dell&#39;esperimento, biopsie cutanee raccolto parecchi giorni o settimane dopo l&#39;induzione tamoxifene. Per tutti gli interventi chirurgici, seguire protocolli standard per la chirurgia roditori, tra cui l&#39;uso dei guanti sterili, indossando una maschera o di capelli chirurgica rete, e che copre l&#39;animale con un telo chirurgico sterile durante la procedura. <ol><li> Preparare 10x soluzione madre di anestetico miscelando 90 mg / ml di ketamina e 6,5 mg / ml in acqua xilazina. Diluire questa soluzione 1:10 in PBS sterile al momento dell&#39;uso, e conservare a temperatura ambiente al buio per un massimo di 8 mesi. <ol><li> In alternativa, anestetizzare topi per inalazione isoflurano, iniziando con una concentrazione di gas del 4% con l&#39;ossigeno per anestetizzare completamente l&#39;animale, e successivamente abbassare tale al 1-2% per la durata della procedura. </li></ol></li><li> Iniettare la soluzione di anestetico per via intraperitoneale alla dose di 200 ml per 20 g di peso corporeo del mouse. Verificare che l&#39;animale ha raggiunto il corretto piano di sedazione mediante test punta pizzico, e confermare che il cuore e la frequenza respiratoria sono normali (circa 600 battiti e 160 respiri al minuto, rispettivamente). </li><li> Utilizzare un tagliatore elettrico per rimuovere i capelli dal sito della biopsia sulla pelle dorsale posteriore, facendo attenzione a non intaccare o danneggiare la pelle sottostante. </li><li> Preparare il sito chirurgico pulendo la rasaturaArea D in senso antero-a-posteriore con Betadine e alcool salviette. Assicurarsi che tutti i ritagli di capelli vengono rimossi dal sito. </li><li> Outline al sito biopsia con un pennarello nero, collocare l&#39;animale su un blocco di riscaldamento in una zona chirurgica asettica, e coprire con un telo chirurgico sterile (per scopi dimostrativi, telino sterile è stata omessa per aumentare la visibilità). Nota: Per ottenere sezioni longitudinali dei follicoli piliferi, il bordo più lungo della biopsia (il bordo da sezionare per istologia, ~ 1 cm) dovrebbe funzionare in direzione anteriore-posteriore (parallela alla direzione dei follicoli piliferi), parasagital per linea mediana dorsale (Figura 1A). </li><li> Utilizzare uno sterile # 11 bisturi per fare una escissione tutto spessore lungo l&#39;area contrassegnata senza danneggiare la fascia muscolare sottostante. Nota: Il tessuto della pelle asportato comprende l&#39;epidermide, derma, grasso sottocutaneo e pannicolo carnosus. Il sanguinamento è in genere minima. </li><li> appiattire tha asportato campione di pelle su un tovagliolo di carta a secco, derma lato verso il basso, assetto via il tovagliolo di carta in eccesso, e conservare il campione in PBS freddo per un massimo di 1 ora se altri campioni devono essere raccolti. Quando si è pronti, procedere ai passaggi 3.1 o 3.2 per elaborare i campioni per l&#39;istologia, o il punto 4 per β-galattosidasi (LacZ) colorazione tutto il montaggio. </li><li> Sutura chiudere il sito di biopsia con 6-0 punti di sutura in nylon, in un modello semplice interrotto distanziati di circa 3 mm. </li><li> Non restituire i topi che hanno subito un intervento chirurgico nella stessa gabbia, come gli altri animali fino a dopo il pieno recupero. </li><li> Monitorare gli animali subito dopo l&#39;intervento chirurgico fino a che riprendano conoscenza, e anche tutti i giorni fino a quando l&#39;area chirurgica è guarita, in genere entro 1 settimana. Utilizzare analgesici in conformità con le linee guida per la cura degli animali e uso istituzionale designati se i topi mostrano segni di dolore o disagio. Rimuovere suture entro 7-10 giorni dopo l&#39;intervento chirurgico. Nota: Se necessario, preparare la soluzione analgesica diluendo Carprofen (50 mg / ml di solution) 1: 100 in acqua sterile. Iniettare la soluzione per via sottocutanea tra le scapole vicino alla collottola, ad una dose di 200 ml per 20 g di peso corporeo (5 mg / kg di peso corporeo del mouse). </li></ol> 3. I campioni di processo per Istologia Nota: Per risolvere ed elaborare il tessuto asportato, utilizzare entrambi i metodi qui di seguito a seconda dell&#39;applicazione. <ol><li> Per generare campioni istologici inclusi in paraffina, fissare la pelle in 3,7% di formalina in PBS O / N a temperatura ambiente e conservare in etanolo al 70% per un massimo di 2 settimane. Rimuovere il tovagliolo di carta prima di incorporare in paraffina. </li><li> Per la generazione di campioni istologici congelati, immergere il tessuto a freddo paraformaldeide 4% in PBS e agitare delicatamente per 1 ora. Rimuovere la soluzione e lavare il campione con 3 cambi di PBS, circa 5 minuti ciascuno. Successivamente, immergere il campione nel 30% di saccarosio in PBS per cryoprotect tessuto ( &quot;sinking saccarosio&quot;). </li><li> Incubare con dolce O agitazione / N a 4 ° C. Il giorno successivo, rimuovere il rimorchio di cartael e tagliare via il tessuto adiposo in eccesso dal lato dermico della pelle. Incorporare il tessuto direttamente in Office e memorizzare il blocco congelato a -80 ° C. Nota: Dopo aver sezionato, sia paraffina o campioni congelati possono essere colorati mediante immunoistochimica per identificare TD, cellule di Merkel e nervi che utilizzano gli anticorpi contro rispettivamente cheratina 17, cheratina 8 e Neurofilament, come descritto in precedenza 5,19. </li></ol> 4. I campioni Visualizza per tutto il montaggio colorazione LacZ <ol><li> Preparare soluzione colorante X-gal. <ol><li> Combinare 0,94 g sodio fosfato monobasico, e 2,6 g di sodio fosfato bibasico in 250 ml di acqua sterile. Regolare il pH a 7,3. Per questo, aggiungere 0,5 ml di 1 M di cloruro di magnesio, 0,528 g di ferrocianuro di potassio, e 0,412 g di ferricianuro di potassio. Aggiungere 250 ml di glicole ottilfenil-polietilene e 125 mg di desossicolato. La soluzione di base può essere conservato a 4 ° C per 6 mesi al buio. </li><li> Preparare 50x Stock X-gal solution aggiungendo dimetilformammide nel X-gal magazzino bottiglia per generare una soluzione 50 mg / ml. Conservare la soluzione a -20 ° C al buio. </li><li> Appena prima di utilizzare, diluire soluzione madre X-gal 01:50 nella soluzione di base di X-gal per generare soluzione colorante. Per biopsie piccole (&lt;1 cm 2), aliquote 1-2 ml di soluzione colorante per campione. </li></ol></li><li> Fissare il campione di pelle raccolto nel passaggio 2.7 in una soluzione contenente 2% paraformaldeide / 0,2% glutaraldeide in PBS freddo per 30 minuti, agitando delicatamente su ghiaccio. Per biopsie più piccoli (&lt;1 cm 2), usare 1-2 ml di soluzione fissativa per campione. Nota: In alternativa, fissare campioni 2-4% paraformaldeide solo, o in 0,5% solo glutaraldeide. condizioni di fissaggio ottimali dipendono dal tessuto, grado di espressione LacZ e applicazione. </li><li> Rimuovere la soluzione fissativo, e risciacquare i campioni con 3 cambi di PBS, 5 minuti ciascuna, su un agitatore a temperatura ambiente. </li><li> Rimuovere il tovagliolo di carta sotto il campione e tagliare via excess tessuto adiposo dal lato dermico della pelle afferrando il grasso con una pinza smussato e taglio con le forbici dissezione. </li><li> Immergere il campione in soluzione colorante X-gal, e incubare a 37 ° CO / N. Espressione LacZ sarà visibile come una macchia blu sotto un microscopio da dissezione (Figura 1B). Nota: Se l&#39;intensità del segnale è debole, sostituire la soluzione colorante il giorno successivo e ripetere l&#39;/ incubazione O N. Se la colorazione di fondo è troppo intenso, ridurre il tempo di colorazione o incubare il campione a RT invece di 37 ° C. </li><li> Rimuovere la soluzione colorante e lavare i campioni in 3 cambi di PBS contenente 3% DMSO per circa 5 minuti, scuotendo delicatamente a temperatura ambiente. </li><li> Lavare i campioni in 2-3 cambi di etanolo al 70% per 5 minuti ciascuna. Conservare i campioni in etanolo al 70%. </li></ol> 5. denervazione chirurgica <ol><li> Anestetizzare l&#39;animale come al punto 2.2 e la barba tutta la pelle dorsale. </li><li> Preparare l&#39;area chirurgica of indietro la pelle con Betadine e cotone imbevuto di alcol, e coprire l&#39;animale con un telo chirurgico sterile (per scopi dimostrativi, telino sterile è stata omessa per aumentare la visibilità). Tenere il caldo animale con una piastra elettrica durante il funzionamento in una zona chirurgica asettica. </li><li> Fare un&#39;incisione utilizzando una sterile # 11 bisturi lungo la linea mediana dorsale dalla base del collo per circa 0,5 cm sopra la coda. </li><li> Utilizzando pinze smussato, riflette delicatamente la pelle sul lato sinistro di distanza dal fianco di visualizzare il tessuto sottostante dai cuscinetti adiposi scapolare vicino al collo appena sopra il arto posteriore. Nota: nervi cutanei dorsali appaiono filamenti come bianchi che viaggiano caudalmente attraverso la fascia trasparente della parete tronco prima di effettuare curve strette e inserendo il tessuto connettivo lasso sotto la pelle (Figura 2). </li><li> Utilizzando una pinza ultrafini sotto un microscopio ottico dissezione, rimuovere i nervi esclusivamente dal lato sinistro della animal situata in siti anatomici T3-12 pizzicando da dove la curva segmenti alla parete tronco ai loro siti di ingresso nella pelle (Figura 2). <ol><li> Pinze Orient verticalmente e rimuovere i nervi afferrando circa 0,5 cm sotto i loro siti di piegatura e tirando verso l&#39;alto, causando il nervo per allungare e separare dal tessuto circostante (Figura 2C - E). Fare attenzione ad evitare la rottura dei vasi sanguigni adiacenti. </li><li> Continuare finché tutti i nervi che si estendono dalla parete tronco alla pelle vengono rimossi. Non disturbare i nervi all&#39;interno della fitta fascia della parete tronco. Mantenere il tessuto umido durante tutta la procedura applicando periodicamente gocce di soluzione salina sterile allo 0,9%. </li><li> In alternativa, rimuovere i nervi afferrando loro estremità prossimali vicino alla parete tronco con una pinza e snipping con le forbici sottili. Successivamente, tagliare le estremità distali vicino alla pelle (figure 2F - H). Infine, rimuovere il intsegmenti nervosi ervening (Figura 2i). </li></ol></li><li> Rimuovere eventuali nervi dal lembo di pelle esposta al punto 5.4. Queste fibre comprendono i rami distali delle dorsali nervi cutanei e appaiono come bianche ciocche di ramificazione si trovano sporadicamente all&#39;interno del tessuto connettivo dermico sul lato del lembo cutaneo (figure 2J - K). <ol><li> Per rimuovere queste belle rami, posizionare la pinza sottile approssimativamente parallelo alla superficie cutanea, afferrare i nervi e cogliere verso l&#39;alto per evitare di interrompere i vasi sanguigni e pungere la pelle. Continuare fino a quando tutti i nervi visibili sono stati rimossi. </li></ol></li><li> Utilizzando smussa, riflettere la pelle sul lato destro della dorsale incisione mediana, ma non rimuovere i nervi. Questo servirà come il controlaterale di controllo sham-operated. </li><li> Sutura lungo la linea mediana dorsale in un semplice schema interrotto per chiudere l&#39;incisione. Monitorare l&#39;animale durante il recupero e post-opertivamente come precedentemente dimostrato (Piazza di 2,8-10). Rimuovere suture entro 7-10 giorni dopo l&#39;intervento chirurgico. </li><li> Per valutare funzionalmente stabile denervazione fino a diverse settimane dopo l&#39;intervento, rimuovere i capelli dalla pelle dorsale con un tagliatore elettrico. </li><li> pungere delicatamente la zona della pelle denervato usando un ago ipodermico, e notare se l&#39;animale risponde, in genere un brivido o girare la testa. Se l&#39;area di pelle è stato stabilmente denervato, l&#39;animale esporrà poca o nessuna risposta. </li><li> Con un pennarello nero, delimitare l&#39;area di risposta, nonché una zona di dimensioni e posizione simile sul lato controlaterale sham. </li><li> Raccogliere biopsie di questi siti, come nei passaggi 2.1-2.9 per l&#39;analisi. Nota: In alternativa, tutta la schiena dorsale della pelle, comprese le regioni denervati e sham-operati, può essere rimosso come un singolo foglio per tutto il montaggio colorazione, simile a quanto descritto al punto 4. </li></ol>

<ol>
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P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nerve+dependence+in+tissue,+organ,+and+appendage+regeneration.">Nerve dependence in tissue, organ, and appendage regeneration.</a> Trends Neurosci. 35, 691-699 (2012).</li><li>Rinkevich, Y., 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=Clonal+analysis+reveals+nerve-dependent+and+independent+roles+on+mammalian+hind+limb+tissue+maintenance+and+regeneration.">Clonal analysis reveals nerve-dependent and independent roles on mammalian hind limb tissue maintenance and regeneration.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 111, 9846-9851 (2014).</li><li>Ueno, H., 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=Dependence+of+corneal+stem/progenitor+cells+on+ocular+surface+innervation.">Dependence of corneal stem/progenitor cells on ocular surface innervation.</a> Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 53, 867-872 (2012).</li><li>Westphalen, C. B., 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=Long-lived+intestinal+tuft+cells+serve+as+colon+cancer-initiating+cells.">Long-lived intestinal tuft cells serve as colon cancer-initiating cells.</a> J Clin Invest. 124, 1283-1295 (2014).</li><li>Uhmann, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Hedgehog+receptor+Patched+controls+lymphoid+lineage+commitment.">The Hedgehog receptor Patched controls lymphoid lineage commitment.</a> Blood. 110, 1814-1823 (2007).</li><li>Lau, 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=Temporal+control+of+gene+deletion+in+sensory+ganglia+using+a+tamoxifen-inducible+Advillin-Cre-ERT2+recombinase+mouse.">Temporal control of gene deletion in sensory ganglia using a tamoxifen-inducible Advillin-Cre-ERT2 recombinase mouse.</a> Mol Pain. 7, 100 (2011).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

I nervi svolgono funzioni cruciali non solo nella sensazione, ma anche nello sviluppo degli organi dei mammiferi, la manutenzione e la rigenerazione 13,24-27. Come nervi sono stati recentemente implicati in malattie della pelle diversi, le tecniche qui descritte possono essere utilizzati per studiare il requisito di innervazione in una varietà di modelli di malattia degli animali. Infatti, la tecnica denervazione unilaterale consente il raffronto diretto di pelle sia con nervi integri o interrotti dalla stes...

Over the past few years, there has been a widening appreciation for the influence of nerves on diseases not typically regarded as classical neuropathies1-4. In the skin, recent experimental evidence has suggested that sensory nerves can modulate diverse pathologies ranging from psoriasis to cancer5-9. This has been demonstrated using techniques such as surgical denervation and pharmacological inhibition of neural function in rodents. In the case of psoriasis, these studies have provided a mechanistic framework for understanding why human psoriatic plaques regress following loss of neural function7,10-12.
Cutaneous nerves can also affect gene expression13,14 and are critical for mechanosensing in normal skin15. In particular, touch dome (TD) epithelia are comprised of a patch of columnar epidermal cells in juxtaposition with neuroendocrine Merkel cells innervated by slowly adapting type 1 (SA1) nerve fibers16-18. TDs mediate light touch sensation and have been shown to display Hedgehog pathway activity5,19. TD maintenance depends on innervation20,21, as nerves secrete Hedgehog ligands to sustain normal TDs and their associated Merkel cells19. In addition, innervation promotes Hedgehog-dependent tumor formation from TD epithelia5. Together, these studies reinforce the notion that intricate molecular interactions occurring between nerves and the surrounding cells in their niche are crucial for normal TD physiology as well as disease.
To interrogate the nature of these interactions, we describe here a series of in vivo techniques for manipulating gene expression in the TD, as well as for harvesting skin biopsies for TD visualization after lineage tracing. Finally, we describe procedures for performing unilateral surgical denervation, wherein nerves are removed from one side of the mouse dorsal skin, while leaving the contralateral side intact as a sham internal control. Several weeks after surgery, denervated and sham control skin are compared to assess changes that occur when nerves are ablated. Although these techniques are described in the context of normal TDs, the denervation procedure has been used to examine the requirement for nerves in mouse models of psoriasis6, wound healing13 and tumorigenesis5. Finally, since the skin is amenable to repeated biopsies, this provides an opportunity to monitor the long-term fates of labeled cells or to assess disease progression over multiple time points.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Alcohol prep pads</td>
			<td>PDI</td>
			<td>B339</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AnaSed (Xylazine)</td>
			<td>Lloyd</td>
			<td>NADA 139-236</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Antibody, anti-Keratin 8</td>
			<td>Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank</td>
			<td>TROMA-I</td>
			<td>rat antibody, use at 1:500 concentration</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Antibody, anti-Keratin 17</td>
			<td>Cell Signaling</td>
			<td>#4543</td>
			<td>rabbit antibody, use at 1:1,000 concentration</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Antibody, anti-Neurofilament</td>
			<td>Cell Signaling</td>
			<td>C28E10</td>
			<td>rabbit antibody, use at 1:500 concentration</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Betadine prep pads</td>
			<td>Medline</td>
			<td>MDS093917</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Carprofen (Rimadyl)</td>
			<td>Zoetis</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cordless rechargable clipper</td>
			<td>Wahl</td>
			<td>trimmer model 8900</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Corn Oil</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>C8267</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cryostat</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>CM1860</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DAPI</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
			<td>D1306</td>
			<td>use at 1:1000 concentration</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Deoxycholate</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>D6750</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Depilatory Cream</td>
			<td>Nair</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dimethylforamide</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>319937</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>D8418</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glutaraldehyde</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>G5882</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ImmEdge Pen</td>
			<td>Vector Laboratories</td>
			<td>H-4000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ketamine HCl</td>
			<td>Hospira</td>
			<td>NDC 0409-2051-05</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Magnesium chloride</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>M8266</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro cover glass</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>48404-454</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro Slides</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>48311-703</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10% Neutral Buffered Formalin</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>BDH0502-4LP</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6-0 nylon sutures</td>
			<td>DemeTECH</td>
			<td>NL166012F4P</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Octylphenyl-polyethylene glycol</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>I8896</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>O.C.T. Compound</td>
			<td>Sakura Tissue-Tek</td>
			<td>4583</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraformaldehyde</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>158127</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pottasium ferrocyanide</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>P9387</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pottasium ferricyanide</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>702587</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium phosphate monobasic</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>P9791</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium phosphate dibasic</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>S5136</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sucrose</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>84097</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tamoxifen</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>T5648-1G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultra fine forceps</td>
			<td>Dumont</td>
			<td>0103-5-PO</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vectashield</td>
			<td>Vector Laboratories</td>
			<td>H1000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>X-gal</td>
			<td>Roche</td>
			<td>10 651 745 001</td>
			<td>Disolve in dimethylforamide to create 50x stock prior to use</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

cutaneous surgical denervation:  a method for testing the requirement for nerves in mouse models of skin disease

Cutaneous somatosensory nerves function to detect diverse stimuli that act upon the skin. In addition to their established sensory roles, recent studies have suggested that nerves may also modulate skin disorders including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and cancer. Here, we describe protocols for testing the requirement for nerves in maintaining a cutaneous mechanosensory organ, the touch dome (TD). Specifically, we discuss methods for genetically labeling, harvesting and visualizing TDs by whole-mount staining, and for performing unilateral surgical denervation on mouse dorsal back skin. Together, these approaches can be used to directly compare TD morphology and gene expression in denervated as well as sham-operated skin from the same animal. These methods can also be readily adapted to examine the requirement for nerves in mouse models of skin pathology. Finally, the ability to repeatedly sample the skin provides an opportunity to monitor disease progression at different stages and times after initiation.

Dai topi che esprimono generando tamoxifene-inducibile Gli1-CreERT2 e un allele LacZ giornalista, è possibile visualizzare TD epiteli e tracciare le sorti di queste cellule nel corso del tempo. L&#39;intera procedura di denervazione in genere può essere completata entro 1 ora per mouse e dovrebbe causare disagio minimo per l&#39;animale. I nostri studi precedenti hanno indicato che i nervi sono cruciali per...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Cutaneous Surgical Denervation:  A Method for Testing the Requirement for Nerves in Mouse Models of Skin Disease at JoVE.com

Cutaneous Surgical Denervation:  A Method for Testing the Requirement for Nerves in Mouse Models of Skin Disease

This article includes detailed protocols for genetic labeling of mouse skin, surgical denervation, skin biopsy and visualizing labeled epithelia by whole-mount &#946;-galactosidase staining. These methods can be used to test the requirement for nerves in mouse models of normal and pathological skin.

Cutanea denervazione chirurgica: Un metodo per il test il requisito per i nervi in ​​modelli murini di malattia della pelle

Cutaneous somatosensory nerves function to detect diverse stimuli that act upon the skin. In addition to their established sensory roles, recent studies ...

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Research

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Medicine

9.7K Views.  University of Michigan. This article includes detailed protocols for genetic labeling of mouse skin, surgical denervation, skin biopsy and visualizing labeled epithelia by whole-mount β-galactosidase staining. These methods can be used to test the requirement for nerves in mouse models of normal and pathological skin.

Video: Cutaneous Surgical Denervation:  A Method for Testing the Requirement for Nerves in Mouse Models of Skin Disease

Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1&beta; using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay

Inflammatory processes resulting from the secretion of soluble mediators by immune cells, lead to various manifestations in skin, joints and other tissues as well as altered cytokine homeostasis. The innate immune system plays a crucial role in recognizing pathogens and other endogenous danger stimuli. One of the major cytokines released by innate immune cells is Interleukin (IL)-1. Therefore, we utilize a whole blood stimulation assay in order to measure the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and specifically of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1&beta; 1, 2, 3.
Patients with genetic dysfunctions of the innate immune system causing autoinflammatory syndromes show an exaggerated release of mature IL-1&beta; upon stimulation with LPS alone. In order to evaluate the innate immune component of patients who present with inflammatory-associated pathologies, we use a specific immunoassay to detect cellular immune responses to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as the gram-negative bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These PAMPs are recognized by pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), which are found on the cells of the innate immune system 4, 5, 6, 7. A primary signal, LPS, in conjunction with a secondary signal, ATP, is necessary for the activation of the inflammasome, a multiprotein complex that processes pro-IL-1&beta; to its mature, bioactive form 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10.
The whole blood assay requires minimal sample manipulation to assess cytokine production when compared to other methods that require labor intensive isolation and culturing of specific cell populations. This method differs from other whole blood stimulation assays; rather than diluting samples with a ratio of RPMI media, we perform a white blood cell count directly from diluted whole blood and therefore, stimulate a known number of white blood cells in culture 2. The results of this particular whole blood assay demonstrate a novel technique useful in elucidating patient cohorts presenting with autoinflammatory pathophysiologies.

Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1&#946; using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay

We describe a simple immunoassay to measure the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1 beta production, in patients presenting with autoinflammatory phenotypes. By activating cells in whole blood cultures with pathogen-associated molecular patterns, specifically with lipopolysaccharide, cytokine secretion can be conveniently evaluated in whole blood supernatants.

Misurazione accurata e semplice della citochina pro-infiammatoria IL-1β utilizzando un intero saggio stimolazione del sangue

Inflammatory processes resulting from the secretion of soluble mediators by immune cells, lead to various manifestations in skin, joints and other tissues ...

Ricerca

Medicina

Clinical Testing and Spinal Cord Removal in a Mouse Model for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder resulting in progressive degeneration of motoneurons. Peak of onset is around 60 years for the sporadic disease and around 50 years for the familial disease. Due to its progressive course, 50% of the patients die within 30 months of symptom onset. In order to evaluate novel treatment options for this disease, genetic mouse models of ALS have been generated based on human familial mutations in the SOD gene, such as the SOD1 (G93A) mutation. Most important aspects that have to be evaluated in the model are overall survival, clinical course and motor function. Here, we demonstrate the clinical evaluation, show the conduction of two behavioural motor tests and provide quantitative scoring systems for all parameters. Because an in depth analysis of the ALS mouse model usually requires an immunohistochemical examination of the spinal cord, we demonstrate its preparation in detail applying the dorsal laminectomy method. Exemplary histological findings are demonstrated. The comprehensive application of the depicted examination methods in studies on the mouse model of ALS will enable the researcher to reliably test future therapeutic options which can provide a basis for later human clinical trials.

Clinical Testing and Spinal Cord Removal in a Mouse Model for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS

A mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is examined clinically and behaviorally. As a prerequisite for an accompanying immunohistological analysis the preparation of the spinal cord is depicted in detail.

Test clinici e la rimozione del midollo spinale in un modello murino di sclerosi laterale amiotrofica (SLA)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder resulting in progressive degeneration of motoneurons. Peak of onset is around 60 ...

Mouse Models for Graft Arteriosclerosis

Graft arteriosclerois (GA), also called allograft vasculopathy, is a pathologic lesion that develops over months to years in transplanted organs characterized by diffuse, circumferential stenosis of the entire graft vascular tree. The most critical component of GA pathogenesis is the proliferation of smooth muscle-like cells within the intima. When a human coronary artery segment is interposed into the infra-renal aortae of immunodeficient mice, the intimas could be expand in response to adoptively transferred human T cells allogeneic to the artery donor or exogenous human IFN-&gamma; in the absence of human T cells. Interposition of a mouse aorta from one strain into another mouse strain recipient is limited as a model for chronic rejection in humans because the acute cell-mediated rejection response in this mouse model completely eliminates all donor-derived vascular cells from the graft within two-three weeks. We have recently developed two new mouse models to circumvent these problems. The first model involves interposition of a vessel segment from a male mouse into a female recipient of the same inbred strain (C57BL/6J). Graft rejection in this case is directed only against minor histocompatibility antigens encoded by the Y chromosome (present in the male but not the female) and the rejection response that ensues is sufficiently indolent to preserve donor-derived smooth muscle cells for several weeks. The second model involves interposing an artery segment from a wild type C57BL/6J mouse donor into a host mouse of the same strain and gender that lacks the receptor for IFN-&gamma; followed by administration of mouse IFN-&gamma; (delivered via infection of the mouse liver with an adenoviral vector. There is no rejection in this case as both donor and recipient mice are of the same strain and gender but donor smooth muscle cells proliferate in response to the cytokine while host-derived cells, lacking receptor for this cytokine, are unresponsive. By backcrossing additional genetic changes into the vessel donor, both models can be used to assess the effect of specific genes on GA progression. Here, we describe detailed protocols for our mouse GA models.

We describe protocols for our mouse graft arteriosclerois (GA) models which involve interposition of a mouse vessel segment into a recipient of the same inbred strain. By backcrossing additional genetic changes into the vessel donor, the model can assess the effect of specific genes on GA.

Modelli murini per l&#39;arteriosclerosi Graft

Graft arteriosclerois (GA),  also called allograft vasculopathy, is a pathologic lesion that develops over  months to years in transplanted organs ...

A Simple Method of Mouse Lung Intubation

A simple procedure to intubate mice for pulmonary function measurements would have several advantages in longitudinal studies with limited numbers or expensive animal. One of the reasons that this is not done more routinely is that it is relatively difficult, despite there being several published studies that describe ways to achieve it. In this paper we demonstrate a procedure that eliminates one of the major hurdles associated with this intubation, that of visualizing the trachea during the entire time of intubation. The approach uses a 0.5 mm fiberoptic light source that serves as an introducer to direct the intubation cannula into the mouse trachea. We show that it is possible to use this procedure to measure lung mechanics in individual mice over a time course of at least several weeks. The technique can be set up with relatively little expense and expertise, and it can be routinely accomplished with relatively little training. This should make it possible for any laboratory to routinely carry out this intubation, thereby allowing longitudinal studies in individual mice, thereby minimizing the number of mice needed and increasing the statistical power by using each mouse as its own control.

This paper describes a striaghforward and efficient method of intubating mice for pulmonary function measurements or pulmonary instillation, that allows the mice to recover and be studied at later times. The procedure involves an inexpensive fiberoptic light source that directly illuminates the trachea.

Un metodo semplice di intubazione mouse polmone

A  simple procedure to intubate mice for pulmonary function measurements would  have several advantages in longitudinal studies with limited numbers or  ...

Tibial Nerve Transection - A Standardized Model for Denervation-induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Mice

The tibial nerve transection model is a well-tolerated, validated, and reproducible model of denervation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy in rodents. Although originally developed and used extensively in the rat due to its larger size, the tibial nerve in mice is big enough that it can be easily manipulated with either crush or transection, leaving the peroneal and sural nerve branches of the sciatic nerve intact and thereby preserving their target muscles. Thus, this model offers the advantages of inducing less morbidity and impediment of ambulation than the sciatic nerve transection model and also allows investigators to study the physiologic, cellular and molecular biologic mechanisms regulating the process of muscle atrophy in genetically engineered mice. The tibial nerve supplies the gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris muscles, so its transection permits the study of denervated skeletal muscle composed of fast twitch type II fibers and/or slow twitch type I fibers. Here we demonstrate the tibial nerve transection model in the C57Black6 mouse. We assess the atrophy of the gastrocnemius muscle, as a representative muscle, at 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-denervation by measuring muscle weights and fiber type specific cross-sectional area on paraffin-embedded histologic sections immunostained for fast twitch myosin.

The tibial nerve transection model is a well-tolerated, validated, and reproducible model of skeletal muscle atrophy. The model surgical protocol is described and demonstrated in C57Black6 mice. &#160;

Resezione del nervo tibiale - Un modello standardizzato per Denervation indotta scheletrico atrofia muscolare nei topi

The tibial nerve transection model is a well-tolerated, validated, and reproducible model of denervation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy in rodents. ...

Mouse Kidney Transplantation: Models of Allograft Rejection

Rejection of the transplanted kidney in humans is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The mouse model of renal transplantation closely replicates both the technical and pathological processes that occur in human renal transplantation. Although mouse models of allogeneic rejection in organs other than the kidney exist, and are more technically feasible, there is evidence that different organs elicit disparate rejection modes and dynamics, for instance the time course of rejection in cardiac and renal allograft differs significantly in certain strain combinations. This model is an attractive tool for many reasons despite its technical challenges. As inbred mouse strain haplotypes are well characterized it is possible to choose donor and recipient combinations to model acute allograft rejection by transplanting across MHC class I and II loci. Conversely by transplanting between strains with similar haplotypes a chronic process can be elicited were the allograft kidney develops interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. We have modified the surgical technique to reduce operating time and improve ease of surgery, however a learning curve still needs to be overcome in order to faithfully replicate the model. This study will provide key points in the surgical procedure and aid the process of establishing this technique.

Here, we present a protocol to study the immunology of rejection. The surgical model presented reports a short operating time and a concise technique. Depending on the donor-recipient strain combination, the transplanted kidney may develop acute cellular rejection or chronic allograft damage, defined by interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy.

Mouse trapianto renale: Modelli di Allograft Rifiuto

Rejection of the transplanted kidney in humans is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The mouse model of renal transplantation closely ...

A Mouse Fetal Skin Model of Scarless Wound Repair

Early in utero, but not in postnatal life, cutaneous wounds undergo regeneration and heal without formation of a scar. Scarless fetal wound healing occurs across species but is age dependent. The transition from a scarless to scarring phenotype occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy in humans and around embryonic day 18 (E18) in mice. However, this varies with the size of the wound with larger defects generating a scar at an earlier gestational age. The emergence of lineage tracing and other genetic tools in the mouse has opened promising new avenues for investigation of fetal scarless wound healing. However, given the inherently high rates of morbidity and premature uterine contraction associated with fetal surgery, investigations of fetal scarless wound healing in vivo require a precise and reproducible surgical model. Here we detail a reliable model of fetal scarless wound healing in the dorsum of E16.5 (scarless) and E18.5 (scarring) mouse embryos.

During mammalian development, early gestational skin wounds heal without a scar. Here we detail a reliable and reproducible model of fetal scarless wound healing in the cutaneous dorsum of E16.5 (scarless) and E18.5 (scarring) mouse embryos.

Un Mouse fetale Modello Skin of Wound Repair scarless

Early in utero, but not in postnatal life, cutaneous wounds undergo regeneration and heal without formation of a scar. Scarless fetal wound healing occurs ...

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice

Multiple surgical procedures have been reported to induce gastroesophageal reflux in animals. Herein, we report three surgical models with mice aiming to induce reflux of gastric contents, duodenal contents or mixed contents. Surgical procedures and general principles have been described in detail. A researcher with surgical experience should be able to grasp the technique after a short period of practice. After surgery, most mice can survive and develop reflux esophagitis similar to that in humans. However, it should be noted that histological differences between mouse and human esophagus are the inherent limitations of these surgical models. If used for research on Barrett&#8217;s esophagus and adenocarcinoma, these procedures may need to be combined with genetic modifications.

This article demonstrates surgical procedures of gastroesophageal reflux with mice. These models are useful tools for research on mechanisms and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and potentially Barrett&#8217;s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

I modelli chirurgici di reflusso gastroesofageo con Mice

Multiple surgical procedures have been reported to induce gastroesophageal reflux in animals. Herein, we report three surgical models with mice aiming to ...

Surgical Placement of Catheters for Long-term Cardiovascular Exercise Testing in Swine

This protocol describes the surgical procedure to chronically instrument swine and the procedure to exercise swine on a motor-driven treadmill. Early cardiopulmonary dysfunction is difficult to diagnose, particularly in animal models, as cardiopulmonary function is often measured invasively, requiring anesthesia. As many anesthetic agents are cardiodepressive, subtle changes in cardiovascular function may be masked. In contrast, chronic instrumentation allows for measurement of cardiopulmonary function in the awake state, so that measurements can be obtained under quiet resting conditions, without the effects of anesthesia and acute surgical trauma. Furthermore, when animals are properly trained, measurements can also be obtained during graded treadmill exercise.
Flow probes are placed around the aorta or pulmonary artery for measurement of cardiac output and around the left anterior descending coronary artery for measurement of coronary blood flow. Fluid-filled catheters are implanted in the aorta, pulmonary artery, left atrium, left ventricle and right ventricle for pressure measurement and blood sampling. In addition, a 20 G&#160;catheter is positioned in the anterior interventricular vein to allow coronary venous blood sampling.
After a week of recovery, swine are placed on a motor-driven treadmill, the catheters are connected to pressure and flow meters, and swine are subjected to a five-stage progressive exercise protocol, with each stage lasting 3 min. Hemodynamic signals are continuously recorded and blood samples are taken during the last 30 sec of each exercise stage.
The major advantage of studying chronically instrumented animals is that it allows serial assessment of cardiopulmonary function, not only at rest but also during physical stress such as exercise. Moreover, cardiopulmonary function can be assessed repeatedly during disease development and during chronic treatment, thereby increasing statistical power and hence limiting the number of animals required for a study.

Here we present a protocol to assess cardiopulmonary function in awake swine, at rest and during graded treadmill exercise. Chronic instrumentation allows for repeated hemodynamic measurements uninfluenced by cardiodepressive anesthetic agents.

Posizionamento chirurgico di cateteri per durata Esercizio cardiovascolare test in Swine

This protocol describes the surgical procedure to chronically instrument swine and the procedure to exercise swine on a motor-driven treadmill. Early ...

Repeated Measurement of Respiratory Muscle Activity and Ventilation in Mouse Models of Neuromuscular Disease

Accessory respiratory muscles help to maintain ventilation when diaphragm function is impaired. The following protocol describes a method for repeated measurements over weeks or months of accessory respiratory muscle activity while simultaneously measuring ventilation in a non-anesthetized, freely behaving mouse. The technique includes the surgical implantation of a radio transmitter and the insertion of electrode leads into the scalene and trapezius muscles to measure the electromyogram activity of these inspiratory muscles. Ventilation is measured by whole-body plethysmography, and animal movement is assessed by video and is synchronized with electromyogram activity. Measurements of muscle activity and ventilation in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are presented to show how this tool can be used to investigate how respiratory muscle activity changes over time and to assess the impact of muscle activity on ventilation. The described methods can easily be adapted to measure the activity of other muscles or to assess accessory respiratory muscle activity in additional mouse models of disease or injury.

This paper introduces a method for repeated measurements of ventilation and respiratory muscle activity in a freely behaving amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mouse model throughout disease progression with whole-body plethysmography and electromyography via an implanted telemetry device.

Misurazione ripetuta di attività muscolare respiratoria e ventilazione in modelli murini di malattie neuromuscolari

Accessory respiratory muscles help to maintain ventilation when diaphragm function is impaired. The following protocol describes a method for repeated ...

Cutanea denervazione chirurgica: Un metodo per il test il requisito per i nervi in ​​modelli murini di malattia della pelle

Cutanea denervazione chirurgica: Un metodo per il test il requisito per i nervi in modelli murini di malattia della pelle