Name: the perinatal asphyxiated lamb model: a model for newborn resuscitation
Uploaded: 2018-08-15T12:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about The Perinatal Asphyxiated Lamb Model: A Model for Newborn Resuscitation at JoVE.com

All protocols have been approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) by the State University of New York Buffalo. An illustration of the methodology depicting invasive and non-invasive monitoring is shown in Figure 1.
1. Animals
<ol>
	<li>Use time-dated, Q-fever seronegative, pregnant ewes (mixed-breed, Suffolk-Dorset-Katahdin breed) with fetal lambs at 127&#8211;143 days gestation. 
	NOTE: Sheep term gestation is 145 days and 127 ges...

<ol>
	<li>Wyckoff, M. H., Berg, R. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optimizing+chest+compressions+during+delivery-room+resuscitation.">Optimizing chest compressions during delivery-room resuscitation.</a> Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 13 (6), 410-415 (2008).</li><li>Black, R. E., 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=Global,+regional,+and+national+causes+of+child+mortality+in+2008:+a+systematic+analysis.">Global, regional, and national causes of child mortality in 2008: a systematic analysis.</a> Lancet. 375 (9730), 1969-1987 (2010).</li><li>Guglani, L., Lakshminrusimha, S., Ryan, R. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transient+tachypnea+of+the+newborn.">Transient tachypnea of the newborn.</a> Pediatr Rev. 29 (11), e59-e65 (2008).</li><li>Brown, M. J., Olver, R. E., Ramsden, C. A., Strang, L. B., Walters, D. V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+adrenaline+and+of+spontaneous+labour+on+the+secretion+and+absorption+of+lung+liquid+in+the+fetal+lamb.">Effects of adrenaline and of spontaneous labour on the secretion and absorption of lung liquid in the fetal lamb.</a> J Physiol. 344, 137-152 (1983).</li><li>Lakshminrusimha, S., Saugstad, O. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+fetal+circulation,+pathophysiology+of+hypoxemic+respiratory+failure+and+pulmonary+hypertension+in+neonates,+and+the+role+of+oxygen+therapy.">The fetal circulation, pathophysiology of hypoxemic respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension in neonates, and the role of oxygen therapy.</a> J Perinatol. 36 Suppl 2, S3-S11 (2016).</li><li>Wyckoff, M. 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=Part+13:+Neonatal+Resuscitation:+2015+American+Heart+Association+Guidelines+Update+for+Cardiopulmonary+Resuscitation+and+Emergency+Cardiovascular+Care.">Part 13: Neonatal Resuscitation: 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.</a> Circulation. 132 (18 suppl 2), S543-S560 (2015).</li><li>Bhatt, 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=Delaying+cord+clamping+until+ventilation+onset+improves+cardiovascular+function+at+birth+in+preterm+lambs.">Delaying cord clamping until ventilation onset improves cardiovascular function at birth in preterm lambs.</a> J Physiol. 591 (Pt 8), 2113-2126 (2013).</li><li>Katheria, A. C., Brown, M. K., Rich, W., Arnell, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Providing+a+Placental+Transfusion+in+Newborns+Who+Need+Resuscitation).">Providing a Placental Transfusion in Newborns Who Need Resuscitation).</a> Front Pediatr. 5 (1), (2017).</li><li>Kapadia, V. S., Wyckoff, M. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Drugs+during+delivery+room+resuscitation--what,+when+and+why?.">Drugs during delivery room resuscitation--what, when and why?.</a> Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 18 (6), 357-361 (2013).</li><li>Barcroft, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Researches on Pre-natal Life. 1, 292 (1946).</li><li>Dawes, G. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Foetal and Neonatal Physiosolgy. A Comparative Study of the Changes at Birth. , (1968).</li><li>Rudolph, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Congenital Diseases of the Heart: Clinical-Physiological Considerations. , 1-24 (2009).</li><li>Sobotka, K. 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=An+initial+sustained+inflation+improves+the+respiratory+and+cardiovascular+transition+at+birth+in+preterm+lambs.">An initial sustained inflation improves the respiratory and cardiovascular transition at birth in preterm lambs.</a> Pediatr Res. 70 (1), 56-60 (2011).</li><li>Polglase, G. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Positive+end-expiratory+pressure+differentially+alters+pulmonary+hemodynamics+and+oxygenation+in+ventilated,+very+premature+lambs.">Positive end-expiratory pressure differentially alters pulmonary hemodynamics and oxygenation in ventilated, very premature lambs.</a> J Appl Physiol (1985). 99 (4), 1453-1461 (2005).</li><li>Lakshminrusimha, 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=Oxygen+concentration+and+pulmonary+hemodynamics+in+newborn+lambs+with+pulmonary+hypertension.">Oxygen concentration and pulmonary hemodynamics in newborn lambs with pulmonary hypertension.</a> Pediatr Res. 66 (5), 539-544 (2009).</li><li>Lakshminrusimha, 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=Pulmonary+hemodynamics+in+neonatal+lambs+resuscitated+with+21%,+50%+and+100%+oxygen.">Pulmonary hemodynamics in neonatal lambs resuscitated with 21%, 50% and 100% oxygen.</a> Pediatr Res. 62 (3), 313-318 (2007).</li><li>Hooper, S. B., 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=Cardiovascular+transition+at+birth:+a+physiological+sequence.">Cardiovascular transition at birth: a physiological sequence.</a> Pediatr Res. 77 (5), 608-614 (2015).</li><li>Vali, P., 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=Evaluation+of+Timing+and+Route+of+Epinephrine+in+a+Neonatal+Model+of+Asphyxial+Arrest.">Evaluation of Timing and Route of Epinephrine in a Neonatal Model of Asphyxial Arrest.</a> J Am Heart Assoc. 6 (2), (2017).</li><li>Vali, P., 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=Continuous+Chest+Compressions+During+Sustained+Inflations+in+a+Perinatal+Asphyxial+Cardiac+Arrest+Lamb+Model.">Continuous Chest Compressions During Sustained Inflations in a Perinatal Asphyxial Cardiac Arrest Lamb Model.</a> Pediatr Crit Care Med. , (2017).</li><li>Vali, P., 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=Hemodynamics+and+gas+exchange+during+chest+compressions+in+neonatal+resuscitation.">Hemodynamics and gas exchange during chest compressions in neonatal resuscitation.</a> PLoS One. 12 (4), e0176478 (2017).</li><li>Tana, 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=Determination+of+Lung+Volume+and+Hemodynamic+Changes+During+High-Frequency+Ventilation+Recruitment+in+Preterm+Neonates+With+Respiratory+Distress+Syndrome.">Determination of Lung Volume and Hemodynamic Changes During High-Frequency Ventilation Recruitment in Preterm Neonates With Respiratory Distress Syndrome.</a> Crit Care Med. 43 (8), 1685-1691 (2015).</li><li>Morin, F. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ligating+the+ductus+arteriosus+before+birth+causes+persistent+pulmonary+hypertension+in+the+newborn+lamb.">Ligating the ductus arteriosus before birth causes persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn lamb.</a> Pediatr Res. 25 (3), 245-250 (1989).</li><li>Morin, F. C., Egan, E. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pulmonary+hemodynamics+in+fetal+lambs+during+development+at+normal+and+increased+oxygen+tension.">Pulmonary hemodynamics in fetal lambs during development at normal and increased oxygen tension.</a> J Appl Physiol (1985). 73 (1), 213-218 (1992).</li><li>Morin, F. C., Egan, E. A., Ferguson, W., Lundgren, C. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+pulmonary+vascular+response+to+oxygen.">Development of pulmonary vascular response to oxygen.</a> Am J Physiol. 254 (3 Pt 2), H542-H546 (1988).</li><li>Rawat, 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=Neonatal+resuscitation+adhering+to+oxygen+saturation+guidelines+in+asphyxiated+lambs+with+meconium+aspiration.">Neonatal resuscitation adhering to oxygen saturation guidelines in asphyxiated lambs with meconium aspiration.</a> Pediatr Res. , (2015).</li><li>Chandrasekharan, P. K., 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=Continuous+End-Tidal+Carbon+Dioxide+Monitoring+during+Resuscitation+of+Asphyxiated+Term+Lambs.">Continuous End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Monitoring during Resuscitation of Asphyxiated Term Lambs.</a> Neonatology. 109 (4), 265-273 (2016).</li><li>Lakshminrusimha, 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=Tracheal+suctioning+improves+gas+exchange+but+not+hemodynamics+in+asphyxiated+lambs+with+meconium+aspiration.">Tracheal suctioning improves gas exchange but not hemodynamics in asphyxiated lambs with meconium aspiration.</a> Pediatr Res. 77 (2), 347-355 (2015).</li><li>Meuli, 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=In+utero+surgery+rescues+neurological+function+at+birth+in+sheep+with+spina+bifida.">In utero surgery rescues neurological function at birth in sheep with spina bifida.</a> Nat Med. 1 (4), 342-347 (1995).</li><li>Meuli, 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=Creation+of+myelomeningocele+in+utero:+a+model+of+functional+damage+from+spinal+cord+exposure+in+fetal+sheep.">Creation of myelomeningocele in utero: a model of functional damage from spinal cord exposure in fetal sheep.</a> J Pediatr Surg. 30 (7), 1028-1032 (1995).</li><li>Adzick, N. 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=Correction+of+congenital+diaphragmatic+hernia+in+utero.+IV.+An+early+gestational+fetal+lamb+model+for+pulmonary+vascular+morphometric+analysis.">Correction of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in utero. IV. An early gestational fetal lamb model for pulmonary vascular morphometric analysis.</a> J Pediatr Surg. 20 (6), 673-680 (1985).</li><li>Harrison, M. R., Bressack, M. A., Churg, A. M., de Lorimier, A. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Correction+of+congenital+diaphragmatic+hernia+in+utero.+II.+Simulated+correction+permits+fetal+lung+growth+with+survival+at+birth.">Correction of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in utero. II. Simulated correction permits fetal lung growth with survival at birth.</a> Surgery. 88 (2), 260-268 (1980).</li><li>Turley, K., 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=Intrauterine+cardiothoracic+surgery:+the+fetal+lamb+model.">Intrauterine cardiothoracic surgery: the fetal lamb model.</a> Ann Thorac Surg. 34 (4), 422-426 (1982).</li><li>Reddy, V. 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=In+utero+placement+of+aortopulmonary+shunts.+A+model+of+postnatal+pulmonary+hypertension+with+increased+pulmonary+blood+flow+in+lambs.">In utero placement of aortopulmonary shunts. A model of postnatal pulmonary hypertension with increased pulmonary blood flow in lambs.</a> Circulation. 92 (3), 606-613 (1995).</li><li>Hemway, R. J., Christman, C., Perlman, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+3:1+is+superior+to+a+15:2+ratio+in+a+newborn+manikin+model+in+terms+of+quality+of+chest+compressions+and+number+of+ventilations.">The 3:1 is superior to a 15:2 ratio in a newborn manikin model in terms of quality of chest compressions and number of ventilations.</a> Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 98 (1), F42-F45 (2013).</li><li>Solev&#229;g, A. L., Schm&#246;lzer, G. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optimal+Chest+Compression+Rate+and+Compression+to+Ventilation+Ratio+in+Delivery+Room+Resuscitation:+Evidence+from+Newborn+Piglets+and+Neonatal+Manikins.">Optimal Chest Compression Rate and Compression to Ventilation Ratio in Delivery Room Resuscitation: Evidence from Newborn Piglets and Neonatal Manikins.</a> Frontiers in Pediatrics. 5 (3), (2017).</li><li>Solev&#229;g, A. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chest+compressions+in+newborn+animal+models:+A+review.">Chest compressions in newborn animal models: A review.</a> Resuscitation. 96, 151-155 (2015).</li></ol>

The lamb model is comparable in size to human newborns and allows easy instrumentation to measure invasive hemodynamic variables. The fetal/newborn lamb model has been an invaluable research tool that has richly contributed to understanding the transitioning circulation, as well as the newborn&#39;s pulmonary and cardiovascular physiology. Several experimental lamb models have been established over the years to study optimal ventilation strategies in preterm lambs13,14...

Perinatal asphyxia occurs in roughly 4 per 1,000 term births in the United States and is responsible for approximately 25% of the 4 million neonatal deaths worldwide1,2. Throughout the fetus&#39;s natural development, several adaptations must take place during labor and at birth to allow for a seamless transition from the intra- to the extrauterine environment when the lungs take on the role of the placenta as the organ of gas exchange. Any failure of the newborn to adequately transition at birth further compromises resuscitative efforts. Instances when fetal lung clearance is incomplete or delayed3,4, and circumstances that result in a persistent high pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)5 impact the efficacy of ventilation, which remains the most important intervention in the resuscitation of the asphyxiated newborn6. In addition, immediate clamping of the umbilical cord and removal of the low-resistance placenta can lead to abrupt changes in cardiac output that may cause myocardial dysfunction7,8.
Owing to the infrequent need for aggressive resuscitation (need for chest compressions and/or epinephrine administration)1,9, there is a lack of strong evidence from large randomized clinical trials to support the current neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) guidelines. Many translational research studies in neonatal resuscitation are conducted using postnatal animal models (particularly piglets) that fail to adequately depict the transitioning fetal circulation and fluid-filled lungs inherent to the newborn in the delivery room. Given the unique challenges related to transition from fetal circulation to neonatal circulation, the perinatal asphyxiated cardiac arrest fetal lamb model is ideal to study newborn resuscitative physiology.
The studies by Joseph Barcroft on fetal lambs, as early as the 1930&#39;s, laid the foundation for fetal and neonatal physiology10. In the second half of the 20th century, Geoffrey Dawes&#39; innovative and meticulous experiments on fetal lamb models, and later those by Abraham Rudolph have tremendously contributed to the knowledge of cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology in the fetus11,12. In recent years, studies on fetal/neonatal lamb models have provided a better understanding of the impact of ventilation on hemodynamics13,14, the effects of oxygenation on PVR15,16, as well as the circulatory changes that occur during cord clamping7,17. Finally, in the past year, the newborn lamb has served as a novel model to study the hemodynamic effects during resuscitation18,19,20. A step-by-step narrative of what is involved in conducting a lamb experiment, as well as a detailed description of the surgical instrumentations and the experimental methodology will be presented.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="819">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Babcock forceps</td>
			<td>Miltex</td>
			<td>16-44</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:216px;">Blood pressure transducer</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">P23XL-1</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Used with saline filled diaphragm domes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Blunt tipped scissors</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Miltex</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">98SCS50-56</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:216px;">Capnograph</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Philips</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">7900</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Used with Neonatal Flow Sensors</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Cautery pencil</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Valley Lab</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">287879</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Cautery unit</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Valley Lab</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">SSE2K</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Curved Forceps</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Everost</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">711714</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Data acquisition software</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Biopac Systems Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">ACK100W</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">EKG</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Biopac Systems Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">ECG100C</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Endotracheal tube -cuffed</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Rusch</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">111780035</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Flow modulator</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Transonic Systems Inc.&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">T403</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Flow-probe</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Transonic Systems Inc.&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">MC4PSS-LS-WC100-CM4B-GA</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Gastric tube</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Jorgensen Labs Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">J0106LE</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">To decompress and drain ewe stomach</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Hair clipper</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Andis Company</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">65340</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">&#160;# 40 Clipper Blade</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Infant radiant warmer</td>
			<td>GE healthcare</td>
			<td>7810</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Intravenous catheters</td>
			<td>Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td>381234</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Iris surgical scissors</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Patterson</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">510585</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Kelly Foreceps</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Patterson</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">510535</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Mosquito Forceps</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">RICA Surgical Products INC</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">1-74</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Near-infrared spectroscopy</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Nonin Medical Inc.&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">X-100M</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Sensmart Equanox &#38; PureSAT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">RSO2 Sensor</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Nonin Medical Inc.&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">8004CB-NA</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Neonatal&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Scalpel handle and blade</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Everost</td>
			<td>707203</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Sutures -silk 2-0</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Covidien</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">SS-695</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Used for tying catheters to vessels</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Sutures -vicryl&#160; 2-0</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Ethicon</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">J269H</td>
			<td style="width:200px;">Used for closing thoracotomy&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">T-piece resuscitator</td>
			<td>Neo-Tee</td>
			<td>MCM1050812</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Umbilical ties</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Jorgensen Labs Inc.</td>
			<td>J0025UA</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Weitlander Retractor</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Miltex</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">11-625</td>
			<td style="width:200px;"></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

the perinatal asphyxiated lamb model: a model for newborn resuscitation

Birth asphyxia accounts for nearly one million deaths worldwide each year, and is one of the primary causes of early neonatal morbidity and mortality. Many aspects of the current neonatal resuscitation guidelines remain controversial given the difficulties in conducting randomized clinical trials owing to the infrequent and often unpredictable need for extensive resuscitation. Most studies on neonatal resuscitation stem from manikin models that fail to truly reflect physiologic changes or piglet models that have cleared their lung fluid and that have completed the transition from fetal to neonatal circulation. The present protocol provides a detailed step-by-step description on how to create a perinatal asphyxiated fetal lamb model. The proposed model has a transitioning circulation and fluid-filled lungs, which mimics human newborns following delivery, and is, therefore, an excellent animal model to study newborn physiology. An important limitation to lamb experiments is the higher associated cost.

Following instrumentation of the fetal lambs, hemodynamic variables can be recorded (Figure 3 and Figure 4), then analyzed and interpreted (Figure 5). Frequent blood samples can be collected, and Figure 6 shows the pH and PaCO2 data from one of the experiments. Occasionally, catheters or flow probes may malfunction or get dislodged and data can, therefore, not...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about The Perinatal Asphyxiated Lamb Model: A Model for Newborn Resuscitation at JoVE.com

The Perinatal Asphyxiated Lamb Model: A Model for Newborn Resuscitation

Invasive instrumentation of the fetal lamb provides accurate physiologic measurements of the transitioning circulation in a model that closely mimics the newly born infant.

Birth asphyxia accounts for nearly one million deaths worldwide each year, and is one of the primary causes of early neonatal morbidity and mortality. ...

This model can help answer key questions in the field of neonatal resuscitation and birth asphyxia. The main advantage of this model is that we can accurately study the physiological changes during fetal to neonatal transition with our known instrumentation. The implications of this technique extend towards the therapy of birth asphyxia as well as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.Researchers new to this method may struggle because there are many steps designed specifically for this species and our intended instrumentational goal. Visual demonstration of this method is critical as particular care is needed for the placement of the pulmonary and ductal flow probes during the open-chest procedure. To perform the Caesarian section, use cautery to make a 15 to 18-centimeter abdominal skin incision over the linea alba of an anesthetized pregnant ewe to expose the fascia and use blunt-tipped scissors to create and extend the incision.After locating and exteriorizing the fetal head, hold the head with one hand and use the cautery to make a 10-centimeter incision through the uterine wall over the animal's forehead. Use a 3 1/2 to 4 1/2-millimeter cuffed endotracheal tube to intubate the partially exposed animal and inflate the cuff, then tilt the head to the side to allow the excess fetal lung fluid to drain passively and occlude the endotracheal tube to limit spontaneous breathing. For neck vessel instrumentation, tent the skin and administer subcutaneous analgesia on each side of the neck of the fetal animal approximately six centimeters distal to the head adjacent to the trachea and make a single, three-centimeter skin incision on each side of the neck by cautery.Isolate the right external jugular vein and right common carotid artery by blunt dissection of the fascia and place two 20-centimeter zero silk sutures one centimeter apart under both vessels. Gently lift each suture to restrict the blood flow and use Iris surgical scissors to make a partial one to two-millimeter transverse cut into the vessel between the sutures. Insert one 15 or 17 gauge catheter into the right carotid artery caudally toward the aortic arch for blood pressure monitoring and blood sampling.Insert a 14 or 16 gauge pre-flushed catheter seven to 10 centimeters caudally within the jugular vein towards the right atrium for fluid and medication administration. Then, insert a second catheter approximately five centimeters rostrally to collect blood from the cerebral circulation. Next, extend the left incision one to two centimeters into a T shape.Isolate the carotid artery and place a two-millimeter perivascular flow probe around the vessel to measure the blood flow. Stabilize the probe with a flexible, one-centimeter polymer sleeve and place the flow probe cable line into the T-shaped incision so that the cable runs parallel with the vessel. Then close the skin incision, tying the cable with a loop to ensure appropriate position and minimal risk of displacement.For great vessel instrumentation, extend the left forelimb behind the neck to extract the fetal lamb, fully exposing the left side of the chest and cover the animal with polyethylene wrap to prevent heat loss. Subcutaneously infiltrate three milliliters of analgesia along the fourth intercostal space and use cautery to make a six-centimeter skin incision into the same region. Use blunt, curved forceps to carefully pierce the intercostal muscle, circling the tips under the third rib and coming out between the next intercostal space.Open the forceps to grasp a piece of zero silk and pull the suture back through the incision to encircle the rib, then clamp the ties around the rib. Next, gently pull up both silk ties and insert a cotton-tipped applicator into the chest under the fourth intercostal space to protect the chest contents while using cautery and blunt dissection to extend the intercostal space to six to eight centimeters. Place a rib spreader into the chest opening to reveal the left upper lobes of the lung and of the heart covered by the pericardium.Envelop the lung with a two-by-two inch gauze and gently push any exposed tissue away from the surgical area. Using forceps, lift the pericardium and cut along the main pulmonary artery, taking care not to cut the vagal nerve. Use an applicator stick to keep the right atrium from interfering with the lateral cut of the pericardium along the vagal nerve.Now that the pericardium is open, it reveals the main pulmonary artery, which splits into the ductus arteriosus and the left and right branches of the pulmonary artery. Effective transition at birth is evaluated by study of the change in flow as blood passes into the lung rather than continuing fetal circulation through the ductus. Locate the ductal pulmonary artery notch and move Gemini forceps carefully around and behind the left pulmonary artery to encircle the artery carefully, avoiding the right pulmonary artery notch and advancing the forceps only when there is no resistance.When the tip of the forceps is observed on the other side of the vessel, open the tips just far enough to grab one end of a pre-moistened piece of umbilical tape and gently retract the forceps to pull the tape into position. Ties are placed around vessels in preparation for a flow probe insertion. Gently lift the umbilical tape to allow the L-bracket of a four to eight-millimeter perivascular flow probe to be guided around each vessel along the opening established by the tape and redirect the tape toward the back of the probe to help move the flow probe into place.When the end of the L-bracket is visible, secure the sliding closure and carefully cut one end of the umbilical tape close to the probe, gently pulling the other end of the tape to remove it from the vessel. Instrumentation complete, measurement of these flows following birth gives insight to lung function and effective transition to air breathing. Use a tapered needle and a 2-0 synthetic monofilament suture to close the chest in layers and a cutting needle and 2-0 silk suture to secure the cables of the flow probes to the outer skin with a loop.To initiate the experimental protocol, check that the endotracheal tube is occluded and tie and cut the umbilical cord. Move the lamb to a radiant warmer and insert umbilical venous and arterial catheters. After asphyxial arrest, initiate the neonatal resuscitation program guidelines with 30 seconds of ventilation followed by three-to-one chest compressions and epinephrine administration every three minutes.Following instrumentation, hemodynamic variables can be recorded, analyzed, and interpreted. Frequent blood samples can be collected to allow, for example, the assessment of the pH and the partial pressure of oxygen of the samples at different time points throughout the resuscitation procedure. Occasionally the catheters or flow probes may malfunction or get dislodged, preventing data collection and analysis.Once mastered, instrumentation can be completed in two hours. It's also important to work with a trained team with assigned roles to ensure that all tasks are completed consistently. The animal in this model has a transitioning circulation and fluid-filled lungs simulating human newborns following delivery and is therefore an excellent model for studying newborn physiology.This perinatal lamb model resembles a depressed newborn baby in the delivery room. Studies on this model will optimize resuscitation of asphyxiated neonates worldwide.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Normothermic Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Mouse Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common, highly lethal, complication of critical illness which has a high mortality1-4 and which is most 
frequently caused by whole-body hypoperfusion.5,6 Successful reproduction of whole-body hypoperfusion in rodent models has been fraught with 
difficulty.7-9,9,10 Models which employ focal ischemia have repeatedly demonstrated results which do not translate to the clinical setting, and larger 
animal models which allow for whole body hypoperfusion lack access to the full toolset of genetic manipulation possible in the mouse.11,12 However, in recent 
years a mouse model of cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation has emerged which can be adapted to model AKI.13 This model reliably reproduces 
physiologic, functional, anatomic, and histologic outcomes seen in clinical AKI, is rapidly repeatable, and offers all of the significant advantages of a murine surgical 
model, including access to genetic manipulative techniques, low cost relative to large animals, and ease of use. Our group has developed extensive experience 
with use of this model to assess a number of organ-specific outcomes in AKI.14,15

A powerful model for perioperative and critical care related acute kidney injury is presented. Using whole body hypoperfusion induced by cardiac arrest it is possible to nearly replicate the histologic and functional changes of clinical AKI.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common, highly lethal, complication of critical illness which has a high mortality1-4 and which is most 
frequently caused ...

A Rat Model of Ventricular Fibrillation and Resuscitation by Conventional Closed-chest Technique

A rat model of electrically-induced ventricular fibrillation followed by cardiac resuscitation using a closed chest technique that incorporates the basic components of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in humans is herein described. The model was developed in 1988 and has been used in approximately 70 peer-reviewed publications examining a myriad of resuscitation aspects including its physiology and pathophysiology, determinants of resuscitability, pharmacologic interventions, and even the effects of cell therapies. The model featured in this presentation includes: (1) vascular catheterization to measure aortic and right atrial pressures, to measure cardiac output by thermodilution, and to electrically induce ventricular fibrillation; and (2) tracheal intubation for positive pressure ventilation with oxygen enriched gas and assessment of the end-tidal CO2. A typical sequence of intervention entails: (1) electrical induction of ventricular fibrillation, (2) chest compression using a mechanical piston device concomitantly with positive pressure ventilation delivering oxygen-enriched gas, (3) electrical shocks to terminate ventricular fibrillation and reestablish cardiac activity, (4) assessment of post-resuscitation hemodynamic and metabolic function, and (5) assessment of survival and recovery of organ function. A robust inventory of measurements is available that includes &#8211; but is not limited to &#8211; hemodynamic, metabolic, and tissue measurements. The model has been highly effective in developing new resuscitation concepts and examining novel therapeutic interventions before their testing in larger and translationally more relevant animal models of cardiac arrest and resuscitation.

This article describes a rat model of electrically-induced ventricular fibrillation and resuscitation by chest compression, ventilation, and delivery of electrical shocks that simulates an episode of sudden cardiac arrest and conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The model enables gathering insights on the pathophysiology of cardiac arrest and exploration of new resuscitation strategies.

A rat model of electrically-induced ventricular fibrillation followed by cardiac resuscitation using a closed chest technique that incorporates the basic ...

A Piglet Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Birth asphyxia, which causes hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), accounts for 0.66 million deaths worldwide each year, about a quarter of the world&#8217;s 2.9 million neonatal deaths. Animal models of HIE have contributed to the understanding of the pathophysiology in HIE, and have highlighted the dynamic process that occur in brain injury due to perinatal asphyxia. Thus, animal studies have suggested a time-window for post-insult treatment strategies. Hypothermia has been tested as a treatment for HIE in pdiglet models and subsequently proven effective in clinical trials. Variations of the model have been applied in the study of adjunctive neuroprotective methods and piglet studies of xenon and melatonin have led to clinical phase I and II trials1,2. The piglet HIE model is further used for neonatal resuscitation- and hemodynamic studies as well as in investigations of cerebral hypoxia on a cellular level. However, it is a technically challenging model and variations in the protocol may result in either too mild or too severe brain injury. In this article, we demonstrate the technical procedures necessary for establishing a stable piglet model of neonatal HIE. First, the newborn piglet (&#60; 24 hr old, median weight 1500 g) is anesthetized, intubated, and monitored in a setup comparable to that found in a neonatal intensive care unit. Global hypoxia-ischemia is induced by lowering the inspiratory oxygen fraction to achieve global hypoxia, ischemia through hypotension and a flat trace amplitude integrated EEG (aEEG) indicative of cerebral hypoxia. Survival is promoted by adjusting oxygenation according to the aEEG response and blood pressure. Brain injury is quantified by histopathology and magnetic resonance imaging after 72 hr.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy following perinatal asphyxia can be studied using animal models. We demonstrate the procedures necessary for establishing a piglet model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Birth asphyxia, which causes hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), accounts for 0.66 million deaths worldwide each year, about a quarter of the ...

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation

Human small intestinal enteroids are derived from the crypts and when grown in a stem cell niche contain all of the epithelial cell types. The ability to establish human enteroid ex vivo culture systems are important to model intestinal pathophysiology and to study the particular cellular responses involved. In recent years, enteroids from mice and humans are being cultured, passaged, and banked away for future use in several laboratories across the world. This enteroid platform can be used to test the effects of various treatments and drugs and what effects are exerted on different cell types in the intestine. Here, a protocol for establishing primary stem cell-derived small intestinal enteroids derived from neonatal mice and premature human intestine is provided. Moreover, this enteroid culture system was utilized to test the effects of species-specific breast milk. Mouse breast milk can be obtained efficiently using a modified human breast pump and expressed mouse milk can then be used for further research experiments. We now demonstrate the effects of expressed mouse, human, and donor breast milk on the growth and proliferation of enteroids derived from neonatal mice or premature human small intestine.

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation

This protocol describes how to establish an enteroid culture system from neonatal mouse or premature human intestine as well as an efficient method to collect milk from mice.

Human small intestinal enteroids are derived from the crypts and when grown in a stem cell niche contain all of the epithelial cell types. The ability to ...

Isometric Contractility Measurement of the Mouse Mesenteric Artery Using Wire Myography

The wire myograph technique is used to assess the contractility of vascular smooth muscles in response to depolarization, GPCR agonists/inhibitors and drugs. It is widely used in many studies on the physiological functions of vascular smooth muscle, the pathogenesis of vascular diseases such as hypertension, and the development of smooth muscle relaxant drugs. The mouse is a widely used model animal with a large pool of disease models and genetically modified strains. We introduced this method to measure the isometric contraction of mouse mesenteric artery in detail. A 1.4-mm segment of mouse mesenteric resistance artery was isolated and mounted on a myograph chamber by passing two steel wires through its lumen. After equilibration and normalization steps, the vessel segment was potentiated by a high-K+ solution twice prior to the contraction assay. As an example of the application of this method in drug development, we measured the relaxant effect of a novel natural substance, neoliensinine, isolated from a Chinese herb, embryos of the lotus seed (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) on mouse mesenteric arteries. The vessel segments mounted on the myograph chamber were stimulated with a high-K+ solution. When the force tension reached a stable sustained phase, cumulative doses of neoliensinine were added to the chamber. We found that neoliensinine had a dose-dependent relaxant effect on smooth muscle contraction, thus suggesting that it bears potential activity against hypertension. In addition, as the vessel segment can survive at least 4 hours after mounting and maintain contractility induced by the high-K+ solution for many times, we suggest that the wire myograph system may be used for the time-consuming process of drug screening.

The wire myograph technique is used to investigate vascular smooth muscle functions and screen new drugs. We report a detailed protocol for measuring the isometric contractility of the mouse mesenteric artery and for screening new relaxants of vascular smooth muscle.

The wire myograph technique is used to assess the contractility of vascular smooth muscles in response to depolarization, GPCR agonists/inhibitors and ...

The Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill for Knee Osteoarthritis Rehabilitation

Here, based on a clinician&rsquo;s point-of-view, we propose a two-model lower body positive pressure (LBPP) protocol (walking and squatting models) in addition to a clinical, functional assessment methodology, including details for further encouragement of the development of non-drug surgical intervention strategies in knee osteoarthritis patients. However, we only present the effect of LBPP training in improvement of pain and knee function in one patient through three-dimensional gait analysis. The exact, long-term effects of this approach should be explored in future studies.

Here, based on a clinician&#8217;s point-of-view, we propose a two-model lower body positive pressure (LBPP) protocol (walking and squatting models) in addition to a clinical, functional assessment methodology, including details for further encouragement of the development of non-drug surgical intervention strategies in knee osteoarthritis patients. However, we only present the effect of LBPP training in improvement of pain and knee function in one patient through three-dimensional gait analysis. The exact, long-term effects of this approach should be explored in future studies.

Here, based on a clinician&rsquo;s point-of-view, we propose a two-model lower body positive pressure (LBPP) protocol (walking and squatting models) in ...

Noninvasive Electrocardiography in the Perinatal Mouse

Electrocardiography (ECG) has long been relied upon as an effective and reliable method of assessing cardiovascular (and cardiopulmonary) function in both human and animal models of disease. Individual heart rate, rhythm, and regularity, combined with quantitative parameters collected from ECG, serve to assess the integrity of the cardiac conduction system as well as the integrated physiology of the cardiac cycle. This article provides a comprehensive description of the methods and techniques used to perform a noninvasive ECG on perinatal and neonatal mouse pups as early as the first postnatal day, without requiring the use of anesthetics. This protocol was designed to directly address a need for a standardized and repeatable method for obtaining ECG in newborn mice. From a translational perspective, this protocol proves to be entirely effective for characterization of congenital cardiopulmonary defects generated using transgenic mouse lines, and particularly for analysis of defects causing lethality at or during the first postnatal days. This protocol also aims to directly address a gap in the scientific literature to characterize and provide normative data associated with maturation of the early postnatal cardiac conduction system. This method is not limited to a specific postnatal timepoint, but rather allows for ECG data collection in neonatal mouse pups from birth to postnatal day 10 (P10), a window that is of critical importance for modeling human diseases in vivo, with particular emphasis on congenital heart disease (CHD).

Here, we present a noninvasive electrocardiography (ECG) protocol, optimized for early postnatal mice, that does not require the use of anesthetics.

Electrocardiography (ECG) has long been relied upon as an effective and reliable method of assessing cardiovascular (and cardiopulmonary) function in both ...

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Chorioamnionitis is a common precipitant of preterm birth and is associated with many of the morbidities of prematurity, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). However, a mechanistic link between these two conditions remains yet to be discovered. We have adopted a murine model of chorioamnionitis involving lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fetal exposure to maternal inflammation (FEMI). This model of FEMI induces a sterile maternal, placental, and fetal inflammatory cascade, which is also present in many cases of clinical chorioamnionitis. Although models exist that utilize live bacteria and more accurately mimic the pathophysiology of an ascending infection resulting in chorioamnionitis, these methods may cause indirect effects on development of the immature intestinal tract and the associated developing microbiome. Using this protocol, we have demonstrated that LPS-induced FEMI results in a dose-dependent increase in pregnancy loss and preterm birth, as well as disruption of normal intestinal development in offspring. Further, we have demonstrated that FEMI significantly increases intestinal injury and serum cytokines in offspring, while simultaneously decreasing goblet and Paneth cells, both of which provide a first line of innate immunity against intestinal inflammation. Although a similar model of LPS-induced FEMI has been used to model the association between chorioamnionitis and subsequent abnormalities of the central nervous system, to our knowledge, this protocol is the first to attempt to elucidate a mechanistic link between chorioamnionitis and later perturbations in intestinal development as a potential link between chorioamnionitis and NEC.

We developed a model of chorioamnionitis to simulate fetal exposure to maternal inflammation (FEMI) without complications of live organisms to examine the effects of FEMI on development of the offspring&#8217;s intestinal tract. This allows for study of mechanistic causes for development of intestinal injury following chorioamnionitis.

Chorioamnionitis is a common precipitant of preterm birth and is associated with many of the morbidities of prematurity, including necrotizing ...

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia caused by structural remodeling of the atria, also called atrial myopathy. Current therapies only target the electrical abnormalities and not the underlying atrial myopathy. For the development of novel therapies, a reproducible large animal model of atrial myopathy is necessary. This paper presents a model of sterile pericarditis-induced atrial myopathy in Aachener minipigs. Sterile pericarditis was induced by spraying sterile talcum and leaving a layer of sterile gauze over the atrial epicardial surface. This led to inflammation and fibrosis, two crucial components of the pathophysiology of atrial myopathy, making the atria susceptible to the induction of AF. Two pacemaker electrodes were positioned epicardially on each atrium and connected to two pacemakers from different manufacturers. This strategy allowed for repeated non-invasive atrial programmed stimulation to determine the inducibility of AF at specified time points after surgery. Different protocols to test AF inducibility were used. The advantages of this model are its clinical relevance, with AF inducibility and the rapid induction of inflammation and fibrosis-both present in atrial myopathy-and its reproducibility. The model will be useful in the development of novel therapies targeting atrial myopathy and AF.

We describe a sterile pericarditis model in minipigs to study atrial myopathy and atrial fibrillation (AF). We present surgical and anesthetic techniques, strategies for vascular access, and a protocol to study the inducibility of AF.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia caused by structural remodeling of the atria, also called atrial myopathy. Current therapies only ...

In Vitro Apical-Out Enteroid Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease affecting preterm infants, characterized by intestinal inflammation and necrosis. Enteroids have recently emerged as a promising system to model gastrointestinal pathologies. However, currently utilized methods for enteroid manipulation either lack access to the apical surface of the epithelium (three-dimensional [3D]) or are time-consuming and resource-intensive (two-dimensional [2D] monolayers). These methods often require additional steps, such as microinjection, for the model to become physiologically translatable. Here, we describe a physiologically relevant and inexpensive protocol for studying NEC in vitro by reversing enteroid polarity, resulting in the apical surface facing outward (apical-out). An immunofluorescent staining protocol to examine enteroid barrier integrity and junctional protein expression following exposure to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-&#945;) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) under normoxic or hypoxic conditions is also provided. The viability of 3D apical-out enteroids exposed to normoxic or hypoxic LPS or TNF-&#945; for 24 h is also evaluated. Enteroids exposed to either LPS or TNF-&#945;, in combination with hypoxia, exhibited disruption of epithelial architecture, a loss of adherens junction protein expression, and a reduction in cell viability. This protocol describes a new apical-out NEC-in-a-dish model which presents a physiologically relevant and cost-effective platform to identify potential epithelial targets for NEC therapies and study the preterm intestinal response to therapeutics.

In Vitro Apical-Out Enteroid Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

This protocol describes an apical-out necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)-in-a-dish model utilizing small intestinal enteroids with reversed polarity, allowing access to the apical surface. We provide an immunofluorescent staining protocol to detect NEC-related epithelial disruption and a method to determine the viability of apical-out enteroids subjected to the NEC-in-a-dish protocol.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease affecting preterm infants, characterized by intestinal inflammation and necrosis. Enteroids have ...