This investigation was supported by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under 1R01HL149404-01A1 (BL), and the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award T32 HL 007936 to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Cardiovascular Research Center (JB). Figures were created or edited with Biorender.com. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 10 software.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Development in Mice Using the Elastase and BAPN Method

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	<li>Kent, K. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Clinical+practice.+Abdominal+aortic+aneurysms.">Clinical practice. Abdominal aortic aneurysms.</a> New Engl J Med. 371 (22), 2101-2208 (2014).</li><li>Wanhainen, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=European+Society+for+Vascular+Surgery+Guidelines+on+the+management+of+aorto-iliac+abdominal+aortic+aneurysms.">European Society for Vascular Surgery Guidelines on the management of aorto-iliac abdominal aortic aneurysms.</a> Eur J Vasc Endocasc Surg. 57 (1), 8-93 (2019).</li><li>Shimizu, K., Mitchell, R. N., Libby, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inflammation+and+cellular+immune+responses+in+abdominal+aortic+aneurysms.">Inflammation and cellular immune responses in abdominal aortic aneurysms.</a> Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 26 (5), 987-994 (2006).</li><li>Shen, Y. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Aortic+aneurysms+and+dissections+series.">Aortic aneurysms and dissections series.</a> ArteriosclerThromb Vasc Biol. 40 (3), e37-e46 (2020).</li><li>Stanley, J. C., Veith, F., Wakefield, T. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Current+Therapy+in+Vascular+and+Endovascular+Surgery+E-Book.">Current Therapy in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery E-Book.</a> Elsevier Health Sciences. , (2014).</li><li>Morgan, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Identifying+novel+mechanisms+of+abdominal+aortic+aneurysm+via+unbiased+proteomics+and+systems+biology.">Identifying novel mechanisms of abdominal aortic aneurysm via unbiased proteomics and systems biology.</a> Front Cardiovasc Med. 9, 889994 (2022).</li><li>Yin, L., Kent, E. W., Wang, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Progress+in+murine+models+of+ruptured+abdominal+aortic+aneurysm.">Progress in murine models of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.</a> Front Cardiovasc Med. 9, 950018 (2022).</li><li>Lu, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+novel+chronic+advanced+stage+abdominal+aortic+aneurysm+murine+model.">A novel chronic advanced stage abdominal aortic aneurysm murine model.</a> J Vasc Surg. 66 (1), 232-242 (2017).</li><li>Berman, A. G., 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=Experimental+aortic+aneurysm+severity+and+growth+depend+on+topical+elastase+concentration+and+lysyl+oxidase+inhibition.">Experimental aortic aneurysm severity and growth depend on topical elastase concentration and lysyl oxidase inhibition.</a> Sci Rep. 12 (1), 99 (2022).</li><li>Deaths, percent of total deaths, and death rates for the 15 leading causes of death in 5-year age groups, by race, and sex. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/mortality/lcwk1.htm">https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/mortality/lcwk1.htm</a> (2015)</li><li>Dansey, K. 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=Epidemiology+of+endovascular+and+open+repair+for+abdominal+aortic+aneurysms+in+the+United+States+from+2004+to+2015+and+implications+for+screening.">Epidemiology of endovascular and open repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms in the United States from 2004 to 2015 and implications for screening.</a> J Vasc Surg. 74 (2), 414-424 (2021).</li><li>Daugherty, A., Cassis, 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=Mouse+models+of+abdominal+aortic+aneurysms.">Mouse models of abdominal aortic aneurysms.</a> Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 24 (3), 429-434 (2004).</li><li>Busch, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Translating+mouse+models+of+abdominal+aortic+aneurysm+to+the+translational+needs+of+vascular+surgery.">Translating mouse models of abdominal aortic aneurysm to the translational needs of vascular surgery.</a> JVS Vasc Sci. 2, 219-234 (2021).</li><li>Anidjar, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Elastase-induced+experimental+aneurysms+in+rats.">Elastase-induced experimental aneurysms in rats.</a> Circulation. 82 (3), 973-981 (1990).</li><li>Bhamidipati, C. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+a+novel+murine+model+of+aortic+aneurysms+using+peri-adventitial+elastase.">Development of a novel murine model of aortic aneurysms using peri-adventitial elastase.</a> Surgery. 152 (2), 238-246 (2012).</li><li>Xue, C., Zhao, G., Zhao, Y., Chen, Y. E., Zhang, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mouse+abdominal+aortic+aneurysm+model+induced+by+perivascular+application+of+elastase.">Mouse abdominal aortic aneurysm model induced by perivascular application of elastase.</a> J Vis Exp. (180), e63608 (2022).</li></ol>

The authors of this manuscript have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Understanding the complex pathophysiology of AAA is critical for improving the management of aortic aneurysm disease. While newer strategies are actively developed to improve surgical outcomes, AAAs remain prevalent in our aging society and aneurysm rupture remains a leading cause of death in the United States10. Therefore, the unmet needs in AAA detection, prevention, and treatment strategies warrant further foundational aneurysm research11.
Animal models that accurately and efficiently recapitulate the features and behaviors of human AAAs are essential for mechanistic studies of aneurysm pathophysiology and identifying potential therapeutic targets. While current animal models can mimic the major aspects of the aneurysmal changes that occur in human disease, no single model fully represents the true complexity of human AAAs. Currently, mice are the most widely accepted species for animal AAA modeling. Researchers should consider the various strengths and weaknesses of each murine model for their particular aneurysm study, such as those expertly described in reviews by Daugherty et al. and Busch et al.12,13.
The use of elastase to induce AAA in rodents was first described by Anidjar et al. in 199014. Perfusing the aorta with porcine pancreatic elastase using a syringe pump creates an initial dilation roughly between 50% and 70%, and the dilated segments favorably demonstrate similar pathologic features of human AAAs, such as medial degeneration and adventitial inflammation. The classic perfusion model, however, is arguably the most technically challenging aneurysm model, and the aneurysms that are typically formed by the second week begin to gradually resolve thereafter. Bhamidipati et al. in 2012 then demonstrated that adventitial application of elastase could also successfully induce similar aneurysms that are more reproducible in size15. A far less challenging model, the topical elastase model became widely adopted in aneurysm research. Additional methodology and advantages of the topical elastase model are discussed in the methods paper by Xue and colleagues16.
The elastase/BAPN model of murine AAA was developed by Lu and colleagues in 20178. Introducing 0.2% BAPN drinking water improved upon many of the critiques of the classic topical elastase model, now producing aneurysms that continually expand to the point of AAA rupture. In their 2017 study, they demonstrated mice in the elastase/BAPN-treated group had significantly higher AAA formation rates compared to the elastase group (93% vs 65%, P &#60; 0.01), which were also more advanced-staged AAAs. Over a 100-day study period, AAAs in the elastase/BAPN group continued to dilate to &#62;800% baseline diameter and formed intraluminal thrombus (53.8%), and 46.2% spontaneously ruptured before the end of the experiment. This model has allowed researchers to investigate factors that may impact aneurysm progression and stability over time.
Berman et al. further explored the elastase/BAPN model by varying the concentration of topical elastase, study duration, timing of BAPN administration, and the impact of animal sex9. Treatment with 5 &#181;L of higher concentrated elastase (5 mg/mL or 10 mg/mL) produced larger aneurysms than 2.5 mg/mL over 56 days. The prevalence of intraluminal thrombus formation also depended on the elastase concentration, which occurred in 28.6% of the 5 mg/mL-treated mice, and 62.5% of the 10 mg/mL-treated mice. They also demonstrated the elastase/BAPN model could induce aneurysms in female mice. Although only a few female mice were studied (n=5), they found the aneurysms in females were more prone to rupture (2 of 5 mice) and were significantly larger than male AAAs at 56 days.
In this paper, we aim to provide a method to address one of the largest limitations of surgical modeling, which is the variation in the surgical procedure. Without a clear consensus on the degree of dissection and the area of the aorta treated with elastase, the results of this model could vary dramatically between animals, investigators, and institutions. We have observed numerous anatomical variations between mice, including the number and size of lumbar arteries and veins, and the location of the IMA, takeoff of the left gonadal vein, among others, which can be limiting when attempting to treat only a portion or specific segment of the infrarenal aorta. Here, we demonstrate that circumferentially dissecting the entire length of the infrarenal aorta from the left renal artery proximally to the aortic bifurcation distally helps to provide reproducible degrees of aortic exposure despite anatomical differences while increasing the success of aneurysm induction and providing clear boundaries for the operator. Additionally, the size and more anterior position of the IVC tends to cover a majority of the aorta, which can affect the amount of aorta treated if not isolated from the IVC. While it is necessary to remove the retroperitoneal fascia to expose the aorta, it is important to not fully dissect the connective tissue of the adventitia off the aorta and expose any of the media layers, as this typically results in rupture during the 5 min elastase incubation period. This could serve as an additional internal control to the degree of the dissection with this model yet can be a frustrating learning curve when adopting this model. Operators will additionally learn higher risk areas (Figure 4) that can be easily injured during surgery and lead to uncontrollable hemorrhage.
While it is important that the procedural steps of this model are consistent, the duration of the study and timing of interval ultrasonography can vary depending on the goal of the research. Aortic dilation begins immediately with elastase application, yet studies using this model commonly follow mice for 28 days post surgery7, as in this example experiment. Extending the study duration should be considered when studying advanced AAAs, long-term growth, intraluminal thrombus formation, or rupture.
Additional perioperative measures, such as maintaining animal body temperature and hydration status can help to improve animal survival of this invasive procedure. The use of a heating pad during surgery and placement in a warm recovery cage can help avoid hypothermia. Saline should be warmed before it is used to irrigate the abdominal cavity. A subcutaneous fluid bolus directly following surgery can account for insensible fluid losses during the operation, and help the animal maintain adequate hydration during the immediate recovery phase. With careful tissue handling and a consistent methodical approach, the elastase/BAPN model can be performed by an experienced operator between 30 min and 45 min per mouse and reliably produce AAA with very low perioperative complications.
Our results demonstrate that the combination of BAPN in addition to circumferential dissection of the infrarenal aorta prior to elastase application produces large, continually expanding AAAs, with larger diameters and rupture incidence at shorter periods. In this experiment, AAAs were successfully induced in all male (6 of 6) and female (6 of 6) mice treated with active elastase. Elastase exposure for 5 min resulted in an immediate increase in aortic diameter by roughly 30-40%, which is helpful in confirming successful and consistent elastase application among treatment groups. Similar to Berman et al., we have shown that this model can induce AAAs in female mice, which also have a greater rupture response than males. Half of the female mice (3 of 6) ruptured within 28 days, compared to 0 of 6 of the males, however, female mice weigh less than males. Male mice demonstrated an increase in AAA diameter by 257% compared to -4% of male controls, while the surviving females showed a 417% diameter increase, compared to -16% of female controls. Aortic diameters were not significantly different between the surviving male and female treated mice at 28 days due to the higher number of ruptures in the female group. We speculate the sham mice exhibit smaller aortic diameters by the end of the study as the aorta tends to dilate slightly during the initial dissection and then, forms scar tissue by 28 days.
The elastase/BAPN model possesses certain limitations. Circumferential dissection of the aorta requires fine surgical skills yet helps improve replicability and the degree of aneurysm induction. Similar to the topical elastase model, there is also a batch effect in elastase enzyme activity, which as mentioned earlier, is therefore important to utilize the same bottle of elastase for all animals in a given experiment. While the incidence of AAA intraluminal thrombus and rupture increases with time and aneurysm severity, these are not guaranteed nor fully predictable in this model.
In summary, the elastase/BAPN model produces large, true infrarenal AAAs in both male and female mice, which progressively expand over time, form intraluminal thrombus, and are capable of rupture. These strengths of this murine model help to better recapitulate some of the behaviors and characteristics of aneurysms in humans. Although technically difficult, careful and thorough dissection of the aorta can augment the aneurysmal response. Currently, the elastase/BAPN method is an advanced model for studying infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

An aneurysm is defined as a pathologic dilation of a blood vessel greater than 50% of the healthy vessel diameter1. Despite abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) being a commonly encountered condition in the aging population, with an incidence of roughly &#62;5% of males &#62; 65 years of age, there are no directed therapeutic strategies for treating AAA1. Current management of AAA is limited to risk factor reduction and surgical repair with either open or endovascular surgery based on aortic diameter or growth rate2. The greatest danger of AAA is aneurysm rupture, which is fatal if untreated, and repair in this emergent setting can carry mortality risks upwards of 90%1.
The pathophysiology of AAA is complicated, multifactorial, and not fully understood3. Features of human AAA include true aneurysmal dilation of the aortic wall with an infiltration of inflammatory cells, the presence of intraluminal thrombus, and progressive dilation that leads to eventual rupture3,4. Additionally, AAAs are associated with advanced age, have a 9:1 male:female sex predominance, and most commonly occur in the infrarenal aorta5. Modeling all features and behaviors of human AAAs in animals remains an ongoing challenge6.
Current AAA modeling is primarily conducted in mice, and aneurysms are commonly induced using one of three methods-by angiotensin II (AngII) infusion via a subcutaneously implanted osmotic pump, and by direct application of calcium chloride (CaCl2) or elastase to the aorta7. In the latter method, porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) is applied to a segment of the infrarenal aorta and causes enzymatic degradation of elastin fibers within the elastic lamella of the tunica media. This structural damage results in the weakening of the aortic wall and outward aneurysmal dilation. The use of topical elastase alone, however, produces relatively small infrarenal aneurysms, which fail to progressively enlarge or rupture over time. More recently, Lu et al. improved upon this model by additionally administering &#946;-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), an irreversible inhibitor of lysyl oxidase, to their elastase-treated mice8. By preventing the crosslinking of elastin and collagen fibers, BAPN supplementation causes elastase-damaged aortas to progressively dilate to the point of rupture. The elastase/BAPN model additionally has a higher incidence rate of AAA than the topical elastase model, and the aneurysms produced are also larger and contain intraluminal thrombus8.
In the elastase/BAPN model, the degree of surgical dissection and exposure of the aorta to elastase can impact the success and replicability of this model. In this manuscript, we describe that co-administration of BAPN drinking water and topical elastase application to the aorta following circumferential isolation of the entire infrarenal aortic segment improves replicability, accounts for anatomical differences between animals, and results in a greater AAA induction rate, aneurysm sizes and rupture incidence. In this article, we will describe a standardized approach to reliably inducing advanced abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice using a combination of topical elastase- and BAPN-supplemented water.

<table><tbody><tr><td>0.5 L induction chamber</td><td>Kent Scientific Corporation</td><td>SOMNO-0530XXS</td><td>anesthesia induction chamber</td></tr><tr><td>0.9% sodicum chloride injection, USP, 20 mL</td><td>Hospira</td><td>NDC 0409-4888-03</td><td>normal saline</td></tr><tr><td>3 mL syringe Luer-Lok Tip with BD PrecisionGlide Needle 22 G x 3/4</td><td>BD</td><td>REF 309569</td><td>syringe, 22 G needle</td></tr><tr><td>3-Aminopropionitrile Fumarate</td><td>TCI</td><td>A0796</td><td>BAPN</td></tr><tr><td>3-Aminopropionitrile Fumarate salt</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>A3134-25G</td><td>BAPN</td></tr><tr><td>Avant Delux gauze sponges, 2&quot; x 2&quot; 4-Ply</td><td>Medline</td><td>NON26224</td><td>gauze sponges</td></tr><tr><td>Balding clipper</td><td>Whal Clipper Corporation</td><td>8110</td><td>hair clippers</td></tr><tr><td>betadine surgical scrub (povidone-iodine, 7.5%)</td><td>Avrio</td><td>NCD 67618-154-16</td><td>betadine surgical scrub</td></tr><tr><td>blunt forceps</td><td>ROBOZ</td><td>RS-5130</td><td>blunt forceps</td></tr><tr><td>Buprenorphine ER-lab</td><td>ZooPharm</td><td>BERLAB0.5</td><td>buprenorphine</td></tr><tr><td>carprofen</td><td>Norbrook</td><td>NDC 55529-131-11</td><td>carprofen</td></tr><tr><td>CASTROVIEJO 5.75&quot; straight with lock</td><td>ROBOZ</td><td>RS-6412</td><td>Castroviejo needle driver</td></tr><tr><td>cotton tipped wood applicators, 6&quot;</td><td>Dynarex</td><td>No. 4302</td><td>cotton tipped wood applicators</td></tr><tr><td>DESMARRES 5.5&#039; rectractor&amp;nbsp;</td><td>ROBOZ</td><td>RS-6672</td><td>skin rectractor&amp;nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>digital caliper, 0-150 mm</td><td>World Precision Instruments</td><td>501601</td><td>digital caliper</td></tr><tr><td>DPBS (1x)</td><td>Gibco</td><td>14190-144</td><td>DPBS</td></tr><tr><td>Elastase from porcine pancrease Type I</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>E1250-10MG</td><td>elastase &gt;4.0 units/mg protein</td></tr><tr><td>Ethanol 200 proof</td><td>Decon Labs, Inc</td><td>2701</td><td>ethanol diluted to 70%</td></tr><tr><td>eye lube</td><td>Optixcare</td><td>14716</td><td>eye lube</td></tr><tr><td>Germinator 500 dry sterilizer</td><td>CellPoint Scientific, Inc</td><td>5-1450</td><td>dry bead sterilizer</td></tr><tr><td>heat therapy mat</td><td>Adroit Medical Systems</td><td>V016</td><td>heat therapy mat</td></tr><tr><td>heat therapy pump</td><td>Adroit Medical Systems</td><td>HTP-1500</td><td>heat therapy pump</td></tr><tr><td>isoflurane, USP</td><td>Akorn Animal Health</td><td>NCD 59399-106-01</td><td>isoflurane</td></tr><tr><td>L-10 pipette</td><td>Rainin</td><td>LTS 0.5-10 uL</td><td>pipette</td></tr><tr><td>Low profile anesthesia mask, small</td><td>Kent Scientific Corporation</td><td>SOMNO-0801</td><td>anesthesia nose cone</td></tr><tr><td>micro dissector scissors</td><td>ROBOZ</td><td>RS-5619</td><td>micro dissector scissors</td></tr><tr><td>microscope</td><td>Leica</td><td>S9i</td><td>microscope</td></tr><tr><td>Nii-LED high intensity LED illuminatorLED exertnal light</td><td>Nikon Instruments, Inc</td><td>83359 NII-LED</td><td>external dissection light</td></tr><tr><td>nylon 5-0 monofilament, black non-absorbable suture</td><td>Oasis</td><td>MV-661-V</td><td>5-0 nylon suture</td></tr><tr><td>polyisoprene surgical gloves, GAMMEX Non-Latex PI Micro, size 7.5</td><td>Ansell</td><td>20685975</td><td>non-latex surgical gloves</td></tr><tr><td>Reflex 7 mm stainless steel wound clips</td><td>CellPoint Scientific, Inc</td><td>203-1000</td><td>wound clips</td></tr><tr><td>scale</td><td>Ohaus</td><td>Compass CR2200</td><td>scale</td></tr><tr><td>SomnofFlo Accessory Kit</td><td>Kent Scientific Corporation</td><td>10-8000-71</td><td>tubing for electronic vaporizer&amp;nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>SomnoFlo electronic vaporizer</td><td>Kent Scientific Corporation</td><td>SF2992</td><td>low-flow electronic vaporizer</td></tr><tr><td>SomnoPath Flow Diverter</td><td>Kent Scientific Corporation</td><td>SP1016</td><td>flow diverter for electronic vaporizer</td></tr><tr><td>SS/45 sharp forceps</td><td>ROBOZ</td><td>RS-4941</td><td>sharp forceps</td></tr><tr><td>surgical scissors</td><td>ROBOZ</td><td>RS-6010SC</td><td>surgical scissors</td></tr><tr><td>vessel forceps</td><td>Dumont</td><td>VES 0.35</td><td>vessel forceps</td></tr></tbody></table>

advanced abdominal aortic aneurysm modeling in mice by combination of topical elastase and oral &#223;-aminopropionitrile

The topical elastase murine model of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is enhanced when combined with &#223;-aminopropionitrile (BAPN)-supplemented drinking water to reliably produce true infrarenal aneurysms with behaviors that mimic human AAAs. Topically applying elastase to the adventitia of the infrarenal aorta causes structural damage to the elastic layers of the aortic wall and initiates aneurysmal dilation. Co-administering BAPN, a lysyl oxidase inhibitor, promotes sustained wall degeneration by reducing collagen and elastin crosslinking. This combination results in large AAAs that progressively expand, form intraluminal thrombus, and are capable of rupture. Refining surgical techniques, such as circumferentially isolating the entire infrarenal aortic segment, can help standardize the procedure for a consistent and thorough application of porcine pancreatic elastase despite different operators and anatomic variations between mice. Therefore, the elastase/BAPN model is a refined approach to surgically inducing AAA in mice, which may better recapitulate human aneurysms and provide additional opportunities to study aneurysm growth and rupture risk.

Male and female C57BL/6J mice ages 22-24 weeks were used in this study. Infrarenal aortas were treated with 5 µL of elastase enzyme (6.9 mg protein/mL, 6 units/mg protein) or denatured elastase for 5 min. Elastase-treated male mice demonstrated a 43.4% increase in aortic diameter after 5 min exposure to elastase compared to untreated baseline aortic diameters, while treated female aortas increased by 33.6% (P = 0.0342). Aortic diameters of shams exhibited relatively no change over 5 min exposure to denatured elastase (males 0.5%; females -2.8%). There were no surgically related deaths among the 12 treated and 6 sham mice. Data for the 28-day study is demonstrated in Table 1. Of the female treated mice, 3 of 6 died from AAA rupture; one on postoperative day 20 and two on day 25 (Figure 6). There were no AAA ruptures among treated males. AAAs (defined as an increase &gt;50% of the baseline aorta diameter or death by AAA rupture) were successfully induced in all treated mice (12 of 12). At 28 days, the average AAA diameter of treated males was 2.86 ± 0.31 mm, with an average change percent change of 257 ± 54%, while AAA diameters of the surviving treated female mice were 3.60 ± 1.87 mm, with an average percent change of 417 ± 286% (Figure 7). Sham mice exhibited relatively no change in aortic diameters.
<img alt="Survival probability graph; surgical anatomy of murine heart and aorta, 28-day comparison." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66812/66812fig06.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1747911167000" data-alt="Figure 6"> 
Figure 6: Survival of male and female B6 mice during a 28-day elastase/BAPN model of AAA. (A) AAA rupture occurred in 3 of the 6 treated female mice, (one mouse at 20 days, then two mice at 25 days) while there were no ruptures among the 6 treated male mice at 28 days. (B) Representative images at necropsy of a female mouse that died from AAA rupture. AAA rupture is demonstrated by a large retroperitoneal hematoma (left) and presence of an infrarenal AAA with a wall defect (right). Abbreviations: BAPN = ß-aminopropionitrile; AAA = abdominal aortic aneurysm. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/66812/66812fig06large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Aortic diameter comparison; bar chart with statistical analysis; dissected aortas in elastase/BAPN study." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66812/66812fig07.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1747911167000" data-alt="Figure 7"> 
Figure 7: Maximal aortic diameters of elastase/BAPN and sham male and female B6 mice at 28 days. (A) Treated mice exhibit significantly larger infrarenal diameters at 28 days compared to shams. (B) The combination of elastase and BAPN successfully produces large infrarenal AAAs in both male and female B6 mice. Abbreviations: BAPN = ß-aminopropionitrile; AAA = abdominal aortic aneurysm. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/66812/66812fig07large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3"></td>
			<td>B6 male Sham</td>
			<td>B6 female Sham</td>
			<td>B6 male Elastase/BAPN</td>
			<td>B6 female Elastase/BAPN</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">Number of mice</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>6</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">Age (weeks)</td>
			<td>22.3 ± 0.0</td>
			<td>22.7 ± 0.7</td>
			<td>23.1 ± 0.2</td>
			<td>23.2 ± 0.2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">Weight (g; at surgery)</td>
			<td>36.3 ± 2.5</td>
			<td>23.7 ± 1.2</td>
			<td>32.8 ± 1.7*</td>
			<td>23.7 ± 0.8</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">Pre-treatment aortic diameter (mm)</td>
			<td>0.89 ± 0.02</td>
			<td>0.75 ± 0.04</td>
			<td>0.81 ± 0.07</td>
			<td>0.73 ± 0.09</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">Post-treatment aortic diameter (mm)</td>
			<td>0.90 ± 0.03</td>
			<td>0.73 ± 0.01</td>
			<td>1.15 ± 0.03**</td>
			<td>0.98 ± 0.12**</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">Percent change post 5 min treatment (%)</td>
			<td>0.5 ± 4.4</td>
			<td>-2.8 ± 5.3</td>
			<td>43.4 ± 10.2***</td>
			<td>33.6 ± 4.5***</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">AAA incidence (%)</td>
			<td>0 / 3</td>
			<td>0 / 3</td>
			<td>6 / 6</td>
			<td>6 / 6</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">AAA ruptures by 28 days</td>
			<td>0 / 3</td>
			<td>0 / 3</td>
			<td>0 / 6</td>
			<td>3 / 6</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">Survival to 28 days</td>
			<td>3 / 3</td>
			<td>3 / 3</td>
			<td>6 / 6</td>
			<td>3 / 6</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">Maximal aortic diameter at 28 days (mm)</td>
			<td>0.85 ± 0.01</td>
			<td>0.64 ± 0.01</td>
			<td>2.86 ± 0.31*</td>
			<td>3.60 ± 1.87**</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">Percent change aortic diameter at 28 days (%)</td>
			<td>-4 ± 2</td>
			<td>-16 ± 2</td>
			<td>257 ± 54*</td>
			<td>417 ± 286**</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table 1: Results of a 28-day model of the elastase/BAPN murine model of AAA. Data are mean ± SD. *P&lt;0.05, **P&lt;0.005, ***P&lt;0.0001 compared to sham of the same sex via one-way ANOVA Fischer's test. Abbreviations: BAPN = ß-aminopropionitrile; AAA = abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Author Spotlight: Enhanced Murine AAA Model Using Elastase to Mimic Human Aneurysms

This protocol describes a methodical surgical approach to modeling advanced abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice by a combination of directly applying elastase to the infrarenal aorta and administering &#223;-aminopropionitrile through drinking water.

Advanced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Modeling in Mice by Combination of Topical Elastase and Oral &#223;-aminopropionitrile

The topical elastase murine model of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is enhanced when combined with &#223;-aminopropionitrile (BAPN)-supplemented drinking ...

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Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

1.3K Views.  University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. Ons onderzoek heeft tot doel de pathofysiologie van abdominaal aorta-aneurysma te begrijpen. In het bijzonder willen we graag op moleculair gebied weten hoe een aneurysma scheurt. Wij geloven dat het modelleren van aorta-aneurysma bij muizen, mannen en vrouwen, ons zal helpen een nieuwe behandeling te ontwikkelen voor deze zeer dodelijke ziekte die dringend farmacologische behandeling nodig heeft.De pathofysiologie van abdominaal aorta-aneurysma is mul...

Video: Auteur in de schijnwerpers: Verbeterd AAA-model voor muizen met behulp van elastase om menselijke aneurysma's na te bootsen

Creation of Murine Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with Elastase 

Transient intraluminal infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase into the infrarenal segment of the abdominal aorta is the most widely used animal model of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) ever since it was first described in rats by Anidjar and colleagues.1 The rationale for its development was based on the disrupted nature of elastin observed in AAAs. This rat model has been modified to produce AAAs in the infrarenal aortic region of mice.2 The model has the ability to add broad insight into the pathobiology of AAA due to the emergence of numerous transgenic and gene knockout mice. Moreover, it is a viable platform to test potential therapeutic agents for AAA. In this video, we demonstrate the elastase infusion AAA procedure used in our laboratory. 
Mice are anesthetized using 2.5% isoflurane, and a laparotomy is performed under sterile conditions. The abdominal aortais isolated with the assistance of an operating stereomicroscope (Leica). After placing temporary ligatures around the proximal and distal aorta, an aortotomy is created at the bifurcation with the tip of a 30-gauge needle. A heat-tapered segment of PE-10 polyethylene tubing is introduced through the aortotomy and secured. The aortic lumen is subsequently perfused for 5-15 minutes at 100 mm Hg with saline containing type I porcine pancreatic elastase (4.5 U/mL; Sigma Chemical Co.). After removing the perfusion catheter, the aortotomy is repaired without constriction of the lumen.

Creation of Murine Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with Elastase

This video shows how to induce abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in mice via transient intraluminal infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase into the infrarenal segment of the abdominal aorta. The model has the ability to add broad insight into the pathobiology of AAA due to the emergence of numerous transgenic and gene knockout mice.

Transient intraluminal infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase into the infrarenal segment of the abdominal aorta is the most widely used animal model of ...

Transverse Aortic Constriction in Mice

Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in the mouse is a commonly used experimental model for pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.1 TAC initially leads to compensated hypertrophy of the heart, which often is associated with a temporary enhancement of cardiac contractility. Over time, however, the response to the chronic hemodynamic overload becomes maladaptive, resulting in cardiac dilatation and heart failure.2 The murine TAC model was first validated by Rockman et al.1, and has since been extensively used as a valuable tool to mimic human cardiovascular diseases and elucidate fundamental signaling processes involved in the cardiac hypertrophic response and heart failure development. When compared to other experimental models of heart failure, such as complete occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, TAC provides a more reproducible model of cardiac hypertrophy and a more gradual time course in the development of heart failure. Here, we describe a step-by-step procedure to perform surgical TAC in mice. To determine the level of pressure overload produced by the aortic ligation, a high frequency Doppler probe is used to measure the ratio between blood flow velocities in the right and left carotid arteries.3, 4 With surgical survival rates of 80-90%, transverse aortic banding is an effective technique of inducing left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure in mice.

Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in the mouse is a commonly used experimental model to study mechanisms underlying cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure development. Here, we describe procedures to constrict the aorta to create a reproducible degree of cardiac hypertrophy in mice.

Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in the mouse is a commonly used experimental model for pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and heart ...

Genome-wide Gene Deletions in Streptococcus sanguinis by High Throughput PCR

Transposon mutagenesis and single-gene deletion are two methods applied in genome-wide gene knockout in bacteria 1,2. Although transposon mutagenesis is less time consuming, less costly, and does not require completed genome information, there are two weaknesses in this method: (1) the possibility of a disparate mutants in the mixed mutant library that counter-selects mutants with decreased competition; and (2) the possibility of partial gene inactivation whereby genes do not entirely lose their function following the insertion of a transposon. Single-gene deletion analysis may compensate for the drawbacks associated with transposon mutagenesis. To improve the efficiency of genome-wide single gene deletion, we attempt to establish a high-throughput technique for genome-wide single gene deletion using Streptococcus sanguinis as a model organism. Each gene deletion construct in S. sanguinis genome is designed to comprise 1-kb upstream of the targeted gene, the aphA-3 gene, encoding kanamycin resistance protein, and 1-kb downstream of the targeted gene. Three sets of primers F1/R1, F2/R2, and F3/R3, respectively, are designed and synthesized in a 96-well plate format for PCR-amplifications of those three components of each deletion construct. Primers R1 and F3 contain 25-bp sequences that are complementary to regions of the aphA-3 gene at their 5' end. A large scale PCR amplification of the aphA-3 gene is performed once for creating all single-gene deletion constructs. The promoter of aphA-3 gene is initially excluded to minimize the potential polar effect of kanamycin cassette. To create the gene deletion constructs, high-throughput PCR amplification and purification are performed in a 96-well plate format. A linear recombinant PCR amplicon for each gene deletion will be made up through four PCR reactions using high-fidelity DNA polymerase. The initial exponential growth phase of S. sanguinis cultured in Todd Hewitt broth supplemented with 2.5% inactivated horse serum is used to increase competence for the transformation of PCR-recombinant constructs. Under this condition, up to 20% of S. sanguinis cells can be transformed using ~50 ng of DNA. Based on this approach, 2,048 mutants with single-gene deletion were ultimately obtained from the 2,270 genes in S. sanguinis excluding four gene ORFs contained entirely within other ORFs in S. sanguinis SK36 and 218 potential essential genes. The technique on creating gene deletion constructs is high throughput and could be easy to use in genome-wide single gene deletions for any transformable bacteria.

Genome-wide Gene Deletions in Streptococcus sanguinis by High Throughput PCR

An efficient genome-wide single gene mutation method has been established using Streptococcus sanguinis as a model organism. This method has achieved via high throughput recombinant PCRs and transformations.

Transposon  mutagenesis and single-gene deletion are two methods applied in genome-wide  gene knockout in bacteria 1,2. Although transposon mutagenesis is ...

Quantitative Micro-CT Analysis of Aortopathy in a Mouse Model of &#946;-aminopropionitrile-induced Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection

Aortic aneurysm and dissection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the population and can be highly lethal. While animal models of aortic disease exist, in vivo imaging of the vasculature has been limited. In recent years, micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT) has emerged as a preferred modality for imaging both large and small vessels both in vivo and ex vivo. In conjunction with a method of vascular casting, we have successfully used micro-CT to characterize the frequency and distribution of aortic pathology in &#946;-aminopropionitrile-treated C57/Bl6 mice. Technical limitations of this method include variations in the quality of the perfusion introduced by poor animal preparation, the application of proper methodologies for vessel size quantification, and the non-survivability of this procedure. This article details a methodology for the intravascular perfusion of a lead-based radiopaque silicone rubber for the quantitative characterization of aortopathy in a mouse model of aneurysm and dissection. In addition to visualizing aortic pathology, this method may be used for examining other vascular beds in vivo or vascular beds removed post-mortem.

This article describes a detailed methodology of using a radiopaque lead-based silicone rubber to perfuse the murine vasculature for aortic diameter quantification in a mouse model of aortic aneurysm and dissection.

Aortic aneurysm and dissection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the population and can be highly lethal. While animal models of ...

Medicine

Intravital Microscopy for Imaging Subcellular Structures in Live Mice Expressing Fluorescent Proteins

Here we describe a procedure to image subcellular structures in live rodents that is based on the use of confocal intravital microscopy. As a model organ, we use the salivary glands of live mice since they provide several advantages. First, they can be easily exposed to enable access to the optics, and stabilized to facilitate the reduction of the motion artifacts due to heartbeat and respiration. This significantly facilitates imaging and tracking small subcellular structures. Second, most of the cell populations of the salivary glands are accessible from the surface of the organ. This permits the use of confocal microscopy that has a higher spatial resolution than other techniques that have been used for in vivo imaging, such as two-photon microscopy. Finally, salivary glands can be easily manipulated pharmacologically and genetically, thus providing a robust system to investigate biological processes at a molecular level.
In this study we focus on a protocol designed to follow the kinetics of the exocytosis of secretory granules in acinar cells and the dynamics of the apical plasma membrane where the secretory granules fuse upon stimulation of the beta-adrenergic receptors. Specifically, we used a transgenic mouse that co-expresses cytosolic GFP and a membrane-targeted peptide fused with the fluorescent protein tandem-Tomato. However, the procedures that we used to stabilize and image the salivary glands can be extended to other mouse models and coupled to other approaches to label in vivo cellular components, enabling the visualization of various subcellular structures, such as endosomes, lysosomes, mitochondria, and the actin cytoskeleton.

Intravital microscopy is a powerful tool that enables imaging various biological processes in live animals. In this article, we present a detailed method for imaging the dynamics of subcellular structures, such as the secretory granules, in the salivary glands of live mice.

Here we describe a procedure to image subcellular structures in live rodents that is based on the use of confocal intravital microscopy. As a model organ, ...

Murine Surgical Model of Topical Elastase Induced Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

According to the Center for Disease Control, aortic aneurysms (AAs) were considered a leading cause of death in all races and both sexes from 1999-2016. An aneurysm forms as a result of progressive weakening and eventual dilation of the aorta, which can rupture or tear once it reaches a critical diameter. Aneurysms of the descending aorta in the chest, called descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (dTAA), make up a large proportion of aneurysm cases in the United States. Uncontained dTAA rupture is almost universally lethal, and elective repair has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of our model is to study dTAA specifically, to elucidate the pathophysiology of dTAA and to search for molecular targets to halt the growth or reduce the size of dTAA. By having a murine model to study thoracic pathology precisely, targeted therapies can be developed to specifically test dTAA. The method is based on the placement of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) directly on the outer murine aortic wall after surgical exposure. This creates a destructive and inflammatory reaction, which weakens the aortic wall and allows for aneurysm formation over weeks to months. Though murine models possess limitations, our dTAA model produces robust aneurysms of predictable size. Furthermore, this model can be used to test genetic and pharmaceutical targets which may arrest dTAA growth or prevent rupture. In human patients, interventions such as these could help avoid aneurysm rupture, and difficult surgical intervention.

We describe a surgical protocol to consistently induce robust descending thoracic aortic aneurysms in mice. The procedure involves left thoracotomy, thoracic aorta exposure, and placement of a sponge soaked in porcine pancreatic elastase on the aortic wall.

According to the Center for Disease Control, aortic aneurysms (AAs) were considered a leading cause of death in all races and both sexes from 1999-2016. ...

Porcine Model of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Large animal models to study abdominal aortic aneurysms are sparse. The purpose of this model is to create reproducible, clinically significant infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in swine. To achieve this, we use a combination of balloon angioplasty, elastase and collagenase, and a lysyl oxidase inhibitor, called &#946;-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), to create clinically significant infrarenal aortic aneurysms, analogous to human disease.
Noncastrated male swine are fed BAPN for 7 days prior to surgery to achieve a steady state in the blood. A midline laparotomy is performed and the infrarenal aorta is circumferentially dissected. An initial measurement is recorded prior to aneurysm induction with a combination of balloon angioplasty, elastase (500 units)/collagenase (8000 units) perfusion, and topical elastase application. Swine are fed BAPN daily until terminal procedure on either postoperative day 7, 14, or 28, at which time the aneurysm is measured, and tissue procured. BAPN + surgery pigs are compared to pigs that underwent surgery alone.
Swine treated with BAPN and surgery had a mean aortic dilation of 89.9% &#177; 47.4% at day 7, 105.4% &#177; 58.1% at day 14, and 113.5% &#177; 30.2% at day 28. Pigs treated with surgery alone had significantly smaller aneurysms compared to BAPN + surgery animals at day 28 (p &#60; 0.0003). The BAPN + surgery group had macroscopic and immunohistochemical evidence of end stage aneurysmal disease.
Clinically significant infrarenal AAA can be induced using balloon angioplasty, elastase/collagenase perfusion and topical application, supplemented with oral BAPN. This model creates large, clinically significant AAA with hallmarks of human disease. This has important implications for the elucidation of AAA pathogenesis and testing of novel therapies and devices for the treatment of AAA. Limitations of the model include variation in BAPN ingested by swine, quality of elastase perfusion, and cost of BAPN.&#160;

This novel model creates robust infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms in swine using a combination of balloon angioplasty, elastase/collagenase perfusion, topical elastase application, and oral compound &#946;-aminopropionitrile administration, which interferes with collagen cross-linking.

Large animal models to study abdominal aortic aneurysms are sparse. The purpose of this model is to create reproducible, clinically significant infrarenal ...

In Vivo 4-Dimensional Tracking of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells in Adult Mouse Calvarial Bone Marrow

Through a delicate balance between quiescence and proliferation, self renewal and production of differentiated progeny, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) maintain the turnover of all mature blood cell lineages. The coordination of the complex signals leading to specific HSC fates relies upon the interaction between HSCs and the intricate bone marrow microenvironment, which is still poorly understood[1-2].
We describe how by combining a newly developed specimen holder for stable animal positioning with multi-step confocal and two-photon in vivo imaging techniques, it is possible to obtain high-resolution 3D stacks containing HSPCs and their surrounding niches and to monitor them over time through multi-point time-lapse imaging. High definition imaging allows detecting ex vivo labeled hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) residing within the bone marrow. Moreover, multi-point time-lapse 3D imaging, obtained with faster acquisition settings, provides accurate information about HSPC movement and the reciprocal interactions between HSPCs and stroma cells.
Tracking of HSPCs in relation to GFP positive osteoblastic cells is shown as an exemplary application of this method. This technique can be utilized to track any appropriately labeled hematopoietic or stromal cell of interest within the mouse calvarium bone marrow space.

In Vivo 4-Dimensional Tracking of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells in Adult Mouse Calvarial Bone Marrow

The nature of the interactions between hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and bone marrow niches is poorly understood. Custom hardware modifications and a multi-step acquisition protocol allow the use of two-photon and confocal microscopy to image ex vivo labeled HSPCs homed within bone marrow areas, tracking interactions and movement.

Through a delicate balance between quiescence and proliferation, self renewal and production of differentiated progeny, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) ...

Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Murine Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

A Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model by Periadventitial Calcium Chloride and Elastase Infiltration

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease associated with high mortality rates. It is characterized by the permanent dilation of the abdominal aorta with at least a 50% increase in arterial diameter. Various animal models of AAA have been introduced to mimic the pathophysiological changes and study the underlying mechanisms of AAA. Among these models, the calcium chloride (CaCl2)- and elastase-induced AAA models are commonly used in mice. However, these methods have certain limitations. Traditional intraluminal porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) perfusion is associated with high technical difficulty and a high rupture rate, while periadventitial administration of PPE yields inconsistent results. In addition, the CaCl2-induced AAA model lacks human AAA features, such as atherothrombosis and aneurysm rupture. Therefore, the combined application of CaCl2 and PPE has been proposed as an approach to enhance success rates and induce greater diameter increases in AAA animal models. This manuscript presents a comprehensive protocol for establishing a mouse AAA model through periaortic infiltration of PPE and CaCl2 in the infrarenal segment of the abdominal aorta. By following this protocol, we can achieve an AAA formation rate of approximately 90% with technical simplicity and reproducibility. Further ultrasound and histological experiments confirm that this model effectively replicates the morphological and pathological changes observed in human AAA.

Author Spotlight: Development and Characterization of a Mouse Model for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

This manuscript presents a protocol for establishing a mouse abdominal aortic aneurysm model using calcium chloride and elastase, combining the advantages of previous modeling methods. This model can be utilized to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease associated with high mortality rates. It is characterized by the permanent dilation of the ...

Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model Induced by Perivascular Application of Elastase

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), although primarily asymptomatic, is potentially life-threatening as the rupture of AAA usually has a devastating outcome. Currently, there are several distinct experimental models of AAA, each emphasizing a different aspect in the pathogenesis of AAA. The elastase-induced AAA model is the second most used rodent AAA model. This model involves direct infusion or application of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) to the infrarenal segment of the aorta. Due to technical challenges, most elastase-induced AAA model nowadays is performed with the external application rather than an intraluminal infusion of PPE. The infiltration of elastase will cause degradation of elastic lamellae in the medial layers, resulting in the loss of aortic wall integrity and subsequent dilation of the abdominal aorta. However, one disadvantage of the elastase-induced AAA model is the inevitable variation of how the surgery is performed. Specifically, the surgical technique of isolating the infrarenal segment of the aorta, the material used for aorta wrapping and PPE incubation, the enzymatic activity of PPE, and the time duration of PPE application can all be important determinants that affect the eventual AAA formation rate and aneurysm diameter. Notably, the difference in these factors from different studies on AAA can lead to reproducibility issues. This article describes a detailed surgical process of the elastase-induced AAA model through direct application of PPE to the adventitia of the infrarenal abdominal aorta in the mouse. Following this procedure, a stable AAA formation rate of around 80% in male and female mice is achievable. The consistency and reproducibility of AAA studies using an elastase-induced AAA model can be significantly enhanced by establishing a standard surgical procedure.

The present protocol describes a standardized surgical method for the elastase-induced AAA model through the direct application of elastase to the adventitia of infrarenal abdominal aorta in mice.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), although primarily asymptomatic, is potentially life-threatening as the rupture of AAA usually has a devastating outcome. ...

Advanced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Modeling in Mice by Combination of Topical Elastase and Oral ß-aminopropionitrile

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