This work was supported by Grant 5-U24-DK059637-10 to the Vanderbilt Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center.

<ol>
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K., Pypaert, M., Lutz, E. P., Kako, Y., Velez-Carrasco, W., Goldberg, I. J., Breslow, J. L., Shulman, G. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tissue-specific+overexpression+of+lipoprotein+lipase+causes+tissue-specific+insulin+resistance.">Tissue-specific overexpression of lipoprotein lipase causes tissue-specific insulin resistance.</a> Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 98, 7522-7527 (2001).</li><li>Kim, J. K., Fillmore, J. J., Gavrilova, O., Chao, L., Higashimori, T., Choi, H., Kim, H. J., Yu, C., Chen, Y., Qu, X., Haluzik, M., Reitman, M. L., Shulman, G. 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Invest. 108, 153-160 (2001).</li><li>Haluzik, M., Gavrilova, O., LeRoith, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Peroxisome+proliferator-activated+receptor-alpha+deficiency+does+not+alter+insulin+sensitivity+in+mice+maintained+on+regular+or+high-fat+diet:+hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic+clamp+studies.">Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha deficiency does not alter insulin sensitivity in mice maintained on regular or high-fat diet: hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies.</a> Endocrinology. 145, 1662-1667 (2004).</li><li>Haluzik, M., Yakar, S., Gavrilova, O., Setser, J., Boisclair, Y., LeRoith, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Insulin+resistance+in+the+liver-specific+IGF-1+gene-deleted+mouse+is+abrogated+by+deletion+of+the+acid-labile+subunit+of+the+IGF-binding+protein-3+complex:+relative+roles+of+growth+hormone+and+IGF-1+in+insulin+resistance.">Insulin resistance in the liver-specific IGF-1 gene-deleted mouse is abrogated by deletion of the acid-labile subunit of the IGF-binding protein-3 complex: relative roles of growth hormone and IGF-1 in insulin resistance.</a> Diabetes. 52, 2483-2489 (2003).</li><li>Haluzik, M. 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S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Individual+mice+can+be+distinguished+by+the+period+of+their+islet+calcium+oscillations:+is+there+an+intrinsic+islet+period+that+is+imprinted+in+vivo.">Individual mice can be distinguished by the period of their islet calcium oscillations: is there an intrinsic islet period that is imprinted in vivo.</a> Diabetes. 54, 3517-3522 (2005).</li><li>Halter, J. B., Beard, J. C., Jr, P. o. r. t. e., D, . <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Islet+function+and+stress+hyperglycemia:+plasma+glucose+and+epinephrine+interaction.">Islet function and stress hyperglycemia: plasma glucose and epinephrine interaction.</a> Am. J. Physiol. 247, 47-52 (1984).</li><li>Jacobson, L., Ansari, T., McGuinness, O. 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No conflicts of interest declared.

The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, or insulin clamp, is widely considered the "gold standard" method for assessing insulin action in vivo. This technique has been applied to several species including humans, dogs, rats and mice. Given the growing number of transgenic mouse models for metabolic disorders, the miniaturization of the technique for use in the mouse has provided significant advances to metabolic research.
While the concepts behind the insulin clamp are straightforward, in practice there are different approaches for performing insulin clamp experiments. This is not a trivial point, since the manner in which the experiment is performed affects results obtained1. Here we present the protocol used by the Vanderbilt MMPC. The key distinction between our protocol and that of others is that we use an arterial catheter for obtaining blood samples. This is in contrast to the more widely used approach of obtaining blood samples by severing the tip of the tail4, 7, 11, 12, 14-17. The advantage of sampling from an arterial catheter is that the experiment is conducted in a conscious and unrestrained mouse. Sampling from the tail often requires restraint and increases indices of stress when large blood samples are acquired1. Stress hormones stimulate endogenous glucose production and impair glucose disposal18, 19, potentially giving the appearance of an insulin resistant phenotype. Sampling from the severed tail may require special Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval because of its stressful nature. The arterial catheterization procedure was developed to avoid the stress to the mouse of severing the tail.
A key aspect of performing insulin clamps is the ability to maintain euglycemia. There are no algorithms that can correctly predict how the GIR should be adjusted based on blood glucose readings. Like the surgery, personnel conducting insulin clamp experiments will become proficient in maintaining reasonable euglycemia only through experience. It is important to note that because of their higher metabolic rate the data obtained from mouse studies will be inherently noisy. This makes the complete presentation of data, including time courses of glucose and GIR and absolute values for plasma insulin, endoRa, Rd and Rg crucial for the ability of any reader to interpret results. The high glucose flux rates in the mouse (approximately 5 times higher than the rate in humans) warrant a high frequency of glucose sampling. While the blood volume of the mouse is limited, a minimum sampling frequency of once every 10 minutes is necessary to be certain that an adequate clamp has been achieved.
As shown in Figure 4, clamp insulin levels can be different between groups. Factors such as diet interventions, transgenic manipulations or differences in background strains can affect fasting insulin levels, which can subsequently affect clamp insulin levels. Interpreting results when clamp insulin levels are different can be problematic. This can be experimentally addressed by performing pilot experiments to select insulin infusion rates that achieve equivalent clamp insulin levels between groups. Alternatively, somatostatin can be used to inhibit pancreatic hormone secretion, and insulin and glucagon can be replaced at experimentally controlled rates. This latter approach is more commonly done in insulin clamps on rats than mice. If these experimental approaches are not taken, the steady-state GIR can be normalized to the clamp insulin level, or an insulin sensitivity index (SI) can be derived from clamp data as SI=GIR/(G&bull;&Delta;I), where G is the steady-state glucose concentration and &Delta;I is the difference between fasting and clamp insulin concentrations. One assumption with either approach is that the clamp insulin level achieved is within the range where insulin sensitivity is linearly related to the insulin level according to the group being studied. This latter assumption may not apply when comparing insulin resistant and insulin sensitive groups. Ideally, an insulin dose response curve should be generated to select the appropriate insulin infusion. However, because of the requirement for additional experiments, this is rarely done.
The versatility provided by arterial catheterization extends to experimental approaches beyond euglycemic clamps. For example, hyperglycemic clamps, in which glucose is infused at a variable rate to maintain hyperglycemia relative to fasting glucose, can be used to assess endogenous pancreatic function in vivo2, 20, 21. The measurement of first phase insulin secretion during this test requires frequent acquisition of blood samples (i.e every 2-5 min), which is not feasible when obtaining samples from the tip of the tail. Furthermore, elevated catecholamines resulting from tail sampling can impair insulin secretion and enhance glucagon secretion22. The insulin clamp protocol can also be modified to allow for glucose levels to fall to relative hypoglycemia to assess counter-regulatory response2, 23, 24. Arterial catheterization can also be used to assess the dynamics of glucose metabolism during exercise25-30. This is significantly advantageous over conventional approaches conducted at single time points pre- and post-exercise or in isolated muscles ex vivo. The techniques presented here can also be used to assess not just glucose, but also fatty acid metabolism31.

hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps in conscious, unrestrained mice

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a defect in insulin action. The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, or insulin clamp, is widely considered the "gold standard" method for assessing insulin action in vivo. During an insulin clamp, hyperinsulinemia is achieved by a constant insulin infusion. Euglycemia is maintained via a concomitant glucose infusion at a variable rate. This variable glucose infusion rate (GIR) is determined by measuring blood glucose at brief intervals throughout the experiment and adjusting the GIR accordingly. The GIR is indicative of whole-body insulin action, as mice with enhanced insulin action require a greater GIR. The insulin clamp can incorporate administration of isotopic 2[14C]deoxyglucose to assess tissue-specific glucose uptake and [3-3H]glucose to assess the ability of insulin to suppress the rate of endogenous glucose appearance (endoRa), a marker of hepatic glucose production, and to stimulate the rate of whole-body glucose disappearance (Rd).
The miniaturization of the insulin clamp for use in genetic mouse models of metabolic disease has led to significant advances in diabetes research. Methods for performing insulin clamps vary between laboratories. It is important to note that the manner in which an insulin clamp is performed can significantly affect the results obtained. We have published a comprehensive assessment of different approaches to performing insulin clamps in conscious mice1 as well as an evaluation of the metabolic response of four commonly used inbred mouse strains using various clamp techniques2. Here we present a protocol for performing insulin clamps on conscious, unrestrained mice developed by the Vanderbilt Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC; URL: www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/mmpc). This includes a description of the method for implanting catheters used during the insulin clamp. The protocol employed by the Vanderbilt MMPC utilizes a unique two-catheter system3. One catheter is inserted into the jugular vein for infusions. A second catheter is inserted into the carotid artery, which allows for blood sampling without the need to restrain or handle the mouse. This technique provides a significant advantage to the most common method for obtaining blood samples during insulin clamps which is to sample from the severed tip of the tail. Unlike this latter method, sampling from an arterial catheter is not stressful to the mouse1. We also describe methods for using isotopic tracer infusions to assess tissue-specific insulin action. We also provide guidelines for the appropriate presentation of results obtained from insulin clamps.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice at JoVE.com

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice

The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, or insulin clamp, is the gold standard for assessing insulin action in vivo. A method for performing insulin clamps in mice is described. This includes a method for arterial catheterization that permits experiments to be performed in conscious, unrestrained mice with minimal stress.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a defect in insulin action. The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, or insulin clamp, is widely considered the "gold ...

hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic-clamps-in-conscious-unrestrained-mice

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

94.3K Views.  Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute at Lake Nona. De hyperinsulinemische-euglycemic clamp, of insuline klem, is de gouden standaard voor het beoordelen van de werking van insuline In vivo. Een methode voor het uitvoeren van insuline klemmen in muizen wordt beschreven. Dit omvat een methode voor arteriële catheterisatie die experimenten uit te voeren in de bewuste, ongebreidelde muizen met een minimale belasting vergunningen.

Video: Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice

Programmed Electrical Stimulation in Mice

Genetically-modified mice have emerged as a preferable animal model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying conduction abnormalities, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.1 Intracardiac pacing studies can be performed in mice using a 1.1F octapolar catheter inserted into the jugular vein, and advanced into the right atrium and ventricle. Here, we illustrate the steps involved in performing programmed electrical stimulation in mice. Surface ECG and intracardiac electrograms are recorded simultaneously in the atria, atrioventricular junction, and ventricular myocardium, whereas intracardiac pacing of the atrium is performed using an external stimulator. Thus, programmed electrical stimulation in mice provides unique opportunities to explore molecular mechanisms underlying conduction defects and cardiac arrhythmias.

Programmed electrical stimulation provides the ability to determine conduction properties of the heart, and the possibility to induce and terminate cardiac arrhythmias using various pacing protocols. Using a transvenous catheter, intracardiac electrogram recordings can be obtained in mice following programmed electrical stimulation protocols to identify arrhythmogenic substrates.

Genetically-modified mice have emerged as a preferable animal model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying conduction abnormalities, atrial and ...

Transthoracic Echocardiography in Mice

In recent years, murine models have become the primary avenue for studying the molecular mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction resulting from changes in gene expression. Transgenic and gene targeting methods can be used to generate mice with altered cardiac size and function,1-3 and as a result, in vivo techniques are needed to evaluate their cardiac phenotype. Transthoracic echocardiography, pulse wave Doppler (PWD), and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) can be used to provide dimensional measurements of the mouse heart and to quantify the degree of cardiac systolic and diastolic performance. Two-dimensional imaging is used to detect abnormal anatomy or movements of the left ventricle, whereas M-mode echo is used for quantification of cardiac dimensions and contractility.4,5 In addition, PWD is used to quantify localized velocity of turbulent flow,6 whereas TDI is used to measure the velocity of myocardial motion.7 Thus, transthoracic echocardiography offers a comprehensive method for the noninvasive evaluation of cardiac function in mice.

Transthoracic echocardiography offers a noninvasive method for the evaluation of cardiac function in mice. A combination of ultrasound and Doppler imaging modalities can be used to obtain dimensional measurements of the heart and intracardiac blood flow, which together provide an assessment of cardiac systolic and diastolic performance.

In recent years, murine models have become the primary avenue for studying the molecular mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction resulting from changes in gene ...

Hyperinsulinemic-Euglycemic Clamp in the Conscious Rat

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is rapidly rising in prevalence. Characterized by either inadequate insulin production or the inability to utilize insulin produced, T2D results in elevated blood glucose levels. The "gold-standard" in assessing insulin sensitivity is a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp or insulin clamp. In this procedure, insulin is infused at a constant rate resulting in a drop in blood glucose. To maintain blood glucose at a constant level, exogenous glucose (D50) is infused into the venous circulation. The amount of glucose infused to maintain homeostasis is indicative of insulin sensitivity. Here, we show the basic clamp procedure in the chronically catheterized, unrestrained, conscious rat. This model allows blood to be collected with minimal stress to the animal. Following the induction of anesthesia, a midline incision is made and the left common carotid artery and right jugular vein are catheterized. Inserted catheters are flushed with heparinized saline, then exteriorized and secured. Animals are allowed to recover for 4-5 days prior to experiments, with weight gain monitored daily. Only those animals who regain weight to pre-surgery levels are used for experiments. On the day of the experiment, rats are fasted and connected to pumps containing insulin and D50. Baseline glucose is assessed from the arterial line and used a benchmark throughout the experiment (euglycemia). Following this, insulin is infused at a constant rate into the venous circulation. To match the drop in blood glucose, D50 is infused. If the rate of D50 infusion is greater than the rate of uptake, a rise in glucose will occur. Similarly, if the rate is insufficient to match whole body glucose uptake, a drop will occur. Titration of glucose continues until stable glucose readings are achieved. Glucose levels and glucose infusion rates during this stable period are recorded and reported. Results provide an index of whole body insulin sensitivity. The technique can be refined to meet specific experimental requirements. It is further enhanced by the use of radioactive tracers that can determine tissue specific insulin-stimulated glucose uptake as well as whole body glucose turnover.

The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp is the "gold standard" for the assessment of insulin action. Insulin is infused at a constant rate stimulating glucose uptake. The amount of exogenous glucose infused to counter this drop is indicative of insulin sensitivity. Here the procedure is performed on a conscious, unrestrained rat.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is rapidly rising in prevalence. Characterized by either inadequate insulin production or the inability to utilize insulin produced, ...

Carotid Artery Infusions for Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Analysis of Taxanes in Mice

When proposing the use of a drug, drug combination, or drug delivery into a novel system, one must assess the pharmacokinetics of the drug in the study model. As the use of mouse models are often a vital step in preclinical drug discovery and drug development1-8, it is necessary to design a system to introduce drugs into mice in a uniform, reproducible manner. Ideally, the system should permit the collection of blood samples at regular intervals over a set time course. The ability to measure drug concentrations by mass-spectrometry, has allowed investigators to follow the changes in plasma drug levels over time in individual mice1, 9, 10. In this study, paclitaxel was introduced into transgenic mice as a continuous arterial infusion over three hours, while blood samples were simultaneously taken by retro-orbital bleeds at set time points. Carotid artery infusions are a potential alternative to jugular vein infusions, when factors such as mammary tumors or other obstructions make jugular infusions impractical. Using this technique, paclitaxel concentrations in plasma and tissue achieved similar levels as compared to jugular infusion. In this tutorial, we will demonstrate how to successfully catheterize the carotid artery by preparing an optimized catheter for the individual mouse model, then show how to insert and secure the catheter into the mouse carotid artery, thread the end of the catheter out through the back of the mouse&#8217;s neck, and hook the mouse to a pump to deliver a controlled rate of drug influx. Multiple low volume retro-orbital bleeds allow for analysis of plasma drug concentrations over time.

This method was developed with the goal of delivering a steady drug solution via the carotid artery, to assess the pharmacokinetics of novel drugs in mouse models.

When proposing the use of a drug, drug combination, or drug delivery into a novel system, one must assess the pharmacokinetics of the drug in the study ...

Transcutaneous Assessment of Renal Function in Conscious Rodents

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the gold standard to assess overall kidney function. However, traditional methods to evaluate GFR are cumbersome and time-consuming. In addition, serial blood or urine samples are required, with the associated stress for the experimental animals. A recent technique significantly reduces the investment in time and resources, minimizing the invasiveness and the animal stress, but being equally valid as the traditional approaches. The method measures transcutaneously renal function. Using an optical device and the exogenous renal marker fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-sinistrin, this technique is capable of measuring the elimination kinetics of the marker through the skin. With neither blood nor urine samples nor the associated laboratory assays needed, the results of the transcutaneous measurement are almost instantaneously available. The method has been already validated in different species and successfully applied in several models of renal pathology. Moreover, due to its minimally invasive characteristics, it is suitable for sequential measurements within the same animal. Here is provided a detailed protocol to carry out the transcutaneous assessment of renal function in rodents.

Determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the gold standard to assess overall kidney function. However, traditional procedures to measure this parameter are cumbersome and require a large investment of time. Here we describe a faster and minimally invasive method to determinate GFR transcutaneously.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the gold standard to assess overall kidney function. However, traditional methods to evaluate GFR are cumbersome and ...

Novel Approach for Simultaneous Recording of Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity and Blood Pressure with Intravenous Infusion in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice.

Renal sympathetic nerves contribute significantly to both physiological and pathophysiological phenomena. Evaluating renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) is of great interest in many areas of research such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and obesity. Unequivocal assessment of the role of the sympathetic nervous system is thus imperative for proper interpretation of experimental results and understanding of disease processes. RSNA has been traditionally measured in anesthetized rodents, including mice. However, mice usually exhibit very low systemic blood pressure and hemodynamic instability for several hours during anesthesia and surgery. Meaningful interpretation of RSNA is confounded by this non-physiological state, given the intimate relationship between sympathetic nervous tone and cardiovascular status. To address this limitation of traditional approaches, we developed a new method for measuring RSNA in conscious, freely-moving mice. Mice were chronically instrumented with radio-telemeters for continuous monitoring of blood pressure as well as a jugular venous infusion catheter and custom-designed bipolar electrode for direct recording of RSNA. Following a 48-72 hour recovery period, survival rate was 100% and all mice behaved normally. At this time-point, RSNA was successfully recorded in 80% of mice, with viable signals acquired up to 4 and 5 days post-surgery in 70% and 50% of mice, respectively. Physiological blood pressures were recorded in all mice (116&plusmn;2 mmHg; n=10). Recorded RSNA increased with eating and grooming, as well-established in the literature. Furthermore, RSNA was validated by ganglionic blockade and modulation of blood pressure with pharmacological agents. Herein, an effective and manageable method for clear recording of RSNA in conscious, freely-moving mice is described.

Anesthetized mice exhibit non-physiological systemic blood pressure, which precludes meaningful assessment of autonomic tone given the intimate relationship between blood pressure and the autonomic nervous system. Thus, a novel method to simultaneously record renal sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure with intravenous infusion in conscious mice is outlined.

Renal sympathetic nerves contribute significantly to both physiological and pathophysiological phenomena. Evaluating renal sympathetic nerve activity ...

Studying the Hypothalamic Insulin Signal to Peripheral Glucose Intolerance with a Continuous Drug Infusion System into the Mouse Brain

Insulin regulates systematic metabolism in the hypothalamus and the peripheral insulin response. An inflammatory reaction in peripheral adipose tissues contributes to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development and appetite regulation in the hypothalamus. Chemokine CCL5 and C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) levels have been suggested to mediate arteriosclerosis and glucose intolerance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, CCL5 plays a neuroendocrine role in the hypothalamus by regulating food intake and body temperature, thus, prompting us to investigate its function in hypothalamic insulin signaling and the regulation of peripheral glucose metabolism.
The micro-osmotic pump brain infusion system is a quick and precise way to manipulate CCL5 function and study its effect in the brain. It also provides a convenient alternative approach to generating a transgenic knockout animal. In this system, CCL5 signaling was blocked by intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of its antagonist, MetCCL5, using a micro-osmotic pump. The peripheral glucose metabolism and insulin responsiveness was detected by the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT). Insulin signaling activity was then analyzed by protein blot from tissue samples derived from the animals.
After 7-14 days of MetCCL5 infusion, the glucose metabolism and insulin responsiveness was impaired in mice, as seen in the results of the OGTT and ITT. The IRS-1 serine302 phosphorylation was increased and the Akt activity was reduced in mice hypothalamic neurons following CCL5 inhibition. Altogether, our data suggest that blocking CCL5 in the mouse brain increases the phosphorylation of IRS-1 S302 and interrupts hypothalamic insulin signaling, leading to a decrease in insulin function in peripheral tissues as well as the impairment of glucose metabolism.

This protocol studies the role of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) in the hypothalamus by delivering an antagonist, MetCCL5, into the mouse brain using a micro-osmotic pump brain infusion system. This transient inhibition of CCL5 activity interrupted hypothalamic insulin signaling, leading to glucose intolerance and peripheral systemic insulin sensitivity.

Insulin regulates systematic metabolism in the hypothalamus and the peripheral insulin response. An inflammatory reaction in peripheral adipose tissues ...

Assessment of Respiratory Function in Conscious Mice by Double-chamber Plethysmography

Air volume changes created by a conscious subject breathing spontaneously within a body box are at the basis of plethysmography, a technique used to non-invasively assess some features of the respiratory function in humans as well as in laboratory animals. The present article focuses on the application of the double-chamber plethysmography (DCP) in small animals. It provides background information on the methodology as well as a detailed step-by-step procedure to successfully assess respiratory function in conscious, spontaneously breathing animals in a non-invasive manner. The DCP can be used to monitor the respiratory function of multiple animals in parallel, as well as to identify changes induced by aerosolized substances over a chosen time period and in a repeated manner. Experiments on control and allergic mice are used herein to demonstrate the utility of the technique, explain the associated outcome parameters, as well as to discuss the related advantages and shortcomings. Overall, the DCP provides valid and theoretically sound readouts that can be trusted to evaluate the respiratory function of conscious small animals both at baseline and after challenges with aerosolized substances.

The objective of the present article is to provide a detailed description of the recommended procedures to evaluate respiratory function in conscious mice by double-chamber plethysmography.

Air volume changes created by a conscious subject breathing spontaneously within a body box are at the basis of plethysmography, a technique used to ...

Acclimation Prior to an Intraperitoneal Insulin Tolerance Test to Mitigate Stress-Induced Hyperglycemia in Conscious Mice

The insulin tolerance test is commonly used in metabolic studies to assess whole body insulin sensitivity in rodents. It is a relatively simple test that involves measurement of blood glucose levels over time following a single intraperitoneal injection of insulin. Given that it is performed in the conscious state and blood is often collected via a tail snip, it has the potential to elicit a stress response from animals due to anxiety associated with handling and blood collection. As such, a stress-induced rise in blood glucose can occur, making it difficult to detect and interpret the primary endpoint measure, namely an insulin-mediated reduction in blood glucose. This has been seen in many mouse strains, and is quite common in diabetic db/db mice, where glucose levels can increase, rather than decrease, after insulin administration. Here, we describe a method of acclimating mice to handling, injections and blood sampling prior to performing the insulin tolerance test. We find that this lowers stress-induced hyperglycemia and results in data that more accurately reflects whole body insulin sensitivity.

Stress-induced elevations in glucose levels can confound interpretation of data derived from a conscious intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test in mice. In this article, we describe a method to acclimate the mice to handling, injections and blood sampling prior to performing the insulin tolerance test in order to limit stress-induced hyperglycemia.

The insulin tolerance test is commonly used in metabolic studies to assess whole body insulin sensitivity in rodents. It is a relatively simple test that ...

Surgical Installation of Hyperglycemic and Hypoglycemic Clamps in Mice

Hyperglycemic Clamp and Hypoglycemic Clamp in Conscious Mice

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is caused by insufficient insulin release from the pancreatic &#946;-cells (Type1 DM) and insulin sensitivity in muscles, liver, and adipose tissues (Type2 DM). Insulin injection treats DM patients but leads to hypoglycemia as a side effect. Cortisol and catecholamines are released to activate glucose production from the liver to recover hypoglycemia, called counter-regulatory responses (CRR). In DM research using rodent models, glucose tolerance tests and 2-deoxy-glucose injection are used to measure insulin release and CRR, respectively. However, blood glucose concentrations change persistently during experiments, causing difficulties in assessing net insulin release and CRR. This article describes a method in which blood glucose is kept at 250 mg/dL or 50 mg/dL in conscious mice to compare the release of insulin and CRR hormones, respectively.
Polyethylene tubing is implanted in the mice's carotid artery and jugular vein, and the mice are allowed to recover from the surgery. The jugular vein tubing is connected to a Hamilton syringe with a syringe pump to enable insulin or glucose infusion at a constant and variable rate. The carotid artery tubing is for blood collection. For the hyperglycemic clamp, 30% glucose is infused into the vein, and blood glucose levels are measured from the arterial blood every 5 min or 10 min. The infusion rate of 30% glucose is increased until the blood glucose level becomes 250 mg/dL. Blood is collected to measure insulin concentrations. For hypoglycemic clamp, 10 mU/kg/min insulin is infused together with 30% glucose, whose infusion rate is variable to maintain 50 mg/dL of blood glucose level. Blood is collected to measure counter-regulatory hormones when both glucose infusion and blood glucose reach a steady state. Both hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic clamps have the same surgical procedure and experimental setups. Thus, this method is useful for researchers of systemic glucose metabolism.

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Blood Glucose Homeostasis in Murine Brain Using a Cost-Effective Hyperglycemic And Hypoglycemic Clamp Technique

A hyperglycemic clamp is used for measuring insulin release with a maintained higher blood glucose concentration. A hypoglycemic clamp is for measuring glucose production induced by counter-regulatory responses. Both methods use the same surgical procedure. Here, we present a clamp technique to assess systemic glucose metabolism.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is caused by insufficient insulin release from the pancreatic &#946;-cells (Type1 DM) and insulin sensitivity in muscles, liver, ...

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice

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