Induction of experimental inflammation:
<ol>
<li>A first-degree sunburn is induced in non-tanned skin of a thigh with aid of a calibrated, ultraviolet B source (Saalmann Multitester SBB LT 499, Saalmann GmbH, Hereford, Germany). The sunburn is induced 24 hours before starting a microdialysis experiment by applying three times the amount of UVB light necessary to cause complete reddening of exposed skin, or three times the minimal erythemal dose (MED). The MED is determined in each subject before study initiation. Accurate delivery of energy is assured with a UV-meter (RM 12, Dr. Grobel UV-Electronic GmbH, Ettlingen, Germany).</li>
</ol>
Catheter placement and sample collection:
<ol>
<li>Prepare a staging area with sterile gloves, 1 sterile needle holder, 1cc luer tip syringe with a 23 gauge (G) needle, 1cc syringe with a 30G needle, 1% lidocaine, alcohol swabs, 2x2 sterile gauze pads, microdialysis catheters attached at one end to a 4cm 23G needle (Dermal Dialysis, Erlangen, Germany), and 1.5 ml Microcent collection tubes (E&amp;K Scientific, Santa Clara, CA.) with 4&micro;l protease inhibitor solution per 100&micro;l sample on dry ice. protease inhibitor solution is made per manufacturer&rsquo;s instruction using protease inhibitor cocktail tablets (Roche Diagnostics, GmbH, Mannheim, Germany).</li>
<li>Prepare a 1% human albumin solution in lactated ringer&rsquo;s solution and draw it into the 1cc luer tip syringe, making sure there are NO air bubbles remaining in the syringe.</li>
<li>Load the syringe with the 1% human albumin-enriched ringer&rsquo;s lactate solution into the cradle (microdialysis multi-syringe rack, Harvard Apparatus, South Natick, MA) mounted onto a high precision infusion pump (Pump 22, Harvard Apparatus, South Natick, MA). Make certain that the bar of the infusion pump driving the syringe is in full contact with the plunger of the syringe. Set the pump rate after confirming that the syringe diameter has been accurately entered into the pump. Commonly used infusion rates range between 2 to 4&micro;l/min.</li>
<li>Define the area you plan to collect your sample from. When sampling from an artificially created inflamed area, such as the sunburn described above, plan on inserting the catheter at the edge of the sunburn.</li>
<li>Clean a small area at opposite edges of the lesion, or site you intend to collect your sample from, with alcohol. These cleaned areas will be the intended insertion and exit points for the catheter. Inject just enough lidocaine intra-cutaneously (evidenced by blanching of the skin on injection) at these sites to create a very small bleb (maximum of 2mm). Injection of such limited amount of intra-cutaneous lidocaine at the entry and exit points of the microdialysis catheter should not alter the results of the bioassay but does make the insertion of the catheter significantly less painful for study subjects.</li>
<li>Using aseptic techniques, insert the microdialysis catheters with aid of attached 23G needle over the length of the explored skin area. The depth of insertion is at the interface between cutis and subcutis. Insertion at an adequate depth can be verified optically. As the needle and the attached catheter are moved forward the needle should cause a little up-folding of the skin as well as some blanching of the skin. No bleeding should occur. If bleeding does occur this indicates that the needle is located deeper than intended and the depth of insertion has to be adjusted. Once the needle has been pushed through the exit point of the skin, flush the catheters with 1% albumin enriched ringer&rsquo;s lactate solution until you see droplets along the length of the catheter. This is done by carefully inserting the needle end of a syringe (23G needle) into the distal end of the microdialysis catheter, and slowly injecting solution.</li>
<li>After flushing the catheter pull gently on the needle to feed the attached catheter through the skin. Gentle handling is required because the catheters are small-diameter, and consequently fragile. Pull the catheter until it is completely threaded through the skin, i.e., the base of the larger plastic tubing embedding the distal end of the catheter touches the skin at the entry point. As mentioned above, little to no bleeding at the end of the procedure confirms optimal catheter placement.</li>
<li>Attach the distal end of the catheter to the tip of the 23G needle of the syringe resting in the rack of the infusion pump. Care is required to avoid puncturing the needle through the wall of the catheter, which would cause potential leakage.</li>
<li>Cut the needle off the proximal end of the catheter.</li>
<li>Using &frac14;-inch pink tape, attach the prepared 1.5ml Microcent collection tube at the skin close to the exit site of the catheter. Place the tip of the catheter into the collection tube to allow collection of microdialysate. Start the perfusion pump at predetermined rate and intermittently check that delivered and collected volume match up. In case the volumes do not match up, leakage from the skin entry site should be excluded (can sometimes be resolved by pulling the part of the catheter that is embedded by the plastic tubing more tightly onto the skin entry site). Alternatively, a catheter may need to be replaced if delivered and collected volumes do not match up.</li>
<li>Once sampling is complete, the samples are placed on dry ice until storage at -80&ordm;C.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Angst, M. S., Clark, J. D., Carvalho, B., Tingle, M., Schmelz, M., Yeomans, D. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cytokine+profile+in+human+skin+in+response+to+experimental+inflammation,+noxious+stimulation+and+administration+of+a+COX-inhibitor:+A+microdialysis+study.">Cytokine profile in human skin in response to experimental inflammation, noxious stimulation and administration of a COX-inhibitor: A microdialysis study.</a> Pain. 139, 15-27 (2008).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

The combined use of microdialysis techniques and multiplex immunoassay technology is a valuable real-time, in-vivo human bioassay providing insight into biochemical events in tissue of interest. Combined with behavioral tests such as pain tests, the method allows studying the complex interactions of biochemicals mediating pain and inflammation. The method is promising for 1) identifying tissue specific biomarkers mediating pain and inflammation, 2) providing mechanistic insight into the pathology of inflammatory and chro...

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		<div>
		<table border="1">
		<thead>
		<tr>
		<th>Material Name</th>
		<th>Type</th>
		<th>Company</th>
		<th>Catalogue Number</th>
		<th>Comment</th>
		</tr>
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<tr>
<td>Microdialysis catheter</td>
<td>Tool</td>
<td>Dermal Dialysis</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Pump 22</td>
<td>Tool</td>
<td>Harvard Apparatus</td>
<td>552219</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Saalmann Multitester SBB LT 400</td>
<td>Tool</td>
<td>Saalmann GmbH</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>RM-12 IP-65 Radiometer</td>
<td>Tool</td>
<td>Dr. Grobel UV Elektronik GmbH</td>
<td>82120000/81112100</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Complete Proteinase Inhibitor</td>
<td>Reagent</td>
<td>Roche Bioscience</td>
<td>11836145001</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Microcent tube</td>
<td>Tool</td>
<td>E&K Scientific</td>
<td>380150-X</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Albumin 5%</td>
<td>Reagent</td>
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<td>NA</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Lactated Ringer</td>
<td>Reagent</td>
<td>Hospira Inc</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Xylocaine-MPF</td>
<td>Other</td>
<td>Astra Zeneca</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Syringe 1mL</td>
<td>Tool</td>
<td>Becton Dickinson Co</td>
<td>309602</td>
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human in-vivo bioassay for the tissue-specific measurement of nociceptive and inflammatory mediators

This in-vivo human bioassay can be used to study human volunteers and patients. Samples are collected from pertinent tissue sites such as the skin via aseptically inserted microdialysis catheters (Dermal Dialysis, Erlangen, Germany). Illustrated in this example is the collection of interstitial fluid from experimentally inflamed skin in human volunteers. Sample collection can be combined with other experimental tests. For example, the simultaneous assessment of locally released biochemicals and subjective sensitivity to painful stimuli in experimentally inflamed skin provides the critical biochemical-behavioral link to identify biomarkers of pain and inflammation. Presented assay in the living human organism allows for mechanistic insight into tissue-specific processes underlying pain and/or inflammation. The method is also well suited to examine the effectiveness of existing or novel interventions - such as new drug candidates - targeting the treatment of painful and/or inflammatory conditions.
This article will provide a detailed description on the use of microdialysis techniques for collecting interstitial fluid from experimentally inflamed skin lesion of human study subjects. Interstitial fluid samples are typically processed with aid of multiplex bead array immunoassays allowing assaying up to 100 analytes in samples as small in volume as 50 microliters.


Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Human In-Vivo Bioassay for the Tissue-Specific Measurement of Nociceptive and Inflammatory Mediators at JoVE.com

Human In-Vivo Bioassay for the Tissue-Specific Measurement of Nociceptive and Inflammatory Mediators

A technique is presented for the in-vivo collection of interstitial fluid samples from pertinent tissue sites (here, experimentally inflamed skin) for the measurement of biochemicals mediating pain and inflammation.

This in-vivo human bioassay can be used to study human volunteers and patients. Samples are collected from pertinent tissue sites such as the skin via ...

human-vivo-bioassay-for-tissue-specific-measurement-nociceptive

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

10.2K Views.  Stanford University School of Medicine. A technique is presented for the in-vivo collection of interstitial fluid samples from pertinent tissue sites (here, experimentally inflamed skin) for the measurement of biochemicals mediating pain and inflammation.

Video: Human In-Vivo Bioassay for the Tissue-Specific Measurement of Nociceptive and Inflammatory Mediators

In vivo Micro-circulation Measurement in Skeletal Muscle by Intra-vital Microscopy

BACKGROUND: Regulatory factors and detailed physiology of in vivo microcirculation have remained not fully clarified after many different modalities of imaging had invented. While many macroscopic parameters of blood flow reflect flow velocity, changes in blood flow velocity and red blood cell (RBC) flux does not hold linear relationship in the microscopic observations. There are reports of discrepancy between RBC velocity and RBC flux, RBC flux and plasma flow volume, and of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of flow regulation in the peripheral tissues in microscopic observations, a scientific basis for the requirement of more detailed studies in microcirculatory regulation using intravital microscopy. METHODS: We modified Jeff Lichtman's method of in vivo microscopic observation of mouse sternomastoid muscles. Mice are anesthetized,
ventilated, and injected with PKH26L-fluorescently labeled RBCs for microscopic observation.RESULT &amp; CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescently labeled RBCs are detected and distinguished well by a wide-field microscope. Muscle contraction evoked by electrical stimulation induced increase in RBC flux. Quantification of other parameters including RBC velocity and capillary density were feasible. Mice tolerated well the surgery, injection of stained RBCs, microscopic observation, and electrical stimulation. No muscle or blood vessel damage was observed, suggesting that our method is relatively less invasive and suited for long-term observations.

A new versatile method for observation of microcirculation is presented. It is considered suitable for long-term observation, and for combination with pharmacophysiological or molecular biological interventions.

BACKGROUND: Regulatory factors and detailed physiology of in vivo microcirculation have remained not fully clarified after many different modalities of ...

Collecting and Measuring Nociceptive and Inflammatory Mediators in Surgical Wounds 

We describe a methodology by which we are able to collect and measure inflammatory and nociceptive biochemical mediators at the surgical wound site. Collecting site-specific biochemical markers allows us to evaluate the relationship between surgical wound and serum levels; determine any associations between mediator release, pain and analgesic consumption; and evaluate the effect of systemic and peripheral drug administration on surgical wound biochemistry.
This methodology has been applied to healthy women undergoing elective cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia. Wound exudate and serum mediators, in conjunction with pain scores and analgesics consumption were measured at 1, 6, 24, and 48 hours post-cesarean delivery. Biochemical mediators that were detected included IL-1&beta;, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, TNF&alpha;, INF&gamma;, G-CSF, GM-CSF, MCP-1 and MIP-1&beta;, nerve growth factor (NGF), prostaglandin E2 (PG-E2) and substance P. We found no correlations between wound and serum cytokines concentrations or time-release profiles (J Pain. 2008 Jul 9(7):650-7). This article describes and demonstrates the feasibility of collecting and assaying nociceptive and inflammatory mediators in surgical wounds at specific time points. The lack of significant correlations between serum and wound levels shows the importance of determining site-specific release if surgical wounds and localized pathologies are to be studied.

Collecting and Measuring Nociceptive and Inflammatory Mediators in Surgical Wounds

A technique to collect and measure surgical wound biochemical mediators at specific time points.

We describe a methodology by which we are able to collect and measure inflammatory and nociceptive biochemical mediators at the surgical wound site. ...

Measurement of Vacuolar and Cytosolic pH In Vivo in Yeast Cell Suspensions

Vacuolar and cytosolic pH are highly regulated in yeast cells and occupy a central role in overall pH homeostasis. We describe protocols for ratiometric measurement of pH in vivo using pH-sensitive fluorophores localized to the vacuole or cytosol. Vacuolar pH is measured using BCECF, which localizes to the vacuole in yeast when introduced into cells in its acetoxymethyl ester form. Cytosolic pH is measured with a pH-sensitive GFP expressed under control of a yeast promoter, yeast pHluorin. Methods for measurement of fluorescence ratios in yeast cell suspensions in a fluorimeter are described. Through these protocols, single time point measurements of pH under different conditions or in different yeast mutants have been compared and changes in pH over time have been monitored. These methods have also been adapted to a fluorescence plate reader format for high-throughput experiments. Advantages of ratiometric pH measurements over other approaches currently in use, potential experimental problems and solutions, and prospects for future use of these techniques are also described.

Measurement of Vacuolar and Cytosolic pH In Vivo in Yeast Cell Suspensions

Vacuolar and cytosolic pH can be measured in live yeast (S. cerevisiae) cells using ratiometric fluorescent dyes localized to specific cellular compartments. We describe procedures for measuring vacuolar pH with BCECF-AM, which localizes to the vacuole in yeast, and cytosolic pH with a cytosolic ratiometric pH-sensitive GFP (yeast pHluorin).

Vacuolar and  cytosolic pH are highly regulated in yeast cells and occupy a central role in  overall pH homeostasis. We describe  protocols for ...

In Vivo Modeling of the Morbid Human Genome using Danio rerio

Here, we present methods for the development of assays to query potentially clinically significant nonsynonymous changes using in vivo complementation in zebrafish. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a useful animal system due to their experimental tractability; embryos are transparent to enable facile viewing, undergo rapid development ex vivo, and can be genetically manipulated.1 These aspects have allowed for significant advances in the analysis of embryogenesis, molecular processes, and morphogenetic signaling. Taken together, the advantages of this vertebrate model make zebrafish highly amenable to modeling the developmental defects in pediatric disease, and in some cases, adult-onset disorders. Because the zebrafish genome is highly conserved with that of humans (~70% orthologous), it is possible to recapitulate human disease states in zebrafish. This is accomplished either through the injection of mutant human mRNA to induce dominant negative or gain of function alleles, or utilization of morpholino (MO) antisense oligonucleotides to suppress genes to mimic loss of function variants. Through complementation of MO-induced phenotypes with capped human mRNA, our approach enables the interpretation of the deleterious effect of mutations on human protein sequence based on the ability of mutant mRNA to rescue a measurable, physiologically relevant phenotype. Modeling of the human disease alleles occurs through microinjection of zebrafish embryos with MO and/or human mRNA at the 1-4 cell stage, and phenotyping up to seven days post fertilization (dpf). This general strategy can be extended to a wide range of disease phenotypes, as demonstrated in the following protocol. We present our established models for morphogenetic signaling, craniofacial, cardiac, vascular integrity, renal function, and skeletal muscle disorder phenotypes, as well as others.

In Vivo Modeling of the Morbid Human Genome using Danio rerio

Here, we present a systematic approach for developing physiologically relevant, sensitive and specific in vivo assays for interpreting variation in human pathology. Transient genetic manipulation via microinjection of WT and mutant human mRNA and morpholino (MO) antisense oligonucleotides harness the tractability of the developing zebrafish embryo to rapidly assay pathogenic mutations, especially, but not exclusively, in the context of human developmental disorders.

Here,  we present methods for the development of assays to query potentially clinically  significant nonsynonymous changes using in  vivo complementation ...

A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

The analysis of receptor tyrosine kinases and their interacting ligands involved in vascular biology is often challenging due to the constitutive expression of families of related receptors, a broad range of related ligands and the difficulty of dealing with primary cultures of specialized endothelial cells. Here we describe a bioassay for the detection of ligands to the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), a key transducer of signals that promote angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. A cDNA encoding a fusion of the extracellular (ligand-binding) region of VEGFR-2 with the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions of the erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) is expressed in the factor-dependent cell line Ba/F3. This cell line grows in the presence of interleukin-3 (IL-3) and withdrawal of this factor results in death of the cells within 24 hr. Expression of the VEGFR-2/EpoR receptor fusion provides an alternative mechanism to promote survival and potentially proliferation of stably transfected Ba/F3 cells in the presence of a ligand capable of binding and cross-linking the extracellular portion of the fusion protein (i.e., one that can cross-link the VEGFR-2 extracellular region). The assay can be performed in two ways: a semi-quantitative approach in which small volumes of ligand and cells permit a rapid result in 24 hr, and a quantitative approach involving surrogate markers of a viable cell number. The assay is relatively easy to perform, is highly responsive to known VEGFR-2 ligands and can accommodate extracellular inhibitors of VEGFR-2 signaling such as monoclonal antibodies to the receptor or ligands, and soluble ligand traps.

We describe a simple cell-based bioassay for detecting, quantifying and monitoring the activity of members of the vascular endothelial growth factor family of ligands. The assay uses chimeric receptors expressed in a factor-dependent cell line to provide a semi-quantitative or quantitative assessment of receptor binding and cross-linking by the ligand.

The analysis of receptor tyrosine kinases and their interacting ligands involved in vascular biology is often challenging due to the constitutive ...

Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication: A Functional Biomarker to Assess Adverse Effects of Toxicants and Toxins, and Health Benefits of Natural Products

This protocol describes a scalpel loading-fluorescent dye transfer (SL-DT) technique that measures intercellular communication through gap junction channels, which is a major intercellular process by which tissue homeostasis is maintained. Interruption of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) by toxicants, toxins, drugs, etc. has been linked to numerous adverse health effects. Many genetic-based human diseases have been linked to mutations in gap junction genes. The SL-DT technique is a simple functional assay for the simultaneous assessment of GJIC in a large population of cells. The assay involves pre-loading cells with a fluorescent dye by briefly perturbing the cell membrane with a scalpel blade through a population of cells. The fluorescent dye is then allowed to traverse through gap junction channels to neighboring cells for a designated time. The assay is then terminated by the addition of formalin to the cells. The spread of the fluorescent dye through a population of cells is assessed with an epifluorescence microscope and the images are analyzed with any number of morphometric software packages that are available, including free software packages found on the public domain. This assay has also been adapted for in vivo studies using tissue slices from various organs from treated animals. Overall, the SL-DT assay can serve a broad range of in vitro pharmacological and toxicological needs, and can be potentially adapted for high throughput set-up systems with automated fluorescence microscopy imaging and analysis to elucidate more samples in a shorter time.

This protocol describes a scalpel loading-fluorescent dye transfer technique that measures intercellular communication through gap junction channels. Gap junctional intercellular communication is a major cellular process by which tissue homeostasis is maintained and disruption of this cell signaling has adverse health effects.

This protocol describes a scalpel loading-fluorescent dye transfer (SL-DT) technique that measures intercellular communication through gap junction ...

Murine Aortic Crush Injury: An Efficient In Vivo Model of Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Endothelial Function

Arterial reconstruction, whether angioplasty or bypass surgery, involves iatrogenic trauma causing endothelial disruption and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Common murine models study small vessels such as the carotid and femoral arteries. Herein we describe an in vivo system in which both VSMC proliferation and endothelial barrier function can be simultaneously assessed in a large vessel. We studied the infrarenal aortic response to injury in C57BL/6 mice. The aorta was injured from the left renal vein to the aortic bifurcation by 30 transmural crushes of 5-seconds duration with a cotton-tipped applicator. Morphological changes were assessed with conventional histology. Aorta wall thickness was measured from the luminal surface to the adventitia. EdU integration and counter staining with DAPI and alpha-actin was used to demonstrate VSMC proliferation. Activation of ERK1/2, a known moderator of intimal hyperplasia formation, was determined by Western Blot analysis. The effect of inflammation was determined by immunohistochemistry for B-cells, T-cells, and macrophages. En face sections of endothelium were visualized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Endothelial barrier function was determined with Evans Blue staining. Transmural injury resulted in aortic wall thickening. This injury induced VSMC proliferation, most prominently at 3 days after injury, and early activation of ERK1/2 and decreased p27kip1 expression. Injury did not result in increased B-cells, T-cells, or macrophages infiltration in the vessel wall. Injury caused partial endothelial cell denudation and loss of cell-cell contact. Injury resulted in a significant loss of endothelial barrier function, which returned to baseline after seven days. The murine transmural blunt aortic injury model provides an efficient system to simultaneously study both VSMC proliferation and endothelial barrier function in a large vessel.

Murine Aortic Crush Injury: An Efficient In Vivo Model of Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Endothelial Function

Restenosis following cardiovascular procedures (bypass surgery, angioplasty, or stenting) is a significant problem reducing the durability of these procedures. An ideal therapy would inhibit smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation while promoting regeneration of the endothelium. We describe a model for simultaneous assessment of VSMC proliferation and endothelial function in vivo.

Arterial reconstruction, whether angioplasty or bypass surgery, involves iatrogenic trauma causing endothelial disruption and vascular smooth muscle cell ...

Using Caenorhabditis elegans to Screen for Tissue-Specific Chaperone Interactions

Correct folding and assembly of proteins and protein complexes are essential for cellular function. Cells employ quality control pathways that correct, sequester or eliminate damaged proteins to maintain a healthy proteome, thus ensuring cellular proteostasis and preventing further protein damage. Because of redundant functions within the proteostasis network, screening for detectable phenotypes using knockdown or mutations in chaperone-encoding genes in the multicellular organism Caenorhabditis elegans results in the detection of minor or no phenotypes in most cases. We have developed a targeted screening strategy to identify chaperones required for a specific function and thus bridge the gap between phenotype and function. Specifically, we monitor novel chaperone interactions using RNAi synthetic interaction screens, knocking-down chaperone expression, one chaperone at a time, in animals carrying a mutation in a chaperone-encoding gene or over-expressing a chaperone of interest. By disrupting two chaperones that individually present no gross phenotype, we can identify chaperones that aggravate or expose a specific phenotype when both perturbed. We demonstrate that this approach can identify specific sets of chaperones that function together to modulate the folding of a protein or protein complexes associated with a given phenotype.

Using Caenorhabditis elegans to Screen for Tissue-Specific Chaperone Interactions

To study chaperone-chaperone and chaperone-substrate interactions, we perform synthetic interaction screens in Caenorhabditis elegans using RNA interference in combination with mild mutations or over-expression of chaperones and monitor tissue-specific protein dysfunction at the organismal level.

Correct folding and assembly of proteins and protein complexes are essential for cellular function. Cells employ quality control pathways that correct, ...

In vivo Measurement of Knee Extensor Muscle Function in Mice

Skeletal muscle plasticity in response to countless conditions and stimuli mediates concurrent functional adaptation, both negative and positive. In the clinic and the research laboratory, maximal muscular strength is widely measured longitudinally in humans, with knee extensor musculature the most reported functional outcome. Pathology of the knee extensor muscle complex is well documented in aging, orthopedic injury, disease, and disuse; knee extensor strength is closely related to functional capacity and injury risk, underscoring the importance of reliable measurement of knee extensor strength. Repeatable, in vivo assessment of knee extensor strength in pre-clinical rodent studies offers valuable functional endpoints for studies exploring osteoarthritis or knee injury. We report an in vivo and non-invasive protocol to repeatedly measure isometric peak tetanic torque of the knee extensors in mice across time. We demonstrate consistency using this novel method to measure knee extensor strength with repeated assessment in multiple mice producing similar results.

Quantification of knee extensor maximal strength is imperative to understand functional adaptations to aging, disease, injury, and rehabilitation. We present a novel method to repeatedly measure in vivo knee extension isometric peak tetanic torque.

Skeletal muscle plasticity in response to countless conditions and stimuli mediates concurrent functional adaptation, both negative and positive. In the ...

Rapid In Vivo Fixation and Isolation of Translational Complexes from Eukaryotic Cells

Rapid responses involving fast redistribution of messenger(m)RNA and alterations of mRNA translation are pertinent to ongoing homeostatic adjustments of the cells. These adjustments are critical to eukaryotic cell survivability and &#39;damage control&#39; during fluctuating nutrient and salinity levels, temperature, and various chemical and radiation stresses. Due to the highly dynamic nature of the RNA-level responses, and the instability of many of the RNA:RNA and RNA:protein intermediates, obtaining a meaningful snapshot of the cytoplasmic RNA state is only possible with a limited number of methods. Transcriptome-wide, RNA-seq-based ribosome profiling-type experiments are among the most informative sources of data for the control of translation. However, absence of a uniform RNA and RNA:protein intermediate stabilization can lead to different biases, particularly in the fast-paced cellular response pathways. In this article, we provide a detailed protocol of rapid fixation applicable to eukaryotic cells of different permeability, to aid in RNA and RNA:protein intermediate stabilization. We further provide examples of isolation of the stabilized RNA:protein complexes based on their co-sedimentation with ribosomal and poly(ribo)somal fractions. The separated stabilized material can be subsequently used as part of ribosome profiling-type experiments, such as in Translation Complex Profile sequencing (TCP-seq) approach and its derivatives. Versatility of the TCP-seq-style methods has now been demonstrated by the applications in a variety of organisms and cell types. The stabilized complexes can also be additionally affinity-purified and imaged using electron microscopy, separated into different poly(ribo)somal fractions and subjected to RNA sequencing, owing to the ease of the crosslink reversal. Therefore, methods based on snap-chilling and formaldehyde fixation, followed by the sedimentation-based or other type of RNA:protein complex enrichment, can be of particular interest in investigating finer details of rapid RNA:protein complex dynamics in live cells.

Rapid In Vivo Fixation and Isolation of Translational Complexes from Eukaryotic Cells

We present a technique to rapidly stabilize translational (protein biosynthesis) complexes with formaldehyde crosslinking in live yeast and mammalian cells. The approach enables dissecting transient intermediates and dynamic RNA:protein interactions. The crosslinked complexes can be used in multiple downstream applications such as in deep sequencing-based profiling methods, microscopy, and mass-spectrometry.

Rapid responses involving fast redistribution of messenger(m)RNA and alterations of mRNA translation are pertinent to ongoing homeostatic adjustments of ...