Thanks to Rosanna Calderon, Dominic Shayler, and Rosa Sierra for technical advice. This study was supported in part by an unrestricted grant to the Department of Ophthalmology at the USC Keck School of Medicine from Research to Prevent Blindness (AN), NIH K08EY030924 (AN), the Las Madrinas Endowment in Experimental Therapeutics for Ophthalmology (AN), a Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award (AN), Knights Templar Eye Foundation Endowment (AN), and the Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation (AN, KG).

All procedures were carried out in compliance with and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of the University of Southern California. Fourteen (n = 14) Dutch-belted rabbits between 4 and 6 months of age were used in the development of this protocol. Both male and female animals were used. All animals weighed between 2.0&#160;and 2.5 kg. All animals were singly housed. A list of recommended materials and equipment can be found in the Table of Materials.
<p class="jove_ti...

Rabbit Eye Dissection and Cryosectioning for Immunohistochemistry Studies

<ol>
	<li>Peiffer, R. L., Pohm-Thorsen, L., Corcoran, K., Manning, P. J., Ringler, D. H., Newcomer, C. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chapter+19-Models+in+ophthalmology+and+vision+research.">Chapter 19-Models in ophthalmology and vision research.</a> American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, The Biology of the Laboratory Rabbit. , 409-433 (1994).</li><li>Davis, F. 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+anatomy+and+histology+of+the+eye+and+orbit+of+the+rabbit.">The anatomy and histology of the eye and orbit of the rabbit.</a> Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 27, 400.2-441 (1929).</li><li>Zernii, E. Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Rabbit+models+of+ocular+diseases:+New+relevance+for+classical+approaches.">Rabbit models of ocular diseases: New relevance for classical approaches.</a> CNS &amp; Neurological Disorders Drug Targets. 15 (3), 267-291 (2016).</li><li>Coons, 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=Labelled+antigens+and+antibodies.">Labelled antigens and antibodies.</a> Annu Rev Microbiol. 8, 333-352 (1954).</li><li>Coons, 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=Fluorescent+antibodies+as+histochemical+tools.">Fluorescent antibodies as histochemical tools.</a> Fed Proc. 10 (2), 558-559 (1951).</li><li>Coons, A. H., Kaplan, M. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Localization+of+antigen+in+tissue+cells;+improvements+in+a+method+for+the+detection+of+antigen+by+means+of+fluorescent+antibody.">Localization of antigen in tissue cells; improvements in a method for the detection of antigen by means of fluorescent antibody.</a> J Exp Med. 91 (1), 1-13 (1950).</li><li>Pang, 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=Step-by-step+preparation+of+mouse+eye+sections+for+routine+histology,+immunofluorescence,+and+RNA+in+situ+hybridization+multiplexing.">Step-by-step preparation of mouse eye sections for routine histology, immunofluorescence, and RNA in situ hybridization multiplexing.</a> STAR Protoc. 2 (4), 100879 (2021).</li><li>Sorden, S. D., 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=Spontaneous+background+and+procedure-related+microscopic+findings+and+common+artifacts+in+ocular+tissues+of+laboratory+animals+in+ocular+studies.">Spontaneous background and procedure-related microscopic findings and common artifacts in ocular tissues of laboratory animals in ocular studies.</a> Toxicol Pathol. 49 (3), 569-580 (2021).</li><li>Margo, C. E., Lee, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fixation+of+whole+eyes:+the+role+of+fixative+osmolarity+in+the+production+of+tissue+artifact.">Fixation of whole eyes: the role of fixative osmolarity in the production of tissue artifact.</a> Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 233 (6), 366-370 (1995).</li><li>Chatterjee, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Artefacts+in+histopathology.">Artefacts in histopathology.</a> J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 18 (Suppl 1), S111-S116 (2014).</li><li>Mitchell, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Enucleation+in+companion+animals.">Enucleation in companion animals.</a> Ir Vet J. 61 (2), 108-114 (2008).</li><li>Kastan, N. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+an+improved+inhibitor+of+Lats+kinases+to+promote+regeneration+of+mammalian+organs.">Development of an improved inhibitor of Lats kinases to promote regeneration of mammalian organs.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 119 (28), e2206113119 (2022).</li><li>Baiza-Dur&#225;n, 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=Safety+and+tolerability+evaluation+after+repeated+intravitreal+injections+of+a+humanized+anti-VEGF-A+monoclonal+antibody+(PRO-169)+versus+ranibizumab+in+New+Zealand+white+rabbits.">Safety and tolerability evaluation after repeated intravitreal injections of a humanized anti-VEGF-A monoclonal antibody (PRO-169) versus ranibizumab in New Zealand white rabbits.</a> Int J Retina Vitreous. 6, 32 (2020).</li><li>Yu, D. Y., Cringle, S. J., Su, E., Yu, P. K., Humayun, M. S., Dorin, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Laser-induced+changes+in+intraretinal+oxygen+distribution+in+pigmented+rabbits.">Laser-induced changes in intraretinal oxygen distribution in pigmented rabbits.</a> Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 46 (3), 988-999 (2005).</li><li>Faude, 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=Facilitation+of+artificial+retinal+detachment+for+macular+translocation+surgery+tested+in+rabbit.">Facilitation of artificial retinal detachment for macular translocation surgery tested in rabbit.</a> Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 42 (6), 1328-1337 (2001).</li></ol>

Prior to implementing the above protocol, we consistently faced difficulties with the tissue processing of rabbit eyes for IHC. We had adapted several protocols from the eyes of smaller animals such as mice but found these to lead to inadequate fixation and difficulty with tissue sectioning. There are several important considerations that allow for consistent, high-quality sections of the rabbit retina.
One consideration is the large size of the rabbit globe in comparison to other commonly use...

The retina is composed of several layers of specialized cells within the eye that together work to convert light into neural signals. Because the retina plays a critical role in vision, understanding its structure and function can provide valuable insights into some of the most common causes of vision loss such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, among others.
Rabbits serve as a convenient animal model in retinal research as they offer several advantages compared to other models. Rabbit eyes are relatively similar in anatomy to human eyes1,2. For example, rabbits have an area of increased photoreceptor density, known as the horizontal visual streak, that is analogous to the fovea in humans. Other commonly used animal models, such as rodents, do not have an anatomic equivalent. In addition, compared to rodents, the retinal vasculature in rabbits is fairly similar to that in humans. Rabbit eyes are relatively large as well. This makes them particularly suitable for studies that involve drug administration or surgical intervention within the vitreous or retina that may otherwise be difficult or impossible in a smaller eye3.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a widely used technique to study the localization of antigens within a tissue and has broad applications in retinal research4,5,6. Because the retina is a delicate structure, obtaining useful results via IHC requires careful tissue processing. Retinal detachment and other tissue artifacts such as retinal breaks or folds commonly occur during processing and may interfere with the interpretation of results. Successful processing depends on a variety of factors, including tissue manipulation, type and duration of fixation, type of embedding media, and sectioning techniques7,8,9,10. Despite the advantages of using rabbits as an animal model in retinal research, very few protocols describing successful tissue processing of the rabbit retina exist. This paper describes a reliable method for obtaining high-quality retinal sections from whole rabbit eyes for use in IHC.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>100 mm culture dish</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>353025</td>
			<td>Used for dissection (steps 1.3, 3, and 5)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>50 mL tube</td>
			<td>Genesee Scientific</td>
			<td>28-106</td>
			<td>For fixation and cryoprotection (step 1)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cryostat</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>CM1850</td>
			<td>For cryosectioning (step 7)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Curved scissors</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>91500-09</td>
			<td>Used for dissection (steps 1.3, 3, and 5)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DAPI</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>D3571</td>
			<td>Diluted 1:1,000 in blocking buffer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dissection microscope</td>
			<td>Zeiss</td>
			<td>Stemi 2000-C</td>
			<td>Used for dissection (steps 1.3, 3, and 5)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Donkey anti-Goat 488</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A-11055</td>
			<td>Diluted 1:1,000 in blocking buffer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Donkey anti-Mouse 555</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A-31570</td>
			<td>Diluted 1:1,000 in blocking buffer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Forceps</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>91150-20</td>
			<td>Used for dissection (steps 1.3, 3, and 5)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass Slide Cover</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>48404-453</td>
			<td>For cryosectioning (step 7)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Goat anti-SOX2</td>
			<td>R&#38;D Systems</td>
			<td>AF2018</td>
			<td>Diluted 1:100 in blocking buffer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>High-profile disposable cryostat blades</td>
			<td>Leica Microsystems Inc.</td>
			<td>14035838926</td>
			<td>For cryosectioning (step 7)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kimwipe</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>06-666-A</td>
			<td>Used to wipe away excess PBS or OCT (steps 3 and 6)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mouse anti-RPE65</td>
			<td>Novus Bio</td>
			<td>NB100-355SS</td>
			<td>Diluted 1:100 in blocking buffer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>OmniPur Sucrose</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td>167117</td>
			<td>Used for cryoprotectant (step 1.2)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraformaldehyde 20% solution</td>
			<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
			<td>15713</td>
			<td>Used as tissue fixative (diluted to 4% in step 1.1)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Peel-A-Away Disposable Embedding Mold (22x22x20 mm Deep)</td>
			<td>Polysciences, Inc.</td>
			<td>18646A</td>
			<td>Used as embedding mold (step 6)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate buffered saline, 1x</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>21-030-CV</td>
			<td>Used in preparation of fixative (step 1.1) and cryoprotectant (step 1.2)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scalpel blade no. 15</td>
			<td>Feather</td>
			<td>08-916-5D</td>
			<td>Used for dissection (steps 1.3, 3, and 5)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Superfrost Plus Microscope Slides</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>12-550-15</td>
			<td>For cryosectioning (step 7)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tissue-Tek O.C.T. Compound</td>
			<td>Sakura</td>
			<td>4583</td>
			<td>Used as embedding media (step 6)</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

obtaining high-quality cryosections of whole rabbit eye 

This protocol describes how to obtain high-quality retinal cryosections in larger animals, such as rabbits. After enucleation, the eye is briefly immersed in the fixative. Then, the cornea and iris are removed and the eye is left overnight for additional fixation at 4 &#176;C. Following fixation, the lens is removed. The eye is then placed in a cryomold and filled with an embedding medium. By removing the lens, the embedding medium has better access to the vitreous and leads to better retinal stability. Importantly, the eye should be incubated in embedding medium overnight to allow complete infiltration throughout the vitreous. Following overnight incubation, the eye is frozen on dry ice and sectioned. Whole retinal sections may be obtained for use in immunohistochemistry. Standard staining protocols may be utilized to study the localization of antigens within the retinal tissue. Adherence to this protocol results in high-quality retinal cryosections that may be used in any experiment utilizing immunohistochemistry.

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Retinal Tissue Processing for Immunohistochemistry in Rabbit Models

Obtaining High-Quality Cryosections of Whole Rabbit Eye 

Our research focuses on novel approaches to regenerating the retinal pigment epithelium. Dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium is thought to play a central role in the pathophysiology of many eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, so regenerating this layer of cells is attractive from a therapeutic standpoint. Visualizing the structural anatomy of the retina via immunohistochemistry has wide applications in retinal research.In our laboratory, we found obtaining useful results from rabbit eyes, difficult due to tissue artifacts like retinal attachments and retinal folds. Despite these challenges, there are very few protocols existing that describe successful tissue processing of rabbit retina. This protocol makes several important modifications to standard tissue processing techniques that result in excellent tissue sections of the rabbit retina.This study may allow researchers to obtain better results from their research that involves the use of immunohistochemistry in rabbit models.

After tissue processing, a standard immunofluorescence protocol may be utilized to investigate any number of biological processes within the retina. Figure 3A-C illustrate representative fluorescence images of a retinal section obtained via confocal microscopy. The retinal section was immunostained according to a previously described protocol12.
The representative retinal sections shown in <strong class="xf...

Read this Scientific Article Protocol about Author Spotlight: Optimizing Retinal Tissue Processing for Immunohistochemistry in Rabbit Models at JoVE.com

This protocol describes a reliable method for obtaining high-quality cryosections of whole rabbit eyes. It details rabbit eye dissection, fixation, embedding, and sectioning procedures, which may be easily adapted for use in any study utilizing immunohistochemistry in larger eyes.

This protocol describes how to obtain high-quality retinal cryosections in larger animals, such as rabbits. After enucleation, the eye is briefly immersed ...

obtaining-high-quality-cryosections-of-whole-rabbit-eye

Research

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877 ビュー.  University of Southern California. 私たちの研究は、網膜色素上皮を再生するための新しいアプローチに焦点を当てています。網膜色素上皮の機能不全は、黄斑変性症などの多くの眼疾患の病態生理学において中心的な役割を果たしていると考えられており、この細胞層を再生することは治療の観点から魅力的です。免疫組織化学による網膜の構造解剖学的構造の可視化は、網膜研究に広く応用されてい?...

ビデオ: 著者スポットライト:ウサギモデルにおける免疫組織化学のための網膜組織処理の最適化

This protocol describes a reliable method for obtaining high-quality cryosections of whole rabbit eyes. It details rabbit eye dissection, fixation, embedding, and sectioning procedures, which may be easily adapted for use in any study utilizing immunohistochemistry in larger eyes.

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whole-mount immunostaining and automatic counting of mouse retinal ganglion cells

Author Spotlight: Efficient Retinal Ganglion Cell Counting in Mouse Models of Glaucoma for Treatment Evaluation

This protocol describes the procedure for isolating the whole-mount mouse retina and performing immunostaining to label all retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The process is followed by imaging and automatically counting RGCs using AI-based software, providing a simple, fast, and accurate method for quantifying RGCs in the entire mouse...

Immunostaining and AI-Based Counting of RGCs in Mouse Whole-Mount Retina

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multiplex immunohistochemistry staining for paraffin-embedded lung cancer tissue

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Multicolor Fluorescence Localization in Lung Carcinoma Sample

This experimental protocol describes and optimizes a multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining method, mainly by optimizing single-channel antibody incubation conditions and adjusting the settings of antibodies and channels to solve the problems of autofluorescence and channel crosstalk in lung cancer tissues of clinical...

Deciphering Tumor Microenvironment Using mIHC in Lung Squamous Carcinoma

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preparation of mouse retinal cryo-sections for immunohistochemistry

Preparation of Mouse Retinal Cryo-sections for Immunohistochemistry

This report describes comprehensive methods for preparing frozen mouse retina sections for immunohistochemistry (IHC).  Methods described include dissection of the ocular posterior cup, paraformaldehyde fixation, embedding in Optimal Cutting Temperature (OCT) media and tissue orientation, sectioning and...

optimized protocol for retinal wholemount preparation for imaging and immunohistochemistry

Optimized Protocol for Retinal Wholemount Preparation for Imaging and Immunohistochemistry

The protocol described here is for structural assessment of a wholemount retinal preparation. This includes descriptions of tissue dissection, mounting onto a hydrophilized polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane insert, bolus loading with fluorescent markers, and a comparison of fixation with carbodiimide and paraformaldehyde for immunohistochemical analysis of cellular and synaptic...

investigating retinal circuits and molecular localization by pre&#45;embedding immunoelectron microscopy

Author Spotlight: Understanding the Ultrastructural Basis of Retinal Synaptic Connectivity and Neurotransmitter Localization in Mice 

This protocol outlines the detailed steps of pre-embedding immunoelectron microscopy, with a focus on exploring synaptic circuits and protein localization in the...

Synaptic Circuits Analysis and Protein Localization in the Mouse Retina

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multiplex cyclic fluorescent immunohistochemistry

Author Spotlight: Efficient Detection of Immune Cell-Infiltration in Cancer Tissues Using Fluorescent Immunohistochemistry

Multiplex cyclic immunohistochemistry allows in situ detection of multiple markers simultaneously using repeated antigen-antibody incubation, image scanning, and image alignment and integration. Here, we present the operating protocol for identifying immune cell substrates with this technology in lung cancer and paired brain metastasis...

In Situ Immunohistochemical Detection of Immune Cell Markers in Cancer Tissues

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dissection, histological processing, and gene expression analysis of murine supraclavicular brown adipose tissue

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Supraclavicular Brown Adipose Tissue Extraction for Genetic Analysis

Here, we provide a practical procedure for dissecting and performing histological and gene expression analyses of murine supraclavicular brown adipose...

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of the scBAT in Mice

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optimizing multiplex immunohistochemistry (mihc) staining for lung cancer tissue samples to address autofluorescence issues

Optimizing Multiplex Immunohistochemistry (mIHC) Staining for Lung Cancer Tissue Samples to Address Autofluorescence Issues

postoperative ileus murine model

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Mouse Models for Investigating Postoperative Ileus

We describe a murine model of postoperative ileus generated via intestinal manipulation. Gastrointestinal transit function, pathologic changes, and immune cell activation were assessed 24 h after...

Murine Model for Studying Postoperative Ileus through Intestinal Manipulation

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isolation of primary porcine retinal pigment epithelial cells for in vitro modeling

Author Spotlight: Modeling Retinal Pathologies with Enhanced RPE Cell-Based Disease Models

This protocol outlines the procedure for obtaining and culturing primary retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from locally sourced porcine eyes. These cells serve as a high-quality alternative to stem cells and are suitable for in vitro retinal...

A Cost-Effective Method for Isolating Primary RPE Cells from Porcine Eyes

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3d visualization of retinal vascular pericytes in mice by immunostaining 

Author Spotlight: Advanced Imaging Techniques for Studying Retinal Pericyte Morphology and Spatial Distribution

The pericytes in retinal vasculature were examined by immunofluorescent staining with platelet-derived growth factor receptor &#946; after retro-orbital injection of fluorescent tomato lectin. The labeled retina was further treated with the tissue-clearing method and whole mounted for visualizing the three-dimensional views of pericytes surrounding retinal vasculature under a confocal...

Retinal Pericytes Visualization Using Tissue-Clearing and Fluorescent Labeling

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Multiplex Immunohistochemistry Staining for Paraffin-embedded Lung Cancer Tissue

serial two-photon tomography of the whole marmoset brain for neuroanatomical analyses

Author Spotlight: Mapping Primate Brain Connectivity 

Serial two-photon tomography (STPT) imaging is a technique to image a mass of tissue in its three-dimensional shape by combining two-photon imaging with automatic stage control and microtome slicing. Here we describe a protocol for implementing it for marmoset brains to better understand their structural features.

Volumetric Imaging and Axonal Projection Mapping in the Marmoset Brain

generating retinal injury models in xenopus tadpoles

Author Spotlight: Exploring Retinal Regeneration Mechanisms in the Xenopus Frog 

We have developed several protocols to induce retinal damage or retinal degeneration in Xenopus laevis tadpoles. These models offer the possibility of studying retinal regeneration...

Generating Retinal Injury Models in Xenopus Tadpoles

quantification of immunostained caspase-9 in retinal tissue

Quantification of Immunostained Caspase-9 in Retinal Tissue

Presented here is a detailed immunohistochemistry protocol to identify, validate, and target functionally relevant caspases in complex...

a rat dry eye model with lacrimal gland dysfunction induced by scopolamine

Author Spotlight: Challenges in Developing Dry Eye Animal Models and Future Research Directions

Here, we establish a rat model of lacrimal gland dysfunction to provide a basis for the study of aqueous-deficient dry...

Scopolamine-Induced Lacrimal Gland Dysfunction in Rats

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techniques for processing eyes implanted with a retinal prosthesis for localized histopathological analysis

Techniques for Processing Eyes Implanted With a Retinal Prosthesis for Localized Histopathological Analysis

Techniques for visualizing retinal cytoarchitecture directly adjacent to individual electrodes within a retinal...

induction of retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in a mouse eye model

Author Spotlight: Targeting the Melanocortin Pathway to Mitigate Retinal Inflammation and Improve Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Models in the Eye

This protocol models retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in a mouse eye by inducing retinal ischemia via anterior chamber cannulation and intraocular pressure elevation, followed by intraocular pressure normalization to initiate the...

Mouse Model for Retinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury to Study Retinal Pathologies

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sampling strategies and processing of biobank tissue samples from porcine biomedical models

Sampling Strategies and Processing of Biobank Tissue Samples from Porcine Biomedical Models

The practical application and performance of methods for generation of representative tissue samples of porcine animal models for a broad spectrum of downstream analyses in biobank projects are demonstrated, including volumetry, systematic random sampling, and differential processing of tissue samples for qualitative and quantitative morphologic and molecular analyses...

Whole Rabbit Eye Dissection and Ocular Tissue Preparation for Histological Analysis

After transconjunctival enucleation of the rabbit eye, immediately place in 50 milliliters of 4%paraformaldehyde and PBS on ice. After 15 minutes, transfer the eye to a 100 millimeter dissection dish and fill the dish with PBS to prevent the eye from drying out. Under a dissection microscope, Using a surgical blade, start making an incision one millimeter anterior to the limbus, keeping it parallel to the iris plane.Insert curved scissors into the initial incision and continue cutting circumferentially, maintaining a one millimeter distance from the limbus. Then remove the cornea with forceps and gently wipe away PBS With a laboratory wipe. Place the cornea in 30%sucrose solution at room temperature for cryoprotection.Make an initial cut with curved scissors through the iris. Then cut circumferentially around the eye, similar to the cornea removal, to separate the iris from the rest of the tissue. Remove the iris with forceps and gently wipe away excess PBS with the laboratory wipe.Place the iris in 30%sucrose solution at room temperature for cryoprotection. After removing the cornea and iris, place the eye in 50 milliliters of 4%paraformaldehyde and put it on a shaker for gentle agitation. Leave the eye in 4%paraformaldehyde at four degrees Celsius overnight.The next day, place the eye in a dissection dish and fill the dish with PBS. Under the dissection microscope, use forceps to carefully grasp the anterior lens capsule. Then carefully insert the scissors into the posterior chamber, orienting the blades posteriorly along the lens.Make an initial cut through the lens zonules with curved scissors. Continue making small cuts in a circumferential pattern through the lens zonules. To confirm lens removal, gently grasp the anterior lens capsule with forceps and attempt to lift it.Upon separation, place the lens in 30%sucrose solution at room temperature for cryoprotection. Place the eye in 50 milliliters of 30%sucrose and PBS at four degrees Celsius for 24 to 48 hours for cryoprotection. To expedite cryoprotection, replace the initial sucrose solution with a fresh one after eight to 12 hours.

Ocular Tissue Embedding and Cryosectioning in Optimal Cutting Temperature Compound for Fluorescence Imaging 

After cryo protection of the rabbit eye is complete, transfer it from a 30%sucrose solution to a 100 millimeter dissection dish. Under a dissecting microscope, carefully flip the eye to remove excess sucrose solution from the inner part of the eye. Using a wipe, gently wipe away excess sucrose solution from the outer part of the eye, fill a disposable embedding mold with optimal cutting temperature or OCT compound to a depth of 0.5 to one centimeter.Place the eye in the embedding mold facing upward and slowly fill the inner part of the eye with OCT compound, avoiding bubble formation. Once the eye is emerged in the OCT compound, and does not touch the inner surfaces of the mold, wrap the embedding mold in paraffin and store it at four degrees Celsius overnight. The next day, place the embedding mold in a dissection dish.If possible, gently remove the OCT compound from the inside of the eye with a wipe. Transfer the eye to a new embedding mold filled with fresh OCT compound. Then fill the mold as previously done to ensure the final embedding medium is free of debris or imperfections.Label the mold for orientation purposes. Position the eye upward in the cryo mold, so the OCT compound lines the inner retina. Use the optic nerve head as a landmark for determining the superior part of the eye Place the labeled embedding mold on dry ice, ensuring that the eye is not touching the inner surfaces of the mold or exposed to air.Mount the block on the cryostat with the superior part of the eye facing up and the inferior part down. With the remaining cornea and iris facing to the right or left. Position a fresh blade parallel to the vertical axis of the eye to section it.After cutting the sections and drying overnight, place a slide in a freezer at 80 degrees Celsius. The fluorescence images of a whole retinal cryosection of rabbit eye demonstrated a uniform pigmented retinal pigment epithelium layer without significant detachment from the overlying photoreceptor layer. A bright-field image of the retinal section further demonstrates intact retinal morphology of all layers.