Questo lavoro è stato supportato da Key Project Medical Science and Technology Development Foundation, Nanjing Department of Health (No.YKK16098).

Gli esperimenti sugli animali sono stati approvati dall'Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) del Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital.
1. Preparazione dei reagenti e degli animali
<ol><li>Sciogliere la doxorubicina cloridrato (Pfizer, USA) in acqua sterilizzata. Vortice per ottenere una soluzione di Dox di 1 mg/mL e mantenere a 4 °C.</li>
	<li>Utilizzare topi C57BL/6 (8-10 settimane di età; 25-30 g di peso). Per questo studio, i topi sono stati acquistati dal Model Animal Research Center dell'Università di Nanchino e tenuti nella stanza degli animali del Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital.</li>
	<li>Le gabbie per topi prive di agenti patogeni sono state mantenute sotto un ciclo luce/buio di 12 ore a una temperatura costante di 23 °C. Tutti gli animali sono stati nutriti con una normale dieta chow e hanno ricevuto cibo e acqua ad libitum.</li>
</ol>2. Istituzione del modello animale DCM
<ol><li>Randomizzare i topi in un gruppo normale (n = 5) e dox (n = 5).</li>
	<li>Somministrare la soluzione di Dox per via intraperitoneale alla dose di 5 mg/kg utilizzando una siringa sterilizzata da 1 mL 1 volta a settimana per il gruppo Dox. Trattare i topi di controllo allo stesso modo con la stessa quantità di soluzione salina.</li>
	<li>Misurare il peso corporeo dei due gruppi settimanalmente. Di conseguenza, aggiustare la dose di iniezione in base al peso corporeo settimanalmente per un totale di 4 settimane, con una dose cumulativa di 20 mg/kg (Figura 1). NOTA: È stato scelto un periodo di tempo di 4 settimane perché l'ecocardiografia a 4 settimane ha mostrato una differenza significativa nella funzione cardiaca tra i due gruppi.</li>
</ol>3. Esame ecocardiografico
<ol><li>Alla fine della quarta settimana, condurre un esame ecocardiografico dei topi.</li>
	<li>Anestetizzare i topi con il 2% di isoflurano per via intranasale. Se i topi non rispondono a un pizzico di pelle con una pinzetta dentata o stimolando le dita dei piedi e la coda, continuare con il protocollo.</li>
	<li>Posizionare il mouse su una piattaforma di manipolazione degli animali in posizione supina. Per mantenere l'anestesia, coprire il naso e la bocca dell'animale con un cono nasale e fornire il 2% di isoflurano. NOTA: Per l'anestesia IP, iniettare il 4% di idrato di cloralio alla dose di 0,2 ml/20 g.</li>
	<li>Rimuovere accuratamente la pelliccia del torace con un rasoio elettrico. Valutare la funzione cardiaca in vivo utilizzando l'ecocardiografia transtoracica.</li>
	<li>Eseguire l'ecocardiogramma LV sia nell'asse lungo parasternale che nell'asse corto ad un frame rate di 233 Hz. Le dimensioni sistolica e diastolica finale sono state definite come le fasi corrispondenti rispettivamente all'onda T ECG e all'onda R.</li>
	<li>Sui tracciati in modalità M, misurare il diametro medio sistolico finale LV (LVIDd), il diametro diastolico terminale LV (LVID), lo spessore del setto interventricolare (IVS) e lo spessore della parete posteriore LV (LVPW) da 3-5 battiti cardiaci. Calcola anche la frazione di eiezione (EF) e l'accorciamento della frazione (FS) in base all'ecocardiografia.</li>
</ol>4. Colorazione istologica
<ol><li>Dopo l'analisi ecocardiografica, sacrificare i topi con l'iniezione intraventricolare di cloruro di potassio al 10%.</li>
	<li>Perfondere il cuore con circa 30 ml di soluzione salina dopo la dissezione fino a quando il fegato e il polmone diventano pallidi.</li>
	<li>Asportare il cuore e lavarlo accuratamente in soluzione tampone fosfato per estrudere il sangue.</li>
	<li>Fissare il cuore in formalina al 4% a temperatura ambiente per 24 ore e trattare il tessuto in una scatola di paraffina in modo che la cera di paraffina si raffreddi e si solidifichi.</li>
	<li>Tagliare i cuori in fette spesse 5 μm per la colorazione patologica.</li>
	<li>Decerazione e sezioni reidratate contenenti muscolo papillare.<ol>
<li>Incubare i vetrini a 55 °C per 30 min. Quindi, incubare in xilene 2 volte per 2 minuti ciascuno; 100% etanolo 2x per 2 minuti ciascuno; 95% di etanolo 2x per 2 minuti ciascuno; 80% di etanolo per 2 min; 75% di etanolo per 2 min; e 50% di etanolo per 2 min.</li>
	</ol>
</li>
	<li>Macchiare con ematossilina ed eosina (H & E) e la macchia di Masson.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Weintraub, R. G., Semsarian, C., MacDonald, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dilated+cardiomyopathy.">Dilated cardiomyopathy.</a> Lancet. 390 (10092), 400-414 (2017).</li><li>Ichihara, 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=Attenuation+of+oxidative+stress+and+cardiac+dysfunction+by+bisoprolol+in+an+animal+model+of+dilated+cardiomyopathy.">Attenuation of oxidative stress and cardiac dysfunction by bisoprolol in an animal model of dilated cardiomyopathy.</a> Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 350 (1), 105-113 (2006).</li><li>Fountoulakis, 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=Alterations+in+the+heart+mitochondrial+proteome+in+a+desmin+null+heart+failure+model.">Alterations in the heart mitochondrial proteome in a desmin null heart failure model.</a> Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 38 (3), 461-474 (2005).</li><li>Fairweather, D., Rose, N. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Coxsackievirus-induced+myocarditis+in+mice:+a+model+of+autoimmune+disease+for+studying+immunotoxicity.">Coxsackievirus-induced myocarditis in mice: a model of autoimmune disease for studying immunotoxicity.</a> Methods. 41 (1), 118-122 (2007).</li><li>Wang, Z. 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=A+therapeutic+anti-CD4+monoclonal+antibody+inhibits+T+cell+receptor+signal+transduction+in+mouse+autoimmune+cardiomyopathy.">A therapeutic anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody inhibits T cell receptor signal transduction in mouse autoimmune cardiomyopathy.</a> Chinese Medical Journal. 120 (15), 1319-1325 (2007).</li><li>Riad, 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=Toll-like+receptor-4+deficiency+attenuates+doxorubicin-induced+cardiomyopathy+in+mice.">Toll-like receptor-4 deficiency attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in mice.</a> European Journal of Heart Failure. 10 (3), 233-243 (2008).</li><li>Kankeu, C., Clarke, K., Passante, E., Huber, H. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Doxorubicin-induced+chronic+dilated+cardiomyopathy-the+apoptosis+hypothesis+revisited.">Doxorubicin-induced chronic dilated cardiomyopathy-the apoptosis hypothesis revisited.</a> Journal of Molecular Medicine. 95 (3), 239-248 (2017).</li><li>Zhao, L., 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=MicroRNA-140-5p+aggravates+doxorubicin-induced+cardiotoxicity+by+promoting+myocardial+oxidative+stress+via+targeting+Nrf2+and+Sirt2.">MicroRNA-140-5p aggravates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by promoting myocardial oxidative stress via targeting Nrf2 and Sirt2.</a> Redox Biology. 15, 284-296 (2018).</li><li>O'Connell, J. L., 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=Short-term+and+long-term+models+of+doxorubicin-induced+cardiomyopathy+in+rats:+A+comparison+of+functional+and+histopathological+changes.">Short-term and long-term models of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in rats: A comparison of functional and histopathological changes.</a> Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology. 69 (4), 213-219 (2017).</li><li>Yuan, Y. 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=CTRP3+protected+against+doxorubicin-induced+cardiac+dysfunction,+inflammation+and+cell+death+via+activation+of+Sirt1.">CTRP3 protected against doxorubicin-induced cardiac dysfunction, inflammation and cell death via activation of Sirt1.</a> Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 114, 38-47 (2018).</li><li>Sun, Z., 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+TGF-beta+pathway+mediates+doxorubicin+effects+on+cardiac+endothelial+cells.">The TGF-beta pathway mediates doxorubicin effects on cardiac endothelial cells.</a> Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 90, 129-138 (2016).</li><li>Minotti, G., Menna, P., Salvatorelli, E., Cairo, G., Gianni, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Anthracyclines:+molecular+advances+and+pharmacologic+developments+in+antitumor+activity+and+cardiotoxicity.">Anthracyclines: molecular advances and pharmacologic developments in antitumor activity and cardiotoxicity.</a> Pharmacological Reviews. 56 (2), 185-229 (2004).</li><li>Vejpongsa, P., Yeh, E. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prevention+of+anthracycline-induced+cardiotoxicity:+challenges+and+opportunities.">Prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: challenges and opportunities.</a> Journal of The American College of Cardiology. 64 (9), 938-945 (2014).</li><li>Renu, K., V, G. A., P, B. T., Arunachalam, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Molecular+mechanism+of+doxorubicin-induced+cardiomyopathy+-+An+update.">Molecular mechanism of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy - An update.</a> European Journal of Pharmacology. 818, 241-253 (2018).</li></ol>

Nessun conflitto di interessi dichiarato.

Dox è un farmaco chemioterapico antitumorale periodico non specifico comunemente usato nella pratica clinica12. Il suo principale effetto collaterale è la cardiotossicità, caratterizzata da cardiomiopatia e successiva insufficienza cardiaca13. Il meccanismo sottostante include il danno della perossidazione lipidica miocardica, l'inibizione del reticolo sarcoplasmatico miocardico Ca2+-ATPasi e l'attivazione del sistema renninico-angiotensina locale miocardico, ...

An erratum was issued for:&#160;<a href="https://www.jove.com/t/61158">A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo</a>. A figure was updated.
Figure 1 was updated from:
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/61158/61158fig1v2.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Schematic diagram of a Dox-induced dilated cardiomyopathy. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/61158/61158fig1v2large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
to:
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/61158/61158fig1v5.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Schematic diagram of a Dox-induced dilated cardiomyopathy. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/61158/61158fig1v5large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>

An erratum was issued for:&#160;<a href="https://www.jove.com/t/61158">A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo</a>. A figure was updated.

Erratum: A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo

Una delle cause più comuni di insufficienza cardiaca, DCM è caratterizzata da dilatazione ventricolare e diminuzione della funzione cardiaca ed è la ragione più comune per il trapianto di cuore in tutto il mondo1. Al fine di indagare ulteriormente la sua patogenesi e trovare trattamenti efficaci, l'accesso a modelli animali maturi è particolarmente importante. Lo scopo degli esperimenti descritti è quello di stabilire un modello murino stabile di DCM che assomigli al DCM umano.
A causa della complessa patogenesi del DCM, ci sono molti metodi diversi per realizzare modelli animali corrispondenti. I modelli DCMspontanei 2 sono relativamente stabili, ma sono costosi e non facilmente disponibili. I modelli animali geneticamente modificati3 non sono ben consolidati e richiedono un uso più sperimentale. I modelli animali DCM indotti da infezione virale4 o difetti autoimmuni5 sono facili da ottenere, ma non sono del tutto rappresentativi del DCM. I modelli associati alla tossicità miocardica includono modelli DCM indotti da alcol e modelli animali DCM indotti da Dox.
Il modello di cardiomiopatia indotta da Dox è ottenuto mediante iniezione intraperitoneale di Dox6. Il modello sfrutta l'effetto collaterale cronico più grave di Dox: dopo l'esposizione a Dox, i pazienti sviluppano sintomi di DCM ad esordio tardivo con uniformità clinica7. Lo stress ossidativo indotto da Dox8 e il danno mitocondriale9, che portano all'apoptosi cardiomiocitaria, sono sintomi nella patogenesi del DCM. Esistono modelli di trattamento Dox acuti e cronici: una singola dose elevata di Dox (15 mg/kg) induce un modello a breve termine per la cardiomiopatia10,mentre iniezioni ripetitive di Dox a basso dosaggio (sei settimanali, 3 mg/kg) inducono un modello a lungo termine per la cardiomiopatia11. Sulla base dello studio presentato, i topi wild type iniettati per via intraperitoneale una volta alla settimana per un mese alla dose di 5 mg/kg mostrano morfologia e istologia del cuore coerenti con le caratteristiche del DCM entro la fine del trattamento, fornendo un modo ideale per stabilire un modello DCM.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>4% paraformaldehyde</td>
			<td>servicebio</td>
			<td>CAS30525-89-4</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>C57BL/6 mice</td>
			<td>Model Animal Research Center of Nanjing University</td>
			<td>\</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Doxorubicin hydrochloride</td>
			<td>Pfizer</td>
			<td>CAS25316-40-9</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>echocardiography</td>
			<td>Visualsonics</td>
			<td>\</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hematoxylin and Eosin staining kit</td>
			<td>Solarbio</td>
			<td>G1120</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Masson staining kit</td>
			<td>Solarbio</td>
			<td>G1343</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>phosphate buffer solution</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>P5368</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>potassium chloride</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>CAS7447-40-7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>sterilized syringe</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td>SLGP033RB</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a doxorubicin-induced murine model of dilated cardiomyopathy in vivo

La cardiomiopatia dilatativa (DCM) si riferisce a uno spettro di disturbi miocardici eterogenei caratterizzati da dilatazione ventricolare e prestazioni cardiache depresse in assenza di ipertensione, cardiopatie valvolari, congenite o ischemiche e che possono essere correlati a infezioni, anomalie autoimmuni o metaboliche o ereditarietà familiare. Può progredire in insufficienza cardiaca congestizia con una prognosi sfavorevole. La doxorubicina (Dox) è ampiamente impiegata come farmaco chemioterapico, ma il suo uso è limitato perché provoca cambiamenti simili a DCM del miocardio. La sua tossicità miocardica è attribuita allo stress ossidativo, all'infiammazione cronica e all'apoptosi cardiomiocitaria. Non è stato stabilito un modello di DCM che sfrutti questi sintomi di DCM indotti da Dox.

Funzione cardiaca La cardiomiopatia dilatativa è caratterizzata da progressiva dilatazione ventricolare e disfunzione contrattile. La Figura 2 mostra immagini ecocardiografiche rappresentative dei due gruppi. I topi trattati con Dox hanno mostrato una frazione di eiezione ventricolare sinistra marcatamente ridotta e un accorciamento frazionario ventricolare sinistro (Figura 3A,B). Il diametro LV è aumentato anche nella fase...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo at JoVE.com

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo

È descritto un protocollo per stabilire un modello di cardiomiopatia dilatativa indotta da doxorubicina (DCM) nei topi tramite iniezione intraperitoneale a lungo termine di doxorubicina.

Un modello murino indotto da doxorubicina di cardiomiopatia dilatativa in vivo

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) refers to a spectrum of heterogeneous myocardial disorders characterized by ventricular dilation and depressed cardiac ...

a-doxorubicin-induced-murine-model-of-dilated-cardiomyopathy-in-vivo

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

4.3K Views.  Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University. È descritto un protocollo per stabilire un modello di cardiomiopatia dilatativa indotta da doxorubicina (DCM) nei topi tramite iniezione intraperitoneale a lungo termine di doxorubicina.

Video: A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo

Murine Model of Wound Healing

Wound healing and repair are the most complex biological processes that occur in human life. After injury, multiple biological pathways become activated. Impaired wound healing, which occurs in diabetic patients for example, can lead to severe unfavorable outcomes such as amputation. There is, therefore, an increasing impetus to develop novel agents that promote wound repair. The testing of these has been limited to large animal models such as swine, which are often impractical. Mice represent the ideal preclinical model, as they are economical and amenable to genetic manipulation, which allows for mechanistic investigation. However, wound healing in a mouse is fundamentally different to that of humans as it primarily occurs via contraction. Our murine model overcomes this by incorporating a splint around the wound. By splinting the wound, the repair process is then dependent on epithelialization, cellular proliferation and angiogenesis, which closely mirror the biological processes of human wound healing. Whilst requiring consistency and care, this murine model does not involve complicated surgical techniques and allows for the robust testing of promising agents that may, for example, promote angiogenesis or inhibit inflammation. Furthermore, each mouse acts as its own control as two wounds are prepared, enabling the application of both the test compound and the vehicle control on the same animal. In conclusion, we demonstrate a practical, easy-to-learn, and robust model of wound healing, which is comparable to that of humans.

A murine model of cutaneous wound healing that can be used to assess therapeutic compounds in physiological and pathophysiological settings.

Modello murino di guarigione delle ferite

Wound healing and repair are the most complex biological processes that occur in human life. After injury, multiple biological pathways become activated. ...

Ricerca

Medicina

A Murine Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

In this video publication a standardized mouse model of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is presented. Bleeding is induced by endovascular Circle of Willis perforation (CWp) and proven by intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. Thereby a homogenous blood distribution in subarachnoid spaces surrounding the arterial circulation and cerebellar fissures is achieved. Animal physiology is maintained by intubation, mechanical ventilation, and continuous on-line monitoring of various physiological and cardiovascular parameters: body temperature, systemic blood pressure, heart rate, and hemoglobin saturation. Thereby the cerebral perfusion pressure can be tightly monitored resulting in a less variable volume of extravasated blood. This allows a better standardization of endovascular filament perforation in mice and makes the whole model highly reproducible. Thus it is readily available for pharmacological and pathophysiological studies in wild type and genetically altered mice.

A standardized mouse model of subarachnoid hemorrhage by intraluminal Circle of Willis perforation is described. Vessel perforation and subarachnoid bleeding are monitored by intracranial pressure monitoring. In addition various vital parameters are recorded and controlled to maintain physiologic conditions.

Un modello murino di emorragia subaracnoidea

In this video publication a standardized mouse model of subarachnoid  hemorrhage (SAH) is presented. Bleeding is induced by endovascular Circle of  Willis ...

A Preclinical Murine Model of Hepatic Metastases

Numerous murine models have been developed to study human cancers and advance the understanding of cancer treatment and development. Here, a preclinical, murine pancreatic tumor model of hepatic metastases via a hemispleen injection of syngeneic murine pancreatic tumor cells is described. This model mimics many of the clinical conditions in patients with metastatic disease to the liver. Mice consistently develop metastases in the liver allowing for investigation of the metastatic process, experimental therapy testing, and tumor immunology research.

A preclinical, murine model of hepatic metastases performed via a hemispleen injection technique.

Un preclinici Modello murino di metastasi epatiche

Numerous murine models have been developed to study human cancers and advance the understanding of cancer treatment and development. Here, a preclinical, ...

Depletion of Mouse Cells from Human Tumor Xenografts Significantly Improves Downstream Analysis of Target Cells

The use of in vitro cell line models for cancer research has been a useful tool. However, it has been shown that these models fail to reliably mimic patient tumors in different assays1. Human tumor xenografts represent the gold standard with respect to tumor biology, drug discovery, and metastasis research 2-4. Tumor xenografts can be derived from different types of material like tumor cell lines, tumor tissue from primary patient tumors4 or serially transplanted tumors. When propagated in vivo, xenografted tissue is infiltrated and vascularized by cells of mouse origin. Multiple factors such as the tumor entity, the origin of xenografted material, growth rate and region of transplantation influence the composition and the amount of mouse cells present in tumor xenografts. However, even when these factors are kept constant, the degree of mouse cell contamination is highly variable.
Contaminating mouse cells significantly impair downstream analyses of human tumor xenografts. As mouse fibroblasts show high plating efficacies and proliferation rates, they tend to overgrow cultures of human tumor cells, especially slowly proliferating subpopulations. Mouse cell derived DNA, mRNA, and protein components can bias downstream gene expression analysis, next-generation sequencing, as well as proteome analysis 5. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a fast and easy method to isolate untouched human tumor cells from xenografted tumor tissue. This procedure is based on the comprehensive depletion of cells of mouse origin by combining automated tissue dissociation with the benchtop tissue dissociator and magnetic cell sorting. Here, we demonstrate that human target cells can be can be obtained with purities higher than 96% within less than 20 min independent of the tumor type.

Human tumor xenografts are vascularized and infiltrated by cells of mouse origin during the growth phase in vivo. To circumvent the bias caused by these contaminating cells during downstream analysis, we developed a method allowing for comprehensive depletion of all mouse cells by magnetic cell sorting.

L&#39;esaurimento delle cellule di topo da xenotrapianti tumorali umani migliora in modo significativo Analisi A valle delle cellule bersaglio

The use of in vitro cell line models for cancer research has been a useful tool. However, it has been shown that these models fail to reliably mimic ...

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

A stable and reliable model of chronic heart failure is required for many experiments to understand hemodynamics or to test effects of new treatment methods. Here, we present such a model by tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, which can be produced by rapid cardiac pacing in swine.
A single pacing lead is introduced transvenously into fully anaesthetized healthy swine, to the apex of the right ventricle, and fixated. Its other end is then tunneled dorsally to the paravertebral region. There, it is connected to an in-house modified heart pacemaker unit that is then implanted in a subcutaneous pocket. 
After 4 - 8 weeks of rapid ventricular pacing at rates of 200 - 240 beats/min, physical examination revealed signs of severe heart failure - tachypnea, spontaneous sinus tachycardia, and fatigue. Echocardiography and X-ray showed dilation of all heart chambers, effusions, and severe systolic dysfunction. These findings correspond well to decompensated dilated cardiomyopathy and are also preserved after the cessation of pacing.
This model of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy can be used for studying the pathophysiology of progressive chronic heart failure, especially hemodynamic changes caused by new treatment modalities like mechanical circulatory supports. This methodology is easy to perform and the results are robust and reproducible.

Here, we present a protocol to produce tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in swine. This model represents a potent way to study the hemodynamics of progressive chronic heart failure and the effects of applied treatment.

Cardiomiopatia tachicardia-indotta come un modello di insufficienza cardiaca cronica in maiali

A stable and reliable model of chronic heart failure is required for many experiments to understand hemodynamics or to test effects of new treatment ...

A Doxorubicin-induced Cardiomyopathy Model in Adult Zebrafish

The genetically accessible adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been increasingly used as a vertebrate model for understanding human diseases such as cardiomyopathy. Because of its convenience and amenability to high throughput genetic manipulations, the generation of acquired cardiomyopathy models, such as the doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC) model in adult zebrafish, is opening the doors to new research avenues, including discovering cardiomyopathy modifiers via forward genetic screening. Different from the embryonic zebrafish DIC model, both initial acute and later chronic phases of cardiomyopathy can be determined in the adult zebrafish DIC model, enabling the study of stage-dependent signaling mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. However, variable results can be obtained with the current model, even in the hands of experienced investigators. To facilitate future implementation of the DIC model, we present a detailed protocol on how to generate this DIC model in adult zebrafish and describe two alternative ways of intraperitoneal (IP) injection. We further discuss options on how to reduce variations to obtain reliable results and provide suggestions on how to appropriately interpret the results.

A method to generate a doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy model in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) is described here. Two alternative ways of intraperitoneal injection are presented and conditions to reduce variations among different experimental groups are discussed.

Un modello di cardiomiopatia indotta da doxorubicina in Zebrafish adulto

The genetically accessible adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been increasingly used as a vertebrate model for understanding human diseases such as ...

Isometric Contractility Measurement of the Mouse Mesenteric Artery Using Wire Myography

The wire myograph technique is used to assess the contractility of vascular smooth muscles in response to depolarization, GPCR agonists/inhibitors and drugs. It is widely used in many studies on the physiological functions of vascular smooth muscle, the pathogenesis of vascular diseases such as hypertension, and the development of smooth muscle relaxant drugs. The mouse is a widely used model animal with a large pool of disease models and genetically modified strains. We introduced this method to measure the isometric contraction of mouse mesenteric artery in detail. A 1.4-mm segment of mouse mesenteric resistance artery was isolated and mounted on a myograph chamber by passing two steel wires through its lumen. After equilibration and normalization steps, the vessel segment was potentiated by a high-K+ solution twice prior to the contraction assay. As an example of the application of this method in drug development, we measured the relaxant effect of a novel natural substance, neoliensinine, isolated from a Chinese herb, embryos of the lotus seed (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) on mouse mesenteric arteries. The vessel segments mounted on the myograph chamber were stimulated with a high-K+ solution. When the force tension reached a stable sustained phase, cumulative doses of neoliensinine were added to the chamber. We found that neoliensinine had a dose-dependent relaxant effect on smooth muscle contraction, thus suggesting that it bears potential activity against hypertension. In addition, as the vessel segment can survive at least 4 hours after mounting and maintain contractility induced by the high-K+ solution for many times, we suggest that the wire myograph system may be used for the time-consuming process of drug screening.

The wire myograph technique is used to investigate vascular smooth muscle functions and screen new drugs. We report a detailed protocol for measuring the isometric contractility of the mouse mesenteric artery and for screening new relaxants of vascular smooth muscle.

Misurazione di contrattilità isometrica dell'arteria mesenterica Mouse con filo Myography

The wire myograph technique is used to assess the contractility of vascular smooth muscles in response to depolarization, GPCR agonists/inhibitors and ...

Assessing Therapeutic Angiogenesis in a Murine Model of Hindlimb Ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a serious condition that entails a high risk of lower limb amputation. Despite revascularization being the gold-standard therapy, a considerable number of CLI patients are not suited for either surgical or endovascular revascularization. Angiogenic therapies are emerging as an option for these patients but are currently still under investigation. Before application in humans, those therapies must be tested in animal models and its mechanisms must be clearly understood. An animal model of hindlimb ischemia (HLI) has been developed by the ligation and excision of the distal external iliac and femoral arteries and veins in mice. A comprehensive panel of tests was assembled to assess the effects of ischemia and putative angiogenic therapies at functional, histologic and molecular levels. Laser Doppler was used for the flow measurement and functional assessment of perfusion. Tissue response was evaluated by the analysis of capillary density after staining with the anti-CD31 antibody on histological sections of gastrocnemius muscle and by measurement of collateral vessel density after diaphonization. Expression of angiogenic genes was quantified by RT-PCR targeting selected angiogenic factors exclusively in endothelial cells (ECs) after laser capture microdissection from mice gastrocnemius muscles. These methods were sensitive in identifying differences between ischemic and non-ischemic limbs and between treated and non-treated limbs. This protocol provides a reproducible model of CLI and a framework for testing angiogenic therapies.

Here, a critical hindlimb ischemia experimental model is presented followed by a battery of functional, histologic and molecular tests&#160;to assess the effectiveness of angiogenic therapies.&#8203;

Valutazione dell'angiogenesi terapeutica in un modello Murine di Ischemia hindlimb

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a serious condition that entails a high risk of lower limb amputation. Despite revascularization being the gold-standard ...

In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection

Spine implant infections portend poor outcomes as diagnosis is challenging and surgical eradication is at odds with mechanical spinal stability. The purpose of this method is to describe a novel mouse model of spinal implant infection (SII) that was created to provide an inexpensive, rapid, and accurate in vivo tool to test potential therapeutics and treatment strategies for spinal implant infections.
In this method, we present a model of posterior-approach spinal surgery in which a stainless-steel k-wire is transfixed into the L4 spinous process of 12-week old C57BL/6J wild-type mice and inoculated with 1 x 103 CFU of a bioluminescent strain of Staphylococcus aureus Xen36 bacteria. Mice are then longitudinally imaged for bioluminescence in vivo on post-operative days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, and 35. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) signals from a standardized field of view are quantified to measure in vivo bacterial burden.
To quantify bacteria adhering to implants and peri-implant tissue, mice are euthanized and the implant and surrounding soft tissue are harvested. Bacteria are detached from the implant by sonication, cultured overnight and then colony forming units (CFUs) are counted. The results acquired from this method include longitudinal bacterial counts as measured by in vivo S. aureus bioluminescence (mean maximum flux) and CFU counts following euthanasia.
While prior animal models of instrumented spine infection have involved invasive, ex vivo tissue analysis, the mouse model of SII presented in this paper leverages noninvasive, real time in vivo optical imaging of bioluminescent bacteria to replace static tissue study. Applications of the model are broad and may include utilizing alternative bioluminescent bacterial strains, incorporating other types of genetically engineered mice to contemporaneously study host immune response, and evaluating current or investigating new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities such as antibiotics or implant coatings.

The protocol describes a novel in vivo mouse model of spinal implant infection where a stainless-steel k-wire implant is infected with bioluminescent Staphylococcus aureus Xen36. Bacterial burden is monitored longitudinally with bioluminescent imaging and confirmed with colony forming unit counts after euthanasia.

Modello murino in vivo di infezione da impianto spinale

Spine implant infections portend poor outcomes as diagnosis is challenging and surgical eradication is at odds with mechanical spinal stability. The ...

Murine Precision-Cut Liver Slices as an Ex Vivo Model of Liver Biology

Understanding the mechanisms of liver injury, hepatic fibrosis, and cirrhosis that underlie chronic liver diseases (i.e., viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic liver disease, and liver cancer) requires experimental manipulation of animal models and in vitro cell cultures. Both techniques have limitations, such as the requirement of large numbers of animals for in vivo manipulation. However, in vitro cell cultures do not reproduce the structure and function of the multicellular hepatic environment. The use of precision-cut liver slices is a technique in which uniform slices of viable mouse liver are maintained in laboratory tissue culture for experimental manipulation. This technique occupies an experimental niche that exists between animal studies and in vitro cell culture methods. The presented protocol describes a straightforward and reliable method to isolate and culture precision-cut liver slices from mice. As an application of this technique, ex vivo liver slices are treated with bile acids to simulate cholestatic liver injury and ultimately assess the mechanisms of hepatic fibrogenesis.

This protocol provides a simple and reliable method for the production of viable precision-cut liver slices from mice. The ex vivo tissue samples can be maintained under laboratory tissue culture conditions for multiple days, providing a flexible model to examine liver pathobiology.

Murine Precision-Cut Liver Slices come un modello Ex Vivo di biologia del fegato

Understanding the mechanisms of liver injury, hepatic fibrosis, and cirrhosis that underlie chronic liver diseases (i.e., viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic ...