Name: a rat model of ecohiv brain infection
Uploaded: 2021-01-21T14:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection at JoVE.com

This work was funded by NIH grants HD043680, MH106392, DA013137, and NS100624.

All animal protocols were reviewed and approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee at the University of South Carolina (federal assurance number: D16-00028). Six adult male F344/N rat was pair housed in a controlled environment under a 12/12 light: dark cycle with ad libitum access to food and water. All animals were cared for using guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
1. Virus packaging in 293 FT cells
<ol>
	<...

<ol>
	<li>Illenberger, J. 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=HIV+Infection+and+Neurocognitive+Disorders+in+the+Context+of+Chronic+Drug+Abuse:+Evidence+for+Divergent+Findings+Dependent+upon+Prior+Drug+History.">HIV Infection and Neurocognitive Disorders in the Context of Chronic Drug Abuse: Evidence for Divergent Findings Dependent upon Prior Drug History.</a> Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology. 15 (4), 715-728 (2020).</li><li>Joseph, S. B., Swanstrom, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+evolution+of+HIV-1+entry+phenotypes+as+a+guide+to+changing+target+cells.">The evolution of HIV-1 entry phenotypes as a guide to changing target cells.</a> Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 103 (3), 421-431 (2018).</li><li>Potash, M. 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=A+mouse+model+for+study+of+systemic+HIV-1+infection,+antiviral+immune+responses,+and+neuroinvasiveness.">A mouse model for study of systemic HIV-1 infection, antiviral immune responses, and neuroinvasiveness.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U S A. 102 (10), 3760-3765 (2005).</li><li>Albritton, L. M., Tseng, L., Scadden, D., Cunningham, J. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+putative+murine+ecotropic+retrovirus+receptor+gene+encodes+a+multiple+membrane-spanning+protein+and+confers+susceptibility+to+virus+infection.">A putative murine ecotropic retrovirus receptor gene encodes a multiple membrane-spanning protein and confers susceptibility to virus infection.</a> Cell. 57, 659-666 (1989).</li><li>Geraghty, P., Hadas, E., Kim, B. H., Dabo, A. J., Volsky, D. J., Foronjy, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=HIV+infection+model+of+chronic+obstructive+pulmonary+disease+in+mice.">HIV infection model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in mice.</a> American Journal of Physiology - Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. 312 (4), 500-509 (2017).</li><li>Gu, C. 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=EcoHIV+infection+of+mice+establishes+latent+viral+reservoirs+in+T+cells+and+active+viral+reservoirs+in+macrophages+that+are+sufficient+for+induction+of+neurocognitive+impairment.">EcoHIV infection of mice establishes latent viral reservoirs in T cells and active viral reservoirs in macrophages that are sufficient for induction of neurocognitive impairment.</a> PLoS Pathogens. 14 (6), 1007061 (2018).</li><li>Ellenbroek, B., Youn, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Rodent+models+in+neuroscience+research:+is+it+a+rat+race.">Rodent models in neuroscience research: is it a rat race.</a> Disease Models, Mechanisms. 9 (10), 1079-1087 (2016).</li><li>Feduccia, A. A., Duvauchelle, C. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Novel+apparatus+and+method+for+drug+reinforcement.">Novel apparatus and method for drug reinforcement.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (42), e1998 (2010).</li><li>Bertrand, S. J., Mactutus, C. F., Harrod, S. B., Moran, L. M., Booze, R. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=HIV-1+proteins+dysregulate+motivational+processes+and+dopamine+circuitry.">HIV-1 proteins dysregulate motivational processes and dopamine circuitry.</a> Scientific Reports. 8 (1), 7869 (2018).</li><li>McGaughy, J., Sarter, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Behavioral+vigilance+in+rats:+task+validation+and+effects+of+age,+amphetamine,+and+benzodiazepine+receptor+ligands.">Behavioral vigilance in rats: task validation and effects of age, amphetamine, and benzodiazepine receptor ligands.</a> Psychopharmacology. 117 (3), 340-357 (1995).</li><li>Li, H., Aksenova, M., Bertrand, S., Mactutus, C. F., Booze, R. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantification+of+filamentous+actin+(F-actin)+puncta+in+rat+cortical+neurons.">Quantification of filamentous actin (F-actin) puncta in rat cortical neurons.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (108), (2016).</li><li>McLaurin, K. A., Li, H., Booze, R. M., Mactutus, C. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Disruption+of+Timing:+NeuroHIV+Progression+in+the+Post-cART+Era.">Disruption of Timing: NeuroHIV Progression in the Post-cART Era.</a> Scientific Reports. 9 (1), 827 (2019).</li><li>McLaurin, K. A., Moran, L. M., Li, H., Booze, R. M., Mactutus, C. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Power+of+Interstimulus+Interval+for+the+Assessment+of+Temporal+Processing+in+Rodents.">The Power of Interstimulus Interval for the Assessment of Temporal Processing in Rodents.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (146), e58659 (2019).</li><li>Li, H., McLaurin, K. A., Mactutus, C. F., Booze, R. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ballistic+Labeling+of+Pyramidal+Neurons+in+Brain+Slices+and+in+Primary+Cell+Culture.">Ballistic Labeling of Pyramidal Neurons in Brain Slices and in Primary Cell Culture.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (158), (2020).</li><li>Ko, 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=Macrophages+but+not+Astrocytes+Harbor+HIV+DNA+in+the+Brains+of+HIV-1-Infected+Aviremic+Individuals+on+Suppressive+Antiretroviral+Therapy.">Macrophages but not Astrocytes Harbor HIV DNA in the Brains of HIV-1-Infected Aviremic Individuals on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy.</a> Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology. 14 (1), 110-119 (2019).</li><li>Sopper, 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=The+effect+of+simian+immunodeficiency+virus+infection+in+vitro+and+in+vivo+on+the+cytokine+production+of+isolated+microglia+and+peripheral+macrophages+from+rhesus+monkey.">The effect of simian immunodeficiency virus infection in vitro and in vivo on the cytokine production of isolated microglia and peripheral macrophages from rhesus monkey.</a> Virology. 220 (2), 320-329 (1996).</li><li>Llewellyn, G. N., Alvarez-Carbonell, D., Chateau, M., Karn, J., Cannon, P. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=HIV-1+infection+of+microglial+cells+in+a+reconstituted+humanized+mouse+model+and+identification+of+compounds+that+selectively+reverse+HIV+latency.">HIV-1 infection of microglial cells in a reconstituted humanized mouse model and identification of compounds that selectively reverse HIV latency.</a> Journal of NeuroVirology. 24 (2), 192-203 (2018).</li></ol>

In this protocol, we established an EcoHIV-induced HIV infection model in rats. Specifically, we described a bilateral stereotaxic injection of EcoHIV into the cortex which successfully induced active HIV infection in the rat brain 7 days post-injection. Futhermore, we demonstrate that EcoHIV infection in rats could be a good biological system to study key aspects of HAND. Eight weeks post- EcoHIV infection, rats exhibited significant neurocognitive impairments, which included the alterations in temporal processing and s...

Biological systems have enhanced our understanding of HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and their underlying neural mechanisms2. Determining which biological system is most appropriate for any given study is often dependent upon the question of interest2. The limitation of the range of host animal models challenges studies of HIV-1 disease development. To investigate HIV-1 viral replication and pathogenesis, Potash et al.3 created a mouse model of active HIV-1 infection, replacing the coding region of HIV surface envelope glycoprotein, gp120, with ecotropic MLV gp80, which led to successful viral replication in mice4. After tail vein injections in chimeric HIV (EcoHIV) mice, many characteristics were observed resembling those of HIV-1 seropositive individuals (e.g., infected lymphocytes and macrophages, targeted for antiviral immune responses, and inflammation3,5,6).
Although mice and rats are both members of the Muridae, fundamental species differences may influence their suitability for specific experimental questions7. Therefore, the extension of the EcoHIV infection model to rats (commonly used in studies of drug abuse and neurocognitive disorders) would be advantageous in the study of neuroHIV. For example, their larger size makes jugular catheter implantation for drug self-administration procedures more practical8. Drug self-administration techniques in rats have been utilized to evaluate motivation in HIV-19. Furthermore, many neurocognitive/behavioral tasks were initially designed for rats10. Here, we report the utilization of stereotaxic injections of EcoHIV in rats to extend the EcoHIV infection model and afford a key opportunity to address novel questions related to neuroHIV and HAND.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>293FT cells</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
			<td>R70007</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Antibiotic-Antimycotic solution</td>
			<td>Cellgro</td>
			<td>30004CI</td>
			<td>100X</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Corning BioCoatGelatin 75cm&#178; Rectangular Canted Neck Cell Culture Flask with Vented Cap</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>354488</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Corning DMEM with L-Glutamine, 4.5 g/L Glucose and Sodium Pyruvate</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>10013CV</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cover glass</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>637-137</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>drill</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dumont #5 Forceps</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>14095</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dumont #7 Forceps</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>14097</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eppendorf Snap-Cap Microcentrifuge Biopur Safe-Lock Tubes</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>22600028</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethicon Vicryl Plus Antibacterial, 4-0 Polyglactin 910 Suture, 27in. FS-2</td>
			<td>Med Vet International</td>
			<td>VCP422H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hamilton syringe</td>
			<td>Hamilton</td>
			<td>1701</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Invitrogen Lipofectamine 3000 Transfection Reagent</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>L3000015</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Iris Forceps</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>15914</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Iris Scissors</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>500216</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lentivirus-Associated p24 ELISA Kit</td>
			<td>Cell Biolabs, inc.</td>
			<td>VPK-107-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lenti-X Concentrator</td>
			<td>Takara</td>
			<td>PT4421-2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Opti-MEM I Reduced Serum Medium</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>11058021</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraformaldehyde</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>158127-500G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraformaldehyde</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>P6148</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ProLong Gold</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>P36930</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sevoflurane</td>
			<td>Merritt Veterinary Supply</td>
			<td>347075</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>stereotaxic apparatus</td>
			<td>Kopf Instruments</td>
			<td>Model 900</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SuperFrost Plus Slides</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>12-550-154%</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vannas Scissors</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>500086</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a rat model of ecohiv brain infection

It has been well studied that the EcoHIV infected mouse model is of significant utility in investigating HIV associated neurological complications. Establishment of the EcoHIV infected rat model for studies of drug abuse and neurocognitive disorders, would be beneficial in the study of neuroHIV and HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). In the present study, we demonstrate the successful creation of a rat model of active HIV infection using chimeric HIV (EcoHIV). First, the lentiviral construct of EcoHIV was packaged in cultured 293 FT cells for 48 hours. Then, the conditional medium was concentrated and titered. Next, we performed bilateral stereotaxic injections of the EcoHIV-EGFP into F344/N rat brain tissue. One week after infection, EGFP fluorescence signals were detected in the infected brain tissue, indicating that EcoHIV successfully induces an active HIV infection in rats. In addition, immunostaining for the microglial cell marker, Iba1, was performed. The results indicated that microglia were the predominant cell type harboring EcoHIV. Furthermore, EcoHIV rats exhibited alterations in temporal processing, a potential underlying neurobehavioral mechanism of HAND as well as synaptic dysfunction eight weeks after infection. Collectively, the present study extends the EcoHIV model of HIV-1 infection to the rat offering a valuable biological system to study HIV-1 viral reservoirs in the brain as well as HAND and associated comorbidities such as drug abuse.

The conditioned medium was collected from lentivirus of EcoHIV-EGFP infected 293FT cells. Next, it was concentrated and titered, then stereotaxically injected into the brain (cortical region) of F344/N rats. Seven days post-injection, rats were sacrificed and images were taken from coronal brain slices ranging from bregma 5.64 mm to bregma -4.68 mm. In Figure 1A, there are significant EcoHIV-EGFP signals throughout the brain, especially in the cortex and the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Furthe...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection at JoVE.com

A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection

Here, we present a protocol to establish a new rat model of active HIV infection using chimeric HIV (EcoHIV), which is critical for enhancing our understanding of HIV-1 viral reservoirs in the brain and offering a system to study HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and associated comorbidities (i.e., drug abuse).

It has been well studied that the EcoHIV infected mouse model is of significant utility in investigating HIV associated neurological complications. ...

Using rats, this protocol can be used to establish a new model of active HIV infection using chimeric HIV. with rats, the establishment of the EcoHIV infection model for studies of drug abuse and neurocognitive disorders could be beneficial to the study of neuro HIV and HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders. Demonstrating procedure will be Hailong Li, a research associate from my laboratory.For packaging of the virus into 293 T-cells, seed five times 10 to the fifth 293 T-cells per milliliter of DMEM supplemented with 10%FBS into each of the two gelatin-coated 75 square centimeter flasks and incubate the cells at 37 degrees Celsius until the cultures reach 50%confluency. On the day of the transfection, dilute 22.5 microliters of transfection reagent in 750 microliters of medium per flask in a 1.5 milliliter microcentrifuge tube and vortex the solution for three seconds. Dilute 20 micrograms of the chimeric EcoHIV plasmid DNA in 750 microliters of medium in a second 1.5 milliliter microcentrifuge tube per flask with thorough mixing.Combine the diluted DNA with the diluted transfection reagent with gentle mixing and incubate the resulting solution for 15 minutes at room temperature. At the end of the incubation, add each virus suspension to 10 milliliters of prewarm DMEM medium and add each virus supplemented solution to one flask of 293 T-cells. After two days of cell culture, pool the supernatant from the flasks in a single 50 milliliter conical tube for centrifugation and transfer the clarified supernatant to a new 50 milliliter tube.Add eight milliliters of Lenti-X Concentrator to the clarified supernatant and mix with gentle inversion. After a two-day incubation at four degrees Celsius, centrifuge the mixture and carefully remove the supernatant, then gently resuspend the pellet with 100 microliters of 100 millimolar PBS and use a P24 ELISA kit to titer the virus concentration. For EcoHIV-EGFP injection, after confirming a lack of response to pedal reflex, shave the hair from the brain region and sterilize the exposed skin two times with 70%ethanol and a chlorhexidine-based scrub.Secure the rat in a prone position in a stereotaxic apparatus and make a five to six centimeter incision through the skin along the scalp midline. Mark one drilling position at 0.8 millimeters lateral and one 1.2 millimeters rostral to bregma and drill a 0.4 millimeter diameter hole at each skull position. Load 1.04 times 10 to the sixth transduction units per milliliter of titered EcoHIV Lentivirus solution into a 10 microliter injection syringe and secure the syringe to the stereotaxic apparatus.Move the needle close to the surface of one drilling hole and insert the needle 2.5 milliliters into the hole. Infuse one microliter of virus solution at a rate of 0.2 microliters of virus per minute. When all of the virus has been injected, leave the needle inside the injection area for five minutes before slowly retracting the needle until it is outside of the rat skull.Close the skin incision with a 4-0 silk thread suture and sterilize the solution with 70%ethanol, then place the rat in a recovery chamber with a heating pad with monitoring until recumbency. One to eight weeks after viral infusion, after confirming a lack of response to pedal reflex, fix the rat in a supine position inside a fume hood and incise the skin along the thoracic midline. Cut the diaphragm to open the thoracic cavity and insert a 20 gauge by 25 millimeter needle into the left ventricle.Immediately open the right atrium with scissors and perfuse 50 milliliters of pre-chilled 100 millimolar PBS at a five milliliters per minute flow rate. When all of the PBS has been delivered, perfuse with 100 milliliters of cold 4%paraformaldehyde. When all of the fixative has been delivered, remove the brain from the skull and fix the tissue overnight in fresh 4%paraformaldehyde.The next morning, place the sample in 40 milliliters of 30%sucrose in 100 millimolar PBS in a 50 milliliter tube for about three days until the brain settles to the bottom of the tube before snap freezing the brain tissue in methyl butanol for two minutes at minus 80 degrees Celsius. After freezing, use a minus 20 degree Celsius cryostat and a fine paintbrush to acquire 50 micron thick coronal sections. When all of the sections have been obtained, cover the samples with 300 microliters of anti-fade medium and mount them with 22 50-milliliter coverslips.When the medium has dried, image the sections by confocal microscopy. Seven days after Lentivirus injection, rat coronal brain slice images reveal a significant presence of EcoHIV-EGFP signals throughout the brain tissue, especially within the cortex and the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Dual labeling with and Iba1 and EcoHIV-EGFP probes provide strong evidence that microglia are the predominant cell type harboring EcoHIV expression in the brain.Eight weeks post-infection, EcoHIV injected animals exhibit a relative insensitivity to the manipulation of interstimulus interval as evidenced by a relatively flatter interval function compared to saline controls. In addition, EcoHIV injected rats display profound alterations in their dendritic spine morphology as evidenced by an increased relative frequency of shorter dendritic spines with increased head and neck diameters relative to control animals. The concentration and titrating of the condition medium before stereotaxic injection is critical to ensuring the consistent and the replicable results across experiments.This specific regional stereotaxic injection of EcoHIV provides an efficient HIV infection within the brain and produces temporal processing deficits in rats. The utilization of stereotaxic HIV injections in rats to extend the EcoHIV infection model affords a key opportunity for addressing novel questions related to neuro HIV at hand.

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

Gene Delivery to Postnatal Rat Brain by Non-ventricular Plasmid Injection and Electroporation

Creation of transgenic animals is a standard approach in studying functions of a gene of interest in vivo. However, many knockout or transgenic animals are not viable in those cases where the modified gene is expressed or deleted in the whole organism. Moreover, a variety of compensatory mechanisms often make it difficult to interpret the results. The compensatory effects can be alleviated by either timing the gene expression or limiting the amount of transfected cells.
The method of postnatal non-ventricular microinjection and in vivo electroporation allows targeted delivery of genes, siRNA or dye molecules directly to a small region of interest in the newborn rodent brain. In contrast to conventional ventricular injection technique, this method allows transfection of non-migratory cell types. Animals transfected by means of the method described here can be used, for example, for two-photon in vivo imaging or in electrophysiological experiments on acute brain slices.

This protocol describes a non-viral method of delivery of genetic constructs to a certain area of living rodent brain. The method consists of plasmid preparation, micropipette fabrication, neonatal rat pup surgery, microinjection of the construct, and in vivo electroporation.

Creation of transgenic animals is a standard approach in studying functions of a gene of interest in vivo. However, many knockout or transgenic animals ...

Stereotaxic Surgery for Excitotoxic Lesion of Specific Brain Areas in the Adult Rat

Many behavioral functions in mammals, including rodents and humans, are mediated principally by discrete brain regions. A common method for discerning the function of various brain regions for behavior or other experimental outcomes is to implement a localized ablation of function. In humans, patient populations with localized brain lesions are often studied for deficits, in hopes of revealing the underlying function of the damaged area. In rodents, one can experimentally induce lesions of specific brain regions.
Lesion can be accomplished in several ways. Electrolytic lesions can cause localized damage but will damage a variety of cell types as well as traversing fibers from other brain regions that happen to be near the lesion site. Inducible genetic techniques using cell-type specific promoters may also enable site-specific targeting. These techniques are complex and not always practical depending on the target brain area. Excitotoxic lesion using stereotaxic surgery, by contrast, is one of the most reliable and practical methods of lesioning excitatory neurons without damaging local glial cells or traversing fibers.
Here, we present a protocol for stereotaxic infusion of the excitotoxin, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), into the basolateral amygdala complex. Using anatomical indications, we apply stereotaxic coordinates to determine the location of our target brain region and lower an injection needle in place just above the target. We then infuse our excitotoxin into the brain, resulting in excitotoxic death of nearby neurons. While our experimental subject of choice is a rat, the same methods can be applied to other mammals, with the appropriate adjustments in equipment and coordinates.
This method can be used on a variety of brain regions, including the basolateral amygdala1-6, other amygdala nuclei6, 7, hippocampus8, entorhinal cortex9 and prefrontal cortex10. It can also be used to infuse biological compounds such as viral vectors1, 11. The basic stereotaxic technique could also be adapted for implantation of more permanent osmotic pumps, allowing more prolonged exposure to a compound of interest.

Targeted ablation of specific brain region(s) by infusion of an excitotoxin using stereotaxic coordinates is described. This technique could also be adapted for infusion of other chemicals into the rat brain.

Many behavioral functions in mammals, including rodents and humans, are mediated principally by discrete brain regions. A common method for discerning the ...

A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis

Intrauterine hypoperfusion/ischemia is one of the major causes of intrauterine/fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Most studies of this phenomenon have been performed in either models with severe intrauterine ischemia or models with gradient degree of intrauterine hypoperfusion. No study has been performed in a model on uniform mild intrauterine hypoperfusion (MIUH). Two models have been used for studies of MIUH: a model based on suture ligation of either side of the arterial arcade formed with the uterine and ovarian arteries, and a transient model based on clipping the bilateral ovarian arteries and aorta having patency. Those two rodent models of MIUH have some limitations, e.g., not all fetuses are subjected to MIUH, depending on their position in the uterine horn. In our MIUH model, all fetuses are subjected to a comparable level of intrauterine hypoperfusion. MIUH was achieved by mild stenosis of all four arteries feeding the uterus, i.e., the bilateral uterine and ovarian arteries.
Arterial stenosis was induced by metal microcoils wrapped around the feeding arteries. Producing arterial stenosis with microcoils allowed us to control, optimize, and reproduce decreased blood flow with very little inter-animal variability and a low mortality rate, thus enabling accurate evaluation. When microcoils with an inner diameter of 0.24 mm were used, the blood flow in both the placenta and fetus was mildly decreased (approximately 30% from the pre-stenosis level in the placenta). The offspring of our MIUH model clearly demonstrates long-lasting alterations in neurological, neuroanatomical and behavioral test results.

Mild intrauterine hypoperfusion was produced by artery stenosis with metal microcoils wrapped around the uterine and ovarian arteries in rats at embryonic day 17. This procedure produced prenatal hypoperfusion and intrauterine growth restriction.

Intrauterine hypoperfusion/ischemia is one of the major causes of intrauterine/fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Most studies ...

An In Vivo Assessment of Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke leads to vasogenic cerebral edema and subsequent primary brain injury, which is mediated through destruction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Rats with induced ischemic stroke were established and used as in vivo models to investigate the functional integrity of the BBB. Spectrophotometric detection of Evans blue (EB) in the brain samples with ischemic injury could provide reliable justification for the research and development of novel therapeutic modalities. This method generates reproducible results, and is applicable in any laboratory without a need for special equipment. Here, we present a visualized and technical guideline on the detection of the extravasation of EB following induction of ischemic stroke in rats.

An In Vivo Assessment of Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke

The overall goal of this procedure is to provide a highly reproducible technique for in vivo assessment of the blood-brain barrier disruption in rat models of ischemic stroke.

Ischemic stroke leads to vasogenic cerebral edema and subsequent primary brain injury, which is mediated through destruction of the blood-brain barrier ...

A Rat Model of Central Fatigue Using a Modified Multiple Platform Method

In this article, we introduced a rat model of central fatigue using the modified multiple platform method (MMPM). The Multiple Platform box was designed as a water tank with narrow platforms on the bottom. The model rats were put into the tank and stood on the platforms for 14 h (18:00 - 8:00) per day for a consecutive 21 days, with a blank control group set for contrast. At the end of modeling, rats in the model group showed an obvious fatigued appearance. To assess the model, we performed several behavioral tests, including the open field test (OFT), the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and the exhaustive swimming (ES) test. The results showed that anxiety, spatial cognition impairment, poor muscle performance, and declined voluntary activity presented in model rats confirm the diagnosis of&#160;central fatigue. Changes of the central neurotransmitters also verified the result. In conclusion, the model successfully simulated central fatigue, and future study with the model may help reveal the pathological mechanism of the disease.

Here, we present a protocol to introduce a rat model of central fatigue using the modified multiple platform method (MMPM).

In this article, we introduced a rat model of central fatigue using the modified multiple platform method (MMPM). The Multiple Platform box was designed ...

An Alternative Approach to Study Primary Events in Neurodegeneration Using Ex Vivo Rat Brain Slices

Despite&#160;numerous studies that attempt to develop reliable animal models&#160;which reflecting the primary processes underlying neurodegeneration, very few have been widely accepted. Here, we propose&#160;a new procedure&#160;adapted from the well-known ex vivo brain slice technique, which offers a closer in vivo-like scenario than in vitro preparations, for investigating the early events triggering cell degeneration, as observed in Alzheimer&#39;s disease (AD). This variation consists of simple and easily reproducible steps, which enable preservation of the anatomical cytoarchitecture of the selected brain region and its local functionality in a physiological milieu. Different anatomical areas can be obtained from the same brain, providing the opportunity to perform multiple experiments with the treatments in question in a site-, dose-, and time-dependent manner. Potential limitations&#160;which could affect the outcomes related to this methodology are related to the conservation of the tissue, i.e., the maintenance of its anatomical integrity during the slicing and incubation steps and the section thickness, which can influence the biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis. This approach can be employed for different purposes, such as exploring molecular mechanisms involved in physiological or pathological conditions, drug screening, or dose-response assays. Finally, this protocol could also reduce the number of animals employed in behavioral studies. The application reported here has been recently described and tested for the first time on ex vivo rat brain slices containing the basal forebrain (BF), which is one of the cerebral regions primarily affected in AD. Specifically, it has been demonstrated that the administration of a toxic peptide derived from the C-terminus of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) could prompt an AD-like profile, triggering, along the antero-posterior axis of the BF, a differential expression of proteins altered in AD, such as the alpha7 nicotinic receptor (&#945;7-nAChR), phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau), and amyloid beta (A&#946;).

An Alternative Approach to Study Primary Events in Neurodegeneration Using Ex Vivo Rat Brain Slices

We present a method which can&#160;provide further insights into the early events underlying neurodegeneration and based on the established ex-vivo brain technique, combining the advantages of in vivo and in vitro experiments. Moreover, it represents a unique opportunity for direct comparison of treated and untreated group in the same anatomical plane.

Despite&#160;numerous studies that attempt to develop reliable animal models&#160;which reflecting the primary processes underlying neurodegeneration, ...

A Benchtop Approach to the Location Specific Blood Brain Barrier Opening using Focused Ultrasound in a Rat Model

Stereotaxic surgery is the gold standard for localized drug and gene delivery to the rodent brain. This technique has many advantages over systemic delivery including precise localization to a target brain region and reduction of off target side effects. However, stereotaxic surgery is highly invasive which limits its translational efficacy, requires long recovery times, and provides challenges when targeting multiple brain regions. Focused ultrasound (FUS) can be used in combination with circulating microbubbles to transiently open the blood brain barrier (BBB) in millimeter sized regions. This allows intracranial localization of systemically delivered agents that cannot normally cross the BBB. This technique provides a noninvasive alternative to stereotaxic surgery. However, to date this technique has yet to be widely adopted in neuroscience laboratories due to the limited access to equipment and standardized methods. The overall goal of this protocol is to provide a benchtop approach to FUS BBB opening (BBBO) that is affordable and reproducible and can therefore be easily adopted by any laboratory.

Focused ultrasound with microbubble agents can open the blood brain barrier focally and transiently. This technique has been used to deliver a wide range of agents across the blood brain barrier. This article provides a detailed protocol for the localized delivery to the rodent brain with or without MRI guidance.

Stereotaxic surgery is the gold standard for localized drug and gene delivery to the rodent brain. This technique has many advantages over systemic ...

A Hydrophobic Tissue Clearing Method for Rat Brain Tissue

Hydrophobic tissue clearing methods are easily adjustable, fast, and low-cost procedures that allows for the study of a molecule of interest in unaltered tissue samples. Traditional immunolabeling procedures require cutting the sample into thin sections, which restricts the ability to label and examine intact structures. However, if brain tissue can remain intact during processing, structures and circuits can remain intact for the analysis. Previously established clearing methods take significant time to completely clear the tissue, and the harsh chemicals can often damage sensitive antibodies. The iDISCO method quickly and completely clears tissue, is compatible with many antibodies, and requires no special lab equipment. This technique was initially validated for the use in mice tissue, but the current protocol adapts this method to image hemispheres of control and transgenic rat brains. In addition to this, the present protocol also makes several adjustments to preexisting protocol to provide clearer images with less background staining. Antibodies for Iba-1 and tyrosine hydroxylase were validated in the HIV-1 transgenic rat and in F344/N control rats using the present hydrophobic tissue clearing method. The brain is an interwoven network, where structures work together more often than separately of one another. Analyzing the brain as a whole system as opposed to a combination of individual pieces is the greatest benefit of this whole brain clearing method.

Here we present a hydrophobic tissue clearing method that allows for the viewing of target molecules as part of intact brain structures. This technique has now been validated for F344/N control and HIV-1 transgenic rats of both sexes.

Hydrophobic tissue clearing methods are easily adjustable, fast, and low-cost procedures that allows for the study of a molecule of interest in unaltered ...

Induction and Assessment of Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Levodopa (L-DOPA) remains the gold-standard therapy used to treat Parkinson&#39;s disease (PD) motor symptoms. However, unwanted involuntary movements known as L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) develop with prolonged use of this dopamine precursor.&#160;It is estimated that the incidence of LIDs escalates to approximately 90% of individuals with PD within 10&#8211;15 years of treatment. Understanding the mechanisms of this malady and developing both novel and effective anti-dyskinesia treatments requires consistent and accurate modeling for pre-clinical testing of therapeutic interventions. A detailed method for reliable induction and comprehensive rating of LIDs following 6-OHDA-induced nigral lesioning in a rat model of PD is presented here. Dependable LID assessment in rats provides a powerful tool that can be readily utilized across laboratories to test emerging therapies focused on reducing or eliminating this common treatment-induced burden for individuals with PD.

Induction and Assessment of Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias in a Rat Model of Parkinson&#039;s Disease

This article describes methods to induce and evaluate levodopa-induced dyskinesias in a rat model of Parkinson&#39;s disease. The protocol offers detailed information regarding the intensity and frequency of a range of dyskinetic behaviors, both dystonic and hyperkinetic, providing a reliable tool to test treatments targeting this unmet medical need.

Levodopa (L-DOPA) remains the gold-standard therapy used to treat Parkinson&#39;s disease (PD) motor symptoms. However, unwanted involuntary movements ...

Validating Injury Response and Behavioral Assessments in an mTBI Rat Model

Rat Model of Closed-Head Mild Traumatic Injury and its Validation

Animal models are crucial for advancing our understanding of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and guiding clinical research. To achieve meaningful insights, developing a stable and reproducible animal model is essential. In this study, we report a detailed description of a closed-head mTBI model and a representative validation method using Sprague-Dawley rats to verify the modeling effect. The model involves dropping a 550 g mass weight from a height of 100 cm directly onto the head of a rat on a destructible surface, followed by a 180-degree turn. To assess the injury, rats underwent a series of neurobehavioral assessments 10 min post-injury, including time of loss of consciousness, first seeking-behavior time, escape ability, and beam balance ability test. During the acute and subacute stages following the injury, behavioral tests were conducted to assess motor coordination ability (Beam task), anxiety (Open Field test), and learning and memory abilities (Morris Water Maze test). The closed-head mTBI model produced a consistent injury response with minimal mortality and replicated real-life situations. The validation method effectively verified the model development and ensured the stability and consistency of the model.

Author Spotlight: Advancing Traumatic Brain Injury Research - A Closed-Head Model for Accurate Replication and Rapid Assessment 

Here, we present a closed-head mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) rat model and its validation exhibiting remarkable similarity to human mTBI concerning behavioral manifestations during the acute and subacute stages.

Animal models are crucial for advancing our understanding of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and guiding clinical research. To achieve meaningful ...