The authors thank Christiane Pahrmann for her technical assistance and performing histology.

Balb/C mice weighing a minimum of 20g at an age of 8 to 12 weeks are purchased from Charles River (Sandhofer Weg 7, D-97633 Sulzfeld). 
 Mice are housed under conventional conditions, fed standard mouse pellets and water ad libitum. Anesthetize mouse with isoflurane (2%) using an induction chamber. 
<ol>
 <li>Shave the neck area and the left side of the ribcage and disinfect using 80% ethanol.</li>
 <li>Place the mouse on its back and place a facemask over its nose and mouth to keep up the anesthesia.</li>
 <li>Check the reflexes pinching the tail and hind feet to be sure that the mouse is sufficient anesthesized. </li>
 <li>Under microscopic view perform a midline cervical incision separating the skin, muscle and tissue covering the trachea.</li>
 <li>When the trachea is exposed cut a small hole into the tissue between two cartridge rings below the glottis to insert the endotracheal tube (Figure 1). Insert the endotracheal tube holding the cranial part of the trachea using micro surgical forecepts. Check the thoracic movement to be sure that both lungs are well ventilated.</li>
 <li>The respiration rate (RR) should be approximately 110 per minute, with an inspiratory pressure of 17 to 18cm H2O. Turn the mouse carefully, lying on its right side, facing its left side. Perform a leftsided thoracotomy between the 3rd and the 4th rib, and dissect the tissue and muscle carefully, using a cauter to prevent bleeding. </li>
 <li>Open the thorax carefully, once the thorax is opened, find the heart, without touching the lung with any sharp object. Now remove the part of the pericardial sac that is covering the heart.</li>
 <li>The LAD is located between the pulmonary artery and the left auricle. Use an 8-0 Prolene suture (Ethicon, Norderstedt, Germany) to ligate the LAD proximal with one single suture (Figure 2).</li>
 <li>Place a chest tube (28G, venal catheter), between the 4th and the 5th rib. </li>
 <li>Close the thoracic incision in layers, using 6-0 Prolene running sutures (Ethicon, Norderstedt, Germany) to adapt the ribs and 4-0 Prolene running sutures (Ethicon, Norderstedt, Germany) to close the skin. </li>
 <li>Drain the thorax with the help of a 2ml syringe carefully (Figure 3). Place the mouse on its back. Now take the endotracheal tube out and adapt the tracheal cartridge rings with one single stitch using 7-0 Prolene sutures (Ethicon, Norderstedt, Germany).</li>
 <li>Place the face mask on the mouse and close the skin using 4-0 Prolene running sutures (Ethicon, Norderstedt, Germany).</li>
</ol>
Validation
There are different possibilities to confirm the success of the LAD-ligation.
The troponin test can be performed 6 to 18 hours after surgery, using only 150 l blood without the need to euthanize the animal. The blood is applied to a customized troponin test kit (TROP T Sensitive, Roche, Mannheim) (Figure 4). Troponin is a regulative protein in the actin filaments of the muscle cell, there are different isotypes in the three types of muscle. The isotypes cTnI and cTnT are found in the heart and are released in tissue injury. The standardized test for troponin T (cTnT) is based on two heart specific monoclonal antibodies, one traps the troponin in the blood sample, the second one is a marker.
The infarcted area can be identified macroscopically after 3 days (Figure 5).
TTC (2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride) staining measures tissue viability used to evaluate infarct size. Evans blue dye (1,5%, 1.0mL) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) is injected into the left ventricular cavity to measure the myocardial ischemic area. The mouse is euthanized and the heart is harvested and sectioned into slices. The tissue slices are incubated in 1% TTC PBS solution, pH 7.4 at 37&deg;C for 20min. Tissues are fixed in 10% PBS-buffered formalin overnight at 2-8&deg;C. TTC is administered ex vivo to dye Evans blue-negative areas (Figure 6).
For histology the mouse has to be euthanized and the heart has to be embedded for further processing. After performing paraffin sections, slides are stained with H&amp;E (hematoxylin and eosin) or trichrome to visualize fibrotic tissue (Figure 7).
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/1438/1438fig1.jpg" alt="Figure 1" /> 
 Figure 1: Tracheal tube. 
1A: Exposed trachea, after ventral cervical incision. 
1B: Trachea is opened two cartilage rings caudal to the larynx. 
1C: Tracheal tube is inserted into the trachea.

<img src="/files/ftp_upload/1438/1438fig2.jpg" alt="Figure 2" /> Figure 2: The heart is exposed through a left sided thoracotomy, the LAD is ligated.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/1438/1438fig3.jpg" alt="Figure 3" /> Figure 3: After the thorax is closed, a pleura drain is performed. The mouse is still under anesthesia.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/1438/1438fig4.jpg" alt="Figure 4" /> Figure 4: Two lines appear after a few minutes when the troponin test is positive.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/1438/1438fig5.jpg" alt="Figure 5" /> Figure 5: Shows the explanted heart. 5A: Macroscopic view of the heart with the ischemic area with a faded whitish color. 5B: Cross section of the infarcted heart, the ischemic area shows in the upper right corner.

<ol>
	<li>Atkins, B. Z., Hueman, M. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cellular+cardiomyoplasty+improves+diastolic+properties+of+injured+Heart.">Cellular cardiomyoplasty improves diastolic properties of injured Heart.</a> J Surg Res. 85 (2), 234-242 (1999).</li><li>Jaquet, K., KT, K. r. a. u. s. e. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reduction+of+myocardial+scar+size+after+implantation+of+mesenchymal+stem+cells+in+rats:+what+is+the+mechanism.">Reduction of myocardial scar size after implantation of mesenchymal stem cells in rats: what is the mechanism.</a> Stem Cells Dev. 14 (3), 299-309 (2005).</li><li>Joung, B., Kim, I. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bone+marrow+mononuclear+stem+cells+transplanted+in+rat+infarct+myocardium+improved+the+electrical+conduction+without+evidence+of+proarrhythmic+effects.">Bone marrow mononuclear stem cells transplanted in rat infarct myocardium improved the electrical conduction without evidence of proarrhythmic effects.</a> Yonsei Med J. 48 (5), 754-764 (2007).</li></ol>

Funding
The present study was supported by the University Hospital Hamburg (M.K., Woman Habilitation Grant), DFG (S.S., SCHR992/3-1), ISHLT (T.D., Research Award 2009).
Statement
All animals received human care in compliance with the Principles of Laboratory Animal Care, experiments on animals were performed in accordance with the guidelines and regulations set forth by the National Society for Medical research and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals published by the National Institutes of Health (National Institutes of Health publication 85-23, revised 1985).
All animals were obtained from Charles River Laboratories (Sulzfeld, Germany) and were maintained in the animal care facilities of the University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf. The animals received standard chow and water ad libitum.

In summary, this video visualizes the LAD-ligation model step-by-step and identifies LAD-ligations in mice as easily feasible surgical procedures.

lad-ligation: a murine model of myocardial infarction

Research models of infarction and myocardial ischemia are essential to investigate the acute and chronic pathobiological and pathophysiological processes in myocardial ischemia and to develop and optimize future treatment.
Two different methods of creating myocardial ischemia are performed in laboratory rodents. The first method is to create cryo infarction, a fast but inaccurate technique, where a cryo-pen is applied on the surface of the heart (1-3). Using this method the scientist can not guarantee that the cryo-scar leads to ischemia, also a vast myocardial injury is created that shows pathophysiological side effects that are not related to myocardial infarction. The second method is the permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Here the LAD is ligated with one single stitch, forming an ischemia that can be seen almost immediately. By closing the LAD, no further blood flow is permitted in that area, while the surrounding myocardial tissue is nearly not affected. This surgical procedure imitates the pathobiological and pathophysiological aspects occurring in infarction-related myocardial ischemia.
The method introduced in this video demonstrates the surgical procedure of a mouse infarction model by ligating the LAD. This model is convenient for pathobiological and pathophysiological as well as immunobiological studies on cardiac infarction. The shown technique provides high accuracy and correlates well with histological sections.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about LAD-Ligation: A Murine Model of Myocardial Infarction at JoVE.com

LAD-Ligation: A Murine Model of Myocardial Infarction

This video demonstrates how to use a fast and reliable model to study pathobiological and pathophysiological processes of myocardial ischemia.

Research models of infarction and myocardial ischemia are essential to investigate the acute and chronic pathobiological and pathophysiological processes ...

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44.4K Views.  University Heart Center Hamburg. This video demonstrates how to use a fast and reliable model to study pathobiological and pathophysiological processes of myocardial ischemia.

Video: LAD-Ligation: A Murine Model of Myocardial Infarction

Murine Pancreatic Islet Isolation

Murine Model of Hindlimb Ischemia 

In the United States, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects about 10 million individuals, and is also prevalent worldwide. Medical therapies for symptomatic relief are limited. Surgical or endovascular interventions are useful for some individuals, but long-term results are often disappointing. As a result, there is a need for developing new therapies to treat PAD. The murine hindlimb ischemia preparation is a model of PAD, and is useful for testing new therapies. When compared to other models of tissue ischemia such as coronary or cerebral artery ligation, femoral artery ligation provides for a simpler model of ischemic tissue. Other advantages of this model are the ease of access to the femoral artery and low mortality rate. 
In this video, we demonstrate the methodology for the murine model of unilateral hindimb ischemia. The specific materials and procedures for creating and evaluating the model will be described, including the assessment of limb perfusion by laser Doppler imaging. This protocol can also be utilized for the transplantation and non-invasive tracking of cells, which is demonstrated by Huang et al.1.

Murine Model of Hindlimb Ischemia

The surgical procedure for induction of unilateral hindlimb ischemia is demonstrated, with confirmation of ischemia by laser Doppler perfusion imaging.

In the United States, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects about 10 million individuals, and is also prevalent worldwide.  Medical therapies for ...

Murine Renal Transplantation Procedure

Renal orthotopic transplantation in mice is a technically challenging procedure. Although the first kidney transplants in mice were performed by Russell et al over 30 years ago (1) and refined by Zhang et al years later (2), few people in the world have mastered this procedure. In our laboratory we have successfully performed 1200 orthotopic kidney transplantations with &gt; 90% survival rate. The key points for success include stringent control of reperfusion injury, bleeding and thrombosis, both during the procedure and post-transplantation, and use of 10-0 instead of 11-0 suture for anastomoses.
Post-operative care and treatment of the recipient is extremely important to transplant success and evaluation. All renal graft recipients receive antibiotics in the form of an injection of penicillin immediately post-transplant and sulfatrim in the drinking water continually. Overall animal health is evaluated daily and whole blood creatinine analyses are performed routinely with a portable I-STAT machine to assess graft function.

Renal transplantation in mice is a technically challenging procedure that requires careful post-operative care and treatment for success.

Renal orthotopic transplantation in mice is a technically challenging procedure. Although the first kidney transplants in mice were performed by Russell ...

Rodent Working Heart Model for the Study of Myocardial Performance and Oxygen Consumption

Isolated working heart models have been used to understand the effects of loading conditions, heart rate and medications on myocardial performance in ways that cannot be accomplished in vivo. For example, inotropic medications commonly also affect preload and afterload, precluding load-independent assessments of their myocardial effects in vivo. Additionally, this model allows for sampling of coronary sinus effluent without contamination from systemic venous return, permitting assessment of myocardial oxygen consumption. Further, the advent of miniaturized pressure-volume catheters has allowed for the precise quantification of markers of both systolic and diastolic performance. We describe a model in which the left ventricle can be studied while performing both volume and pressure work under controlled conditions. 
In this technique, the heart and lungs of a Sprague-Dawley rat (weight 300-500 g) are removed en bloc under general anesthesia. The aorta is dissected free and cannulated for retrograde perfusion with oxygenated Krebs buffer. The pulmonary arteries and veins are ligated and the lungs removed from the preparation. The left atrium is then incised and cannulated using a separate venous cannula, attached to a preload block. Once this is determined to be leak-free, the left heart is loaded and retrograde perfusion stopped, creating the working heart model. The pulmonary artery is incised and cannulated for collection of coronary effluent and determination of myocardial oxygen consumption. A pressure-volume catheter is placed into the left ventricle either retrograde or through apical puncture. If desired, atrial pacing wires can be placed for more precise control of heart rate. This model allows for precise control of preload (using a left atrial pressure block), afterload (using an afterload block), heart rate (using pacing wires) and oxygen tension (using oxygen mixtures within the perfusate).

Isolated working heart models can be used to measure the effect of loading conditions, heart rate, and medications on myocardial performance and oxygen consumption. We describe methods for preparation of a rodent left heart working model that permits study of systolic and diastolic performance and oxygen consumption under various conditions.

Isolated working heart models have been used to understand the effects of loading conditions, heart rate and medications on myocardial performance in ways ...

The Murine Choline-Deficient, Ethionine-Supplemented (CDE) Diet Model of Chronic Liver Injury

Chronic liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, are characterized by continual inflammation, progressive destruction and regeneration of the hepatic parenchyma, liver progenitor cell proliferation, and fibrosis. The end-stage of every chronic liver disease is cirrhosis, a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. To study processes regulating disease initiation, establishment, and progression, several animal models are used in laboratories. Here we describe a six-week time course of the choline-deficient and ethionine-supplemented (CDE) mouse model, which involves feeding six-week old male C57BL/6J mice with choline-deficient chow and 0.15% DL-ethionine-supplemented drinking water. Monitoring of animal health and a typical body weight loss curve are explained. The protocol demonstrates the gross examination of a CDE-treated liver and blood collection by cardiac puncture for subsequent serum analyses. Next, the liver perfusion technique and collection of different hepatic lobes for standard evaluations are shown, including liver histology assessments by hematoxylin and eosin or Sirius Red stainings, immunofluorescent detection of hepatic cell populations as well as transcriptome profiling of the liver microenvironment. This mouse model is suitable for studying inflammatory, fibrogenic, and liver progenitor cell dynamics induced through chronic liver disease and can be used to test potential therapeutic agents that may modulate these processes.

The Murine Choline-Deficient, Ethionine-Supplemented CDE Diet Model of Chronic Liver Injury

Here we describe a common method to induce chronic liver injury in mice by feeding of a choline-deficient and ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet. We demonstrate health monitoring, liver perfusion, isolation, and preservation. A time course of six weeks can inform about liver injury, pathohistology, fibrosis, inflammatory, and liver progenitor cell responses.

Chronic liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, are characterized by continual ...

A Murine Model of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Bariatric surgery, such as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), is a surgery of the gastrointestinal tract that is performed for the purpose of weight loss. Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective long-term treatment for obesity. In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery produces additional health benefits such as remission of type 2 diabetes, remission of hypertension, and decreased risk of developing certain types of cancer. The mechanisms beyond weight loss for these benefits remain incompletely defined. Therefore, animal models of bariatric surgery are being developed and validated to identify the mechanisms leading to these benefits, with the goal of improving understanding of gastrointestinal physiology and identifying new therapeutic targets. VSG has become the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the clinic in the United States because it is highly effective at producing weight loss and metabolic improvement, and is simpler to perform than other bariatric procedures. Therefore, we have developed and validated a murine model of VSG. This murine VSG model recapitulates many of the effects of VSG seen in humans, including improved glucose and blood pressure regulation. The method is based on isolation of the stomach, ligation of gastric vessels, and removal of 70% of the stomach by transecting along the greater curvature of the stomach. We have successfully applied this surgical protocol to various genetically modified mouse lines to define the mechanistic contributors to the benefits of VSG. Furthermore, this murine VSG model has been combined with other surgical techniques, to achieve deeper mechanistic insight. Therefore, this is a simple and versatile model for studying gastrointestinal physiology and the health benefits of bariatric surgery.

The following describes the performance of vertical sleeve gastrectomy in mice. This is a type of weight-loss surgery that involves removal of approximately 70% of the stomach.

Bariatric surgery, such as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), is a surgery of the gastrointestinal tract that is performed for the purpose of weight loss. ...

Mass Spectrometry Analysis to Identify Ubiquitylation of EYFP-tagged CENP-A (EYFP-CENP-A)

Studying the structure and the dynamics of kinetochores and centromeres is important in understanding chromosomal instability (CIN) and cancer progression. How the chromosomal location and function of a centromere (i.e., centromere identity) are determined and participate in accurate chromosome segregation is a fundamental question. CENP-A is proposed to be the non-DNA indicator (epigenetic mark) of centromere identity, and CENP-A ubiquitylation is required for CENP-A deposition at the centromere, inherited through dimerization between cell division, and indispensable to cell viability.
Here we describe mass spectrometry analysis to identify ubiquitylation of EYFP-CENP-A K124R mutant suggesting that ubiquitylation at a different lysine is induced because of the EYFP tagging in the CENP-A K124R mutant protein. Lysine 306 (K306) ubiquitylation in EYFP-CENP-A K124R was successfully identified, which corresponds to lysine 56 (K56) in CENP-A through mass spectrometry analysis. A caveat is discussed in the use of GFP/EYFP or the tagging of high molecular weight protein as a tool to analyze the function of a protein. Current technical limit is also discussed for the detection of ubiquitylated bands, identification of site-specific ubiquitylation(s), and visualization of ubiquitylation in living cells or a specific single cell during the whole cell cycle.
The method of mass spectrometry analysis presented here can be applied to human CENP-A protein with different tags and other centromere-kinetochore proteins. These combinatory methods consisting of several assays/analyses could be recommended for researchers who are interested in identifying functional roles of ubiquitylation.

Mass Spectrometry Analysis to Identify Ubiquitylation of EYFP-tagged CENP-A EYFP-CENP-A

CENP-A ubiquitylation is an important requirement for CENP-A deposition at the centromere, inherited through dimerization between cell division, and indispensable to cell viability. Here we describe mass spectrometry analysis to identify ubiquitylation of EYFP-tagged CENP-A (EYFP-CENP-A) protein.

Studying the structure and the dynamics of kinetochores and centromeres is important in understanding chromosomal instability (CIN) and cancer ...

A Murine Model of a Burn Wound Reconstructed with an Allogeneic Skin Graft

Trivial superficial wounds heal without complications by primary intention. Deep wounds, such as full thickness burns, heal by secondary intention and require surgical debridement and skin grafting. Successful integration of the donor graft into a recipient wound bed depends on timely recruitment of immune cells, robust angiogenic response and new extracellular matrix formation. The development of novel therapeutic agents, which target some key processes involved in wound healing, are hindered by the lack of reliable preclinical models with optimized objective assessment of wound closure. Here, we describe an inexpensive and reproducible model of experimental full thickness burn wound reconstructed with an allogeneic skin graft. The wound is induced on the dorsum surface of anaesthetized inbred wild type mice from the BALB/C and SKH1-Hrhr backgrounds. The burn is produced using a brass template measuring 10 mm in diameter, which is preheated to 80 &#176;C and delivered at a constant pressure for 20 s. Burn eschar is excised 24 hours after the injury and replaced with a full thickness graft harvested from the tail of a genetically similar donor mouse. No specialized equipment is required for the procedure and surgical techniques are straightforward to follow. The method may be effortlessly implemented and reproduced in most research settings. Certain limitations are associated with the model. Due to technical difficulties, the harvest of thinner split thickness skin grafts is not possible. The surgical method we describe here allows for the reconstruction of burn wounds using full thickness skin grafts. It may be used to carry out preclinical therapeutic testing.

The aim of this study was to develop a murine model of burn wound healing. A thermal burn was induced on the dorsal skin of mice using a preheated brass template. Burned tissue was debrided and overlaid with a skin graft harvested from the tail of a genetically similar donor mouse.

Trivial superficial wounds heal without complications by primary intention. Deep wounds, such as full thickness burns, heal by secondary intention and ...

The Establishment of a Murine Mandibular Molar Extraction Socket Healing Model

This study introduces the development of a molar extraction model in the murine mandible to provide a practicable model for studying alveolar bone regeneration and intramembranous ossification. C57/J6 mice were used to extract the mandibular first molar to establish this model. They were euthanized, and the bilateral mandibles harvested, at 1 week and 4 weeks post-surgery, respectively. Subsequent serial stereoscopic harvest, histological assessment, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to demonstrate successful surgery. Immediately after surgery, the stereoscopic images displayed an empty extraction socket. The hematoxylin and eosin (H&#38;E) at 1 week and Masson staining at 4 weeks post-surgery showed that the area of the original root was partially and fully filled with bone trabeculae, respectively. The immunofluorescence staining showed that, compared with the homeostasis side, the Sp7 expression increased at 1 week post-surgery, suggesting vigorous osteogenesis in the alveolar fossa. All these results demonstrated a practicable murine tooth extraction socket healing model. Upcoming studies revealing the mechanisms of jawbone defect healing or socket healing could adopt this method.

This protocol demonstrates step-by-step details of how to extract the mandibular first molar in the mouse. It provides an alternative method for researchers focusing on jawbone healing and regeneration.

This study introduces the development of a molar extraction model in the murine mandible to provide a practicable model for studying alveolar bone ...

Exploring HR-Dependent Cardiac Performance Using an Atrial-Pacing Protocol

A Pacing-Controlled Procedure for the Assessment of Heart Rate-Dependent Diastolic Functions in Murine Heart Failure Models

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a condition characterized by diastolic dysfunction and exercise intolerance. While exercise-stressed hemodynamic tests or MRI can be used to detect diastolic dysfunction and diagnose HFpEF in humans, such modalities are limited in basic research using mouse models. A treadmill exercise test is commonly used for this purpose in mice, but its results can be influenced by body weight, skeletal muscle strength, and mental state. Here, we describe an atrial-pacing protocol to detect heart rate (HR)-dependent changes in diastolic performance and validate its usefulness in a mouse model of HFpEF. The method involves anesthetizing, intubating, and performing pressure-volume (PV) loop analysis concomitant with atrial pacing. In this work, a conductance catheter was inserted via a left ventricular apical approach, and an atrial pacing catheter was placed in the esophagus. Baseline PV loops were collected before the HR was slowed with ivabradine. PV loops were collected and analyzed at HR increments ranging from 400 bpm to 700 bpm via atrial pacing. Using this protocol, we clearly demonstrated HR-dependent diastolic impairment in a metabolically induced HFpEF model. Both the relaxation time constant (Tau) and the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR) worsened as the HR increased compared to control mice. In conclusion, this atrial pacing-controlled protocol is useful for detecting HR-dependent cardiac dysfunctions. It provides a new way to study the underlying mechanisms of diastolic dysfunction in HFpEF mouse models and may help develop new treatments for this condition.

Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach 

The present protocol describes obtaining the pressure-volume relationship through transesophageal pacing, which serves as a valuable tool in evaluating diastolic function&#160;in mouse models of heart failure.