Rodent Model of Masseter Volumetric Muscle Loss for Studying Bioengineering Materials

Summary

Here, we describe a protocol for the surgical creation of a volumetric muscle loss (VML) injury in the rat masseter, providing a reproducible and accessible model for the study of craniofacial muscle injuries and their treatment using biomaterials such as the novel hydrogel.

Abstract

Craniofacial volumetric muscle loss (VML) injuries can occur as a result of severe trauma, surgical excision, inflammation, and congenital or other acquired conditions. Treatment of craniofacial VML involves surgical, functional muscle transfer. However, these procedures are unable to restore normal function, sensation, or expression, and more commonly, these conditions go untreated. Very little research has been conducted on skeletal muscle regeneration in animal models of craniofacial VML. This manuscript describes a rat model for the study of craniofacial VML injury and a protocol for the histological evaluation of biomaterials in the treatment of these injuries. Liquid hydrogel and freeze-dried scaffolds are applied at the time of surgical VML creation, and masseters are excised at terminal time points up to 12 weeks with high retention rates and negligible complications. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson's Trichrome, and immunohistochemical analysis are used to evaluate parameters of skeletal muscle regeneration as well as biocompatibility and immunomodulation. While we demonstrate the study of a hyaluronic-acid-based hydrogel, this model provides a means for evaluating subsequent iterations of materials in VML injuries.

Introduction

Severe trauma, surgical excision, inflammation, and other acquired conditions can result in a degree of tissue loss that overwhelms the endogenous skeletal muscle repair mechanisms. Loss of resident cells and structures that promote the primary regenerative process can result in pathological remodeling and tissue fibrosis, resulting in long-term deficits of function and sensation and are referred to as volumetric muscle loss (VML)^1,2,3. The inflammatory response to VML injuries involves a well-documented and complex mechanism involving macrophages, cytokines, and myogenic cel....

Protocol

This study was conducted in accordance with all applicable regulations, including adherence to the recommendations outlined in The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The UCSF Institutional Animal Care and Use Program approved all animal procedures and postoperative care (IACUC protocol #AN195944-01).

1. VML surgery

1. Anesthetize male Sprague-Dawley rats at 12 weeks of age weighing 276-300 g in a sealed container using isofluorane general anesthesia at .......

Discussion

There are several critical steps in the protocol where special attention is needed to achieve an optimal result. Step 1.4 describes the initial incision and blunt separation of the skin from the superficial masseter fascia. Blunt dissection should be done directly along the skin with scissors pointing away from the underlying muscle and fascia to prevent nicking and unintentionally creating a window through the fascia. The caudal aspect of the superficial masseter should be avoided to prevent unintentional injury to the .......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
F1.652 Myosin heavy chain (embryonic) monoclonal antibody	DSHB	F1.652
Goat anti-Mouse IgG2b Cross-Adsorbed Secondary Antibody, Alexa Fluor 647	Invitrogen	A-21242
Goat anti-Rabbit IgG (H+L) Highly Cross-Adsorbed Secondary Antibody, Alexa Fluor 488	Invitrogen	A-11034
Integra Standard Biopsy Punches, Disposable Standard biopsy punch; 5 mm, Diameter: 0.19 in., 0.5 cm	Integra	12460411
Mounting Medium with DAPI - Aqueous, Fluoroshield	Abcam	ab104139
Rabbit Anti-Mouse IgG H&L (Alexa Fluor 647) preadsorbed	Abcam	ab150127
Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim Oral Suspension, Cherry Flavored, 473 mL	Med-Vet International	SKU: RXBAC-SUSP