The authors gratefully acknowledge support by T. Akay, Dalhousie University, during a visit of MG to his lab. This work was supported by funding from the Friebe Foundation (T0498/28960/16) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) - Project-ID 431549029 - SFB 1451.

All experiments were conducted in compliance with European and National animal care laws and institutional guidelines,&#160;and were approved by the Landesamt f&#252;r Natur-, Umwelt-, und Verbraucherschutz North Rhine-Westphalia (Az: 81-02.04.2019.A309). The protocol is optimized for adult mice (approx. 8-16 weeks old C57Bl/6J mice) and the forelimb recording. It can be easily adapted by stimulating the respective nerves of the hindlimb and recording hindpaw muscles (Figure 1B). A descripti...

<ol>
	<li>Palmieri, R. M., Ingersoll, C. D., Hoffman, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Hoffmann+reflex:+methodologic+considerations+and+applications+for+use+in+sports+medicine+and+athletic+training+research.">The Hoffmann reflex: methodologic considerations and applications for use in sports medicine and athletic training research.</a> Journal of Athletic Training. 39 (3), 268-277 (2004).</li><li>Henneman, E., Somjen, G., Carpenter, D. O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Excitability+and+inhibitibility+of+motoneurons+of+different+sizes.">Excitability and inhibitibility of motoneurons of different sizes.</a> Journal of Neurophysiology. 28 (3), 599-620 (1965).</li><li>Toda, T., Ishida, K., Kiyama, H., Yamashita, T., Lee, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Down-regulation+of+KCC2+expression+and+phosphorylation+in+motoneurons,+and+increases+the+number+of+in+primary+afferent+projections+to+motoneurons+in+mice+with+post-stroke+spasticity.">Down-regulation of KCC2 expression and phosphorylation in motoneurons, and increases the number of in primary afferent projections to motoneurons in mice with post-stroke spasticity.</a> PLoS ONE. 9 (12), 114328 (2014).</li><li>Lee, S., Toda, T., Kiyama, H., Yamashita, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Weakened+rate-dependent+depression+of+Hoffmann&#8217;s+reflex+and+increased+motoneuron+hyperactivity+after+motor+cortical+infarction+in+mice.">Weakened rate-dependent depression of Hoffmann&#8217;s reflex and increased motoneuron hyperactivity after motor cortical infarction in mice.</a> Cell Death &amp; Disease. 5 (1), 1007 (2014).</li><li>Knikou, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+H-reflex+as+a+probe:+Pathways+and+pitfalls.">The H-reflex as a probe: Pathways and pitfalls.</a> Journal of Neuroscience Methods. 171 (1), 1-12 (2008).</li><li>Wieters, F., 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=Introduction+to+spasticity+and+related+mouse+models.">Introduction to spasticity and related mouse models.</a> Experimental Neurology. 335, 113491 (2020).</li><li>Pearson, K. G., Acharya, H., Fouad, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+new+electrode+configuration+for+recording+electromyographic+activity+in+behaving+mice.">A new electrode configuration for recording electromyographic activity in behaving mice.</a> Journal of Neuroscience Methods. 148 (1), 36-42 (2005).</li><li>Akay, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+measurement+of+muscle+denervation+and+locomotor+behavior+in+individual+wild-type+and+ALS+model+mice.">Long-term measurement of muscle denervation and locomotor behavior in individual wild-type and ALS model mice.</a> Journal of Neurophysiology. 111 (3), 694-703 (2014).</li><li>Haghighi, S. S., Green, D. K., Oro, J. J., Drake, R. K., Kracke, G. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Depressive+effect+of+isoflurane+anesthesia+on+motor+evoked+potentials.">Depressive effect of isoflurane anesthesia on motor evoked potentials.</a> Neurosurgery. 26 (6), 993 (1990).</li><li>Chang, H. -. Y., Havton, L. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differential+effects+of+urethane+and+isoflurane+on+external+urethral+sphincter+electromyography+and+cystometry+in+rats.">Differential effects of urethane and isoflurane on external urethral sphincter electromyography and cystometry in rats.</a> American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology. 295 (4), 1248-1253 (2008).</li><li>Nolan, J. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Section+4:+Nervous+system+(Br.+J.+Pharmacol).">Section 4: Nervous system (Br. J. Pharmacol).</a> Clinical pharmacology. , 295-310 (2012).</li><li>Struck, M. B., Andrutis, K. A., Ramirez, H. E., Battles, A. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+a+short-term+fast+on+ketamine-xylazine+anesthesia+in+rats.">Effect of a short-term fast on ketamine-xylazine anesthesia in rats.</a> Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science: JAALAS. 50 (3), 344-348 (2011).</li><li>Zandieh, S., Hopf, R., Redl, H., Schlag, M. G. <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+ketamine/xylazine+anesthesia+on+sensory+and+motor+evoked+potentials+in+the+rat.">The effect of ketamine/xylazine anesthesia on sensory and motor evoked potentials in the rat.</a> Spinal Cord. 41 (1), 16-22 (2003).</li></ol>

In contrast to previously described transcutaneous H-reflex measurements in the mouse6, we provide a more direct and nerve-specific measurement. This new approach can be applied to the nerves of the fore- and hindlimb (e.g., the median, ulnar, and radial nerves, and the tibial, and sciatic nerves, respectively), rendering this method adaptable as a diagnostic tool to many disease models (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury...

The Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex), named after the physiologist Paul Hoffmann, can be evoked by electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves, which carry axons of sensory and motor neurons arising from and leading to&#160;the same muscles. It is the electrically induced analog of the monosynaptic stretch reflex, and shares the same pathway1. Unlike the muscle stretch, the H-reflex results from electrical stimulation. When peripheral nerves are electrically stimulated at low current intensity, the Ia afferent fibers are typically depolarized first due to their large axon diameter2. Their action potentials excite alpha motorneurons (&#945;MNs) in the spinal cord, which in turn elicit action potentials that travel down the &#945;MN axons toward the muscle (Figure 1). This cascade generates a muscular response with small amplitude, reflected in the so-called H-wave. By gradually increasing the stimulus intensity, the amplitude of the H-wave increases due to the recruitment of additional motor units. From a certain stimulus intensity, action potentials in the thinner axons of the &#945;MNs are elicited directly, which is recorded as the M-wave. This M-wave appears with a shorter latency than the H-wave (Figure 2). If the stimulation intensity is further increased, the amplitude of the M-wave becomes larger due to the recruitment of more &#945;MN axons, whereas the H-wave gradually becomes smaller. The H-wave can be suppressed at high stimulus intensities due to antidromic backpropagation of action potentials in the &#945;MN axons. These triggered action potentials collide with those from the Ia stimulation and can thus cancel each other out. At supramaximal stimulus intensities, orthodromic (toward the muscle) and antidromic (toward the spinal cord) action potentials occur in all MN axons; the former gives rise to the maximal M-wave amplitude (Mmax), whereas the latter results in complete abolition of the H-reflex3.
For the evaluation of post-stroke spasticity (PSS) or spinal cord injury (SCI), the H-reflex has been used to assess the neural basis of movement and spasticity in humans1. An improved quantification of the change in the H-reflex between measurements and between subjects is achieved by using the ratio of the H- and M-wave (H/M ratio). Alternatively, the rate-dependent depression (RDD) is measured, using a set of ascending frequencies (e.g., 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 Hz). The RDD reflects the integrity of inhibitory circuits that may be disturbed by stroke or SCI. When all neural circuits are intact, there is a uniform, frequency-independent suppression of the H-reflex. However, if there is reduced neural inhibition as a result of stroke or SCI, the suppression of the H-reflex decreases with increasing stimulation frequency4.
The correct electrophysiological recording using surface electrodes can be challenging and may be affected by motor tasks, inhibitory mechanisms, and &#945;MN excitability5. In the transcutaneous recording in rodents, a stimulus electrode is placed near the tibial nerve, and a recording electrode is placed near the related muscles in the forepaw. According to our experience, however, the correct placement of the transcutaneous electrodes (Figure 1A) is even more complex and variable in rodents than surface electrode placement in humans. This can lead to differences in length, frequency, and stimulation intensity necessary to elicit the H-reflex. These methodological challenges could explain why there are only a very limited number of H-reflex measurement studies (e.g., in experimental stroke models3,4, and other spasticity models6. A precise (long-term) stimulation and recording of the H-reflex on individual nerves could, in principle, be achieved using implantable electrodes surrounding the target nerve7,8. Due to the challenging surgery with potential side effects for the animal and potential instability of the probe, this approach has not become a standard in the field. The method presented here also requires some surgical expertise. However, it allows a novel, precise stimulation and recording of isolated nerves in vivo using low stimulation intensities, which avoids simultaneous stimulation of neighboring nerves.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Absorbent underpad</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>115-0684</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AD converter</td>
			<td>Cambridge Electronic Design, UK</td>
			<td>CED 1401micro</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Amplifier</td>
			<td>Workshop Zoological Institute, UoC</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Digital stimulator</td>
			<td>Workshop Zoological Institute, UoC</td>
			<td>MS 501</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>EMG electrodes</td>
			<td>Workshop Zoological Institute, UoC</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Two twisted, insulated copper wires (50 &#181;m outer diameter) were soldered to a male plug and connected to a differential amplifier.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eye ointment</td>
			<td>Bayer</td>
			<td>Bepanthen</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass pipette</td>
			<td>Workshop Zoological Institute, UoC</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>Prepare a glass pipette bent into a simple glass hook in the flame of a Bunsen burner.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heating box</td>
			<td>MediHeat</td>
			<td>MediHeat V1200</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heating pad</td>
			<td>WPI</td>
			<td>61840 Heating pad</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hook electrodes</td>
			<td>Workshop Zoological Institute, UoC</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>To produce the electrodes, bend stainless steel miniature pins into hooks at one end and insert into blunt cannulas to create direct mechanical contact. Solder the end of the cannula to copper wires (length approx. 50 cm), which are connected to either stimulation or recording device.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ketamine</td>
			<td>Pfizer</td>
			<td>Ketavet</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rectal probe</td>
			<td>WPI</td>
			<td>RET-3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stimulator isolation unit</td>
			<td>Workshop Zoological Institute, UoC</td>
			<td>MI 401</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterilizer</td>
			<td>CellPoint Scientific</td>
			<td>Germinator 500</td>
			<td>Routine pre- and post-operative disinfection of the surgical equipment should be done by heat sterilization. Decontaminate instruments for 15 s in the heated glass bead bath (260&#176;C).</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Temperature controller</td>
			<td>WPI</td>
			<td>ATC200</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vaseline</td>
			<td>Bayer</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Xylazine</td>
			<td>Bayer</td>
			<td>Rompun</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

terminal h-reflex measurements in mice

The Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex), as an electrical analog to the stretch reflex, allows electrophysiological validation of the integrity of neural circuits after injuries such as spinal cord damage or stroke. An increase of the H-reflex response, together with symptoms like non-voluntary muscle contractions, pathologically augmented stretch reflex, and hypertonia in the corresponding muscle, is an indicator of post-stroke spasticity (PSS).
In contrast to rather nerve-unspecific transcutaneous measurements, here, we present a protocol to quantify the H-reflex directly at the ulnar and median nerves of the forepaw, which is applicable, with minor modifications, to the tibial and sciatic nerve of the hindpaw. Based on the direct stimulation and the adaptation to different nerves, the method represents a reliable and versatile tool to validate electrophysiological changes in spasticity-related disease models.

From the n = 15 stimulation trials per stimulation frequency and paw, select at least n = 10 successful recordings for the analysis. Trials with measurement errors (e.g., missing M-wave) are excluded from the analysis. Analyze each trial separately and generate an average for group/time comparisons later on. The latency between stimulation and appearance of the M-wave and H-wave is recorded for each trial. In our experience, the M-wave occurs approximately 2 ms after stimulation, and the H-wave after 6-8 ms, due to the l...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Terminal H-reflex Measurements in Mice at JoVE.com

Terminal H-reflex Measurements in Mice

The clinical evaluation of spasticity based on the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) and using electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves is an established method. Here, we provide a protocol for a terminal and direct nerve stimulation for H-reflex quantification in the mouse forepaw.

The Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex), as an electrical analog to the stretch reflex, allows electrophysiological validation of the integrity of neural circuits ...

The H-reflex allows electrophysiological validation of the integrity of neuro circuits. We present a terminal protocol to quantify the H-reflex directly at the nerves of the forepaw in mice. Different to conventional rather nerve-unspecific transcutaneous recordings, the results are less variable between mice and measurement days.Similar to H-reflex recordings in patients, as precise quantification allows electrophysiological characterization in disease models, e.g. spinal cord injury and stroke. The protocol requires solid experimental skills in working with surgery equipment in mice.If you are unsure how to separate nerves from connective tissue and blood vessels, practice first. Demonstrating the procedure will be by Frederique Wieters, a Ph.D student from my laboratory. To begin, place the adult anesthetized 8-to 16-weeks-old C57 black/6J mouse on the covered heating pad and wait until the mouse is calm, breathing is stable, and reflexes are absent.Turn the mouse on its back. Then, fix the forepaws with tape. Position the tape such that the measuring electrodes are easily inserted into the forepaws.To measure the temperature of a mouse insert a rectal probe and fix it with tape. Apply eye ointment to prevent the eyes from drying out. Remove the fur carefully with a pair of fine, rounded scissors while lifting the skin with tweezers.Subsequently, make a one-centimeter incision in the skin along the ventroposterior axis of the forepaw with a pair of fine, rounded scissors. Carefully remove the connective tissue and expose the underneath muscle and nerve. Then remove the exposed pectoralis profundus muscle using forceps to assess the median nerve.Remove small amounts of blood and tissue fluid with soft tissue paper. Next, carefully cut the breast or axillary muscle from the top to bottom to expose the nerve bundle. Free the nerve bundle from the connective and muscle tissue over a length of approximately 1.5 centimeters.Separate the ulnar and median nerve of the forepaw carefully using a bent glass pipette. The upper nerve is the ulnar nerve and the lower is the median nerve. Arrange the stimulator hook electrodes in parallel at a distance of 0.5 to one millimeter and use a micromanipulator to position the double hook close to the nerve.Use the glass hook to lift the ulnar nerve onto the stimulation hook electrodes. Then, pull back the electrode with the nerve and separate it from the other nerves. Place the electrodes along the long axis of the paw to reduce the crosstalk between the muscles.Superficially dry the electrode hooks attached to the nerve and apply petroleum jelly using a syringe to provide electrical insulation from the adjacent tissue. To measure H-reflex, position the electromyography electrodes intramuscularly in the forepaw. Then, position the reference electrode subcutaneously in the hind limb, held by a miniature alligator clip.When the stimulator is switched on, observe a successful stimulation as tiny twitches of the forepaw. The minimum stimulation current to elicit the M-wave and tiny visible twitches in the forepaw are between 10 to 50 microamperes. Perform the nerve stimulation 15 times with 0.2-milliseconds-long pulses each.With pauses of two minutes between the sets of stimuli, the frequency is increased from 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, to 5 hertz. An illustration of the recording set up in pathways to measure the Hoffman reflex and muscle response is shown here. The ratio between H-and M-wave amplitude was evaluated.The stimulus and respective stimulation artifact were set at zero milliseconds, followed by the direct M-wave and the subsequent smaller peak representing the H-wave. The M-wave occurs approximately two milliseconds after stimulation, and the H-wave after six to eight milliseconds due to the longer transit time through the spinal cord. Next to the separation of the nerves, the application of petroleum jelly to the electrode and also between the two hooks are critical.This is a terminal experiment. In our lab, this technique provided a new gold standard reference to the transcutaneous H-reflex recordings.

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Biology

4.5K ビュー.  University of Cologne. H反射は、神経回路の完全性の電気生理学的検証を可能にします。マウスの前足の神経でのH反射を直接定量化するための終末プロトコルを提示します。従来のかなり神経非特異的な経皮的記録とは異なり、結果はマウスと測定日の間であまり変動しません。患者のH反射記録と同様に、正確な定量化により、脊髄損傷や脳卒中などの疾患モデルでの電気生理学的特性?...

ビデオ: Terminal H-reflex Measurements in Mice

The clinical evaluation of spasticity based on the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) and using electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves is an established method. Here, we provide a protocol for a terminal and direct nerve stimulation for H-reflex quantification in the mouse...

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Author Spotlight: Optimizing Cochlear Implant Performance in Children

The present protocol describes the measurement of the electrically evoked stapedius reflex (eSR) via cochlear implant (CI). Two applications are discussed: intraoperative detection of eSR for verification of the coupling between the cochlear implant and the auditory nerve and postoperative measurement of eSR thresholds (eSRT) for CI...

Electrically Evoked Stapedius Reflex Measurements in Cochlear Implantation and Its Application in the Postoperative Fitting Process

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Author Spotlight: An Accurate and Quantitative Approach to Study Visual Feature Selectivity of the Optokinetic Reflex in Mice 

Here, we describe a standard protocol for quantifying the optokinetic reflex. It combines virtual drum stimulation and video-oculography, and thus allows precise evaluation of the feature selectivity of the behavior and its adaptive plasticity.

Quantification of Visual Feature Selectivity of the Optokinetic Reflex in Mice

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In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice

Transgenic mice have been extremely useful in ascribing physiological function to genes. As such, research in general, and functional studies of airway, in particular, have undergone a remarkable shift toward murine models. Here we provide protocols for in vitro trachea constriction studies to evaluate smooth muscle function in murine...

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isokinetic robotic device to improve test-retest and inter-rater reliability for stretch reflex measurements in stroke patients with spasticity

Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity

Using a robotic isokinetic device with electromyography (EMG) measurements, this protocol illustrates that isokinetic motion itself can improve inter-rater reliability for the angle of catch measurements in stroke patients with mild elbow flexor...

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Neurodevelopmental Reflex Testing in Neonatal Rat Pups

Behavioral testing is the gold standard for determining outcomes following brain injury, and can identify the presence of developmental disabilities in infants and children. Neurodevelopmental reflexes are an early indicator of these abnormalities. A host of easily accomplished developmental reflex tests in the neonatal rodent were developed and described here.

intravital video microscopy measurements of retinal blood flow in mice

Intravital Video Microscopy Measurements of Retinal Blood Flow in Mice

Intravital microscopy can be used in animals to visualize and measure retinal vascular diameters, bloodstream velocities, and total retinal blood...

contractility measurements on isolated papillary muscles for the investigation of cardiac inotropy in mice

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Murine left ventricular papillary muscle can be used to investigate cardiac contractility in vitro. This article describes in detail the isolation and experimental protocols to study cardiac contractile...

right ventricular systolic pressure measurements in combination with harvest of lung and immune tissue samples in mice

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A specific and rapid protocol to simultaneously investigate right heart function, lung inflammation, and the immune response is described as a learning tool.  Video and figures describe physiology and microdissection techniques in an organized team-approach that is adaptable to be used for small to large sized...

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A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice

Repeated measurements of rodent respiratory physiology and sampling of airway inflammatory cells are desirable, but generally not feasible.  Here we describe a repeatable method for orally intubating mice that permits repeated measurements of airway hyperreactivity and sampling of airway inflammatory...

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Non-Terminal Blood Sampling Techniques in Guinea Pigs

Though a known model, the guinea pig currently represents a niche in experimental animal sciences and limited data is available on the execution of most procedures. Here we present four different approaches to non-terminal in vivo blood sampling techniques in either conscious or anaesthetized guinea pigs.

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Author Spotlight: A Streamlined and Accessible Analysis Method to Quantify Optokinetic Reflex Tracking Responses

We describe here PyOKR, a semi-automated quantitative analysis method that directly measures eye movements resulting from visual responses to two-dimensional image motion. A Python-based user interface and analysis algorithm allows for higher throughput and more accurate quantitative measurements of eye-tracking parameters than previous methods.

PyOKR: A Semi-Automated Method for Quantifying Optokinetic Reflex Tracking Ability

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Evaluating Optokinetic Reflex Responses in Mice: A New High-Precision Protocol

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In this article, a detailed protocol for quantifying telomere length using a modified terminal restriction fragment analysis is discussed that provides fast and efficient direct measurement of telomere length. This technique can be applied to a variety of cell sources of DNA for quantifying telomere...

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Python-Based Tool for Quantitative Optokinetic Reflex Assessment in Animals

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Preparation and Culture of Rat Lens Epithelial Explants for Studying Terminal Differentiation

The anterior surface of the ocular lens is covered by a monolayer of epithelial cells, which proliferate in an annular zone underlying the ciliary body.  Following division, these cells migrate posteriorly, where FGF diffusing from the retina induces them to differentiate into a posterior array of elongated lens fiber cells, which compose the bulk of the lens.  Differentiation of lens epithelial cells into lens fibers can be induced in vitro by culturing explants of the central region of the anterior epithelium in the presence of FGF-2.  Explants are prepared from lenses of neonatal rats by removing the lens from the eye and grasping the lens capsule on the posterior side with dissecting tweezers.  The posterior capsule is then gently torn open and pressed down into the plastic bottom of a tissue culture dish. The peripheral regions of the explant are removed with a scalpel and the central area is then cultured in the presence of 100ng/ml FGF-2 for as long as 2-3 weeks, depending on the parameters to be studied.  Since epithelial cells in cultured explants differentiate in approximate synchrony over a period of days to weeks, the time course of signaling and gene expression can be determined using molecular, biochemical, and pharmacological techniques.  Immunofluorescence microscopy is a powerful adjunct to these methods as it demonstrates the subcellular localization of proteins of interest and can reveal the physiological consequences of experimental manipulations of signaling pathways.

Explants of the central region of rat lens epithelia differentiate synchronously when cultured in the presence of FGF-2. Immunofluorescence microscopy of such cultures can provides novel information about gene expression and signaling events associated with terminal differentiation.

The anterior surface of the ocular lens is covered by a monolayer of epithelial cells, which proliferate in an annular zone underlying the ciliary body.  ...

Airway hyperreactivity (AHR) measurements and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid sampling are essential to experimental asthma models, but repeated procedures to obtain such measurements in the same animal are generally not feasible.  Here, we demonstrate protocols for obtaining from mice repeated measurements of AHR and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples.  Mice were challenged intranasally seven times over 14 days with a potent allergen or sham treated.  Prior to the initial challenge, and within 24 hours following each intranasal challenge, the same animals were anesthetized, orally intubated and mechanically ventilated.  AHR, assessed by comparing dose response curves of respiratory system resistance (RRS) induced by increasing intravenous doses of acetylcholine (Ach) chloride between sham and allergen-challenged animals, were determined.  Afterwards, and via the same intubation, the left lung was lavaged so that differential enumeration of airway cells could be performed.  These studies reveal that repeated measurements of AHR and BAL fluid collection are possible from the same animals and that maximal airway hyperresponsiveness and airway eosinophilia are achieved within 7-10 days of initiating allergen challenge.  This novel technique significantly reduces the number of mice required for longitudinal experimentation and is applicable to diverse rodent species, disease models and airway physiology instruments.  

Repeated measurements of rodent respiratory physiology and sampling of airway inflammatory cells are desirable, but generally not feasible. Here we describe a repeatable method for orally intubating mice that permits repeated measurements of airway hyperreactivity and sampling of airway inflammatory cells.

Airway hyperreactivity (AHR) measurements and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid sampling are essential to experimental asthma models, but repeated ...

Examination of Drosophila Larval Tracheal Terminal Cells by Light Microscopy

Cell shape is critical for cell function. However, despite the importance of cell morphology, little is known about how individual cells generate specific shapes. Drosophila tracheal terminal cells have become a powerful genetic model to identify and elucidate the roles of genes required for generating cellular morphologies. Terminal cells are a component of a branched tubular network, the tracheal system that functions to supply oxygen to internal tissues. Terminal cells are an excellent model for investigating questions of cell shape as they possess two distinct cellular architectures. First, terminal cells have an elaborate branched morphology, similar to complex neurons; second, terminal cell branches are formed as thin tubes and contain a membrane-bound intracellular lumen. Quantitative analysis of terminal cell branch number, branch organization and individual branch shape, can be used to provide information about the role of specific genetic mechanisms in the making of a branched cell. Analysis of tube formation in these cells can reveal conserved mechanisms of tubulogenesis common to other tubular networks, such as the vertebrate vasculature. Here we describe techniques that can be used to rapidly fix, image, and analyze both branching patterns and tube formation in terminal cells within Drosophila larvae. These techniques can be used to analyze terminal cells in wild-type and mutant animals, or genetic mosaics. Because of the high efficiency of this protocol, it is also well suited for genetic, RNAi-based, or drug screens in the Drosophila tracheal system.

Examination of Drosophila Larval Tracheal Terminal Cells by Light Microscopy

Here, we present a method for light microscopy analysis of tracheal terminal cells in Drosophila larvae. This method allows for quick examination of branch and lumen morphology in whole animals and would be useful for analysis of individual mutants or screens for mutations affecting terminal cell development.

Cell shape is critical for cell function. However, despite the importance of cell morphology, little is known about how individual cells generate specific ...

Cytosolic Calcium Measurements in Renal Epithelial Cells by Flow Cytometry

A variety of cellular processes, both physiological and pathophysiological, require or are governed by calcium, including exocytosis, mitochondrial function, cell death, cell metabolism and cell migration to name but a few. Cytosolic calcium is normally maintained at low nanomolar concentrations; rather it is found in high micromolar to millimolar concentrations in the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial matrix and the extracellular compartment. Upon stimulation, a transient increase in cytosolic calcium serves to signal downstream events. Detecting changes in cytosolic calcium is normally performed using a live cell imaging set up with calcium binding dyes that exhibit either an increase in fluorescence intensity or a shift in the emission wavelength upon calcium binding. However, a live cell imaging set up is not freely accessible to all researchers. Alternative detection methods have been optimized for immunological cells with flow cytometry and for non-immunological adherent cells with a fluorescence microplate reader. Here, we describe an optimized, simple method for detecting changes in epithelial cells with flow cytometry using a single wavelength calcium binding dye. Adherent renal proximal tubule epithelial cells, which are normally difficult to load with dyes, were loaded with a fluorescent cell permeable calcium binding dye in the presence of probenecid, brought into suspension and calcium signals were monitored before and after addition of thapsigargin, tunicamycin and ionomycin.

Calcium is involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological signaling pathways. Live cell imaging requires specialized equipment and can be time consuming. A quick, simple method using a flow cytometer to determine relative changes in cytosolic calcium in adherent epithelial cells brought into suspension was optimized.

A variety of cellular processes, both physiological and pathophysiological, require or are governed by calcium, including exocytosis, mitochondrial ...

Guinea pigs possess several biological similarities to humans and are validated experimental animal models1-3. However, the use of guinea pigs currently represents a relatively narrow area of research and descriptive data on specific methodology is correspondingly scarce. The anatomical features of guinea pigs are slightly different from other rodent models, hence modulation of sampling techniques to accommodate for species-specific differences, e.g., compared to mice and rats, are necessary to obtain sufficient and high quality samples. As both long and short term in vivo studies often require repeated blood sampling the choice of technique should be well considered in order to reduce stress and discomfort in the animals but also to ensure survival as well as compliance with requirements of sample size and accessibility. Venous blood samples can be obtained at a number of sites in guinea pigs e.g., the saphenous and jugular veins, each technique containing both advantages and disadvantages4,5. Here, we present four different blood sampling techniques for either conscious or anaesthetized guinea pigs. The procedures are all non-terminal procedures provided that sample volumes and number of samples do not exceed guidelines for blood collection in laboratory animals6. All the described methods have been thoroughly tested and applied for repeated in vivo blood sampling in studies within our research facility.

Though a known model, the guinea pig currently represents a niche in experimental animal sciences and limited data is available on the execution of most procedures. Here we present four different approaches to non-terminal in vivo blood sampling techniques in either conscious or anaesthetized guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs possess several biological similarities to humans and are validated experimental animal models1-3. However, the use of guinea pigs currently ...

Functional Reconstitution and Channel Activity Measurements of Purified Wildtype and Mutant CFTR Protein

The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) is a unique channel-forming member of the ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) superfamily of transporters. The phosphorylation and nucleotide dependent chloride channel activity of CFTR has been frequently studied in whole cell systems and as single channels in excised membrane patches. Many Cystic Fibrosis-causing mutations have been shown to alter this activity. While a small number of purification protocols have been published, a fast reconstitution method that retains channel activity and a suitable method for studying population channel activity in a purified system have been lacking. Here rapid methods are described for purification and functional reconstitution of the full-length CFTR protein into proteoliposomes of defined lipid composition that retains activity as a regulated halide channel. This reconstitution method together with a novel flux-based assay of channel activity is a suitable system for studying the population channel properties of wild type CFTR and the disease-causing mutants F508del- and G551D-CFTR. Specifically, the method has utility in studying the direct effects of phosphorylation, nucleotides and small molecules such as potentiators and inhibitors on CFTR channel activity. The methods are also amenable to the study of other membrane channels/transporters for anionic substrates.

Described here is a rapid and effective procedure for functional reconstitution of purified wild-type and mutant CFTR protein that preserves activity for this chloride channel, which is defective in Cystic Fibrosis. Iodide efflux from reconstituted proteoliposomes mediated by CFTR allows studies of channel activity and the effects of small molecules.

The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) is a unique channel-forming member of the ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) superfamily of ...

Papillary muscle isolated from adult mouse hearts can be used to study cardiac contractility during different physiological/pathological conditions. The contractile characteristics can be evaluated independently of external influences such as vascular tonus or neurohumoral status. It depicts a scientific approach between single cell measurements with isolated cardiac myocytes and in vivo studies like echocardiography. Thus, papillary muscle preparations serve as an excellent model to study cardiac physiology/pathophysiology and can be used for investigations like the modulation by pharmacological agents or the exploration of transgenic animal models. Here, we describe a method of isolating the murine left anterior papillary muscle to investigate cardiac contractility in an organ bath setup. In contrast to a muscle strip preparation isolated from the ventricular wall, the papillary muscle can be prepared in toto without damaging the muscle tissue severely. The organ bath setup consists of several temperature-controlled, gassed and electrode-equipped organ bath chambers. The isolated papillary muscle is fixed in the organ bath chamber and electrically stimulated. The evoked twitch force is recorded using a pressure transducer and parameters such as twitch force amplitude and twitch kinetics are analyzed. Different experimental protocols can be performed to investigate the calcium- and frequency-dependent contractility as well as dose-response curves of contractile agents such as catecholamines or other pharmaceuticals. Additionally, pathologic conditions like acute ischemia can be simulated.

Murine left ventricular papillary muscle can be used to investigate cardiac contractility in vitro. This article describes in detail the isolation and experimental protocols to study cardiac contractile characteristics.

Papillary muscle isolated from adult mouse hearts can be used to study cardiac contractility during different physiological/pathological conditions. The ...

Lower urinary tract function is mainly assessed by means of cystometric bladder function analysis in rodents. Conventional cystometries are usually performed as terminal analysis under urethane anesthesia. It is well known that anesthetic drugs can influence bladder function. Hence, the aim of this technique is to perform cystometric measurements of the urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter in lightly restrained awake rats. For this purpose, a bladder catheter is implanted into the bladder dome. Subsequently, two electrodes are implanted bilateral to the external urethral sphincter and a ground electrode is sutured to a non-responsive skeletal muscle. The bladder catheter and the three electrodes are finally tunneled subcutaneously to the neck region and affixed to a harness. With this technique, the lower urinary tract can be measured at multiple time points in the same animal to assess lower urinary tract function. The main application of this technique is the follow-up of simultaneous urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter function in awake healthy rats and after induction of a disease or injury. Moreover, subsequent lower urinary tract monitoring can be performed during evaluation of the disease/injury and to monitor treatment efficacy.

This protocol first describes the surgical procedure of the permanent implantation of a urinary bladder catheter combined with external urethral sphincter electrodes, and second, the measurement of the function of the urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter in implanted awake animals.

Lower urinary tract function is mainly assessed by means of cystometric bladder function analysis in rodents. Conventional cystometries are usually ...

Measurements of Physiological Stress Responses in C. Elegans

Organisms are often exposed to fluctuating environments and changes in intracellular homeostasis, which can have detrimental effects on their proteome and physiology. Thus, organisms have evolved targeted and specific stress responses dedicated to repair damage and maintain homeostasis. These mechanisms include the unfolded protein response of the endoplasmic reticulum (UPRER), the unfolded protein response of the mitochondria (UPRMT), the heat shock response (HSR), and the oxidative stress response (OxSR). The protocols presented here describe methods to detect and characterize the activation of these pathways and their physiological consequences in the nematode, C. elegans. First, the use of pathway-specific fluorescent transcriptional reporters is described for rapid cellular characterization, drug screening, or large-scale genetic screening (e.g., RNAi or mutant libraries). In addition, complementary, robust physiological assays are described, which can be used to directly assess sensitivity of animals to specific stressors, serving as functional validation of the transcriptional reporters. Together, these methods allow for rapid characterization of the cellular and physiological effects of internal and external proteotoxic perturbations.

Measurements of Physiological Stress Responses in C. Elegans

Here, we characterize cellular proteotoxic stress responses in the nematode C. elegans by measuring the activation of fluorescent transcriptional reporters and assaying sensitivity to physiological stress.

Organisms are often exposed to fluctuating environments and changes in intracellular homeostasis, which can have detrimental effects on their proteome and ...

FLIM-FRET Measurements of Protein-Protein Interactions in Live Bacteria.

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) control various key processes in cells. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) combined with F&#246;rster resonance energy transfer (FRET) provide accurate information about PPIs in live cells. FLIM-FRET relies on measuring the fluorescence lifetime decay of a FRET donor at each pixel of the FLIM image, providing quantitative and accurate information about PPIs and their spatial cellular organizations. We propose here a detailed protocol for FLIM-FRET measurements that we applied to monitor PPIs in live Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the particular case of two interacting proteins expressed with highly different copy numbers to demonstrate the quality and robustness of the technique at revealing critical features of PPIs. This protocol describes in detail all the necessary steps for PPI characterization - starting from bacterial mutant constructions up to the final analysis using recently developed tools providing advanced visualization possibilities for a straightforward interpretation of complex FLIM-FRET data.

We describe here a protocol to characterize protein-protein interactions between two highly-differently expressed proteins in live Pseudomonas aeruginosa using FLIM-FRET measurements. The protocol includes bacteria strain constructions, bacteria immobilization, imaging and post-imaging data analysis routines.

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) control various key processes in cells. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) combined with F&#246;rster ...