Name: procedure for human saphenous veins ex vivo perfusion and external reinforcement
Uploaded: 2014-10-01T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Procedure for Human Saphenous Veins Ex Vivo Perfusion and External Reinforcement at JoVE.com

This work was supported by grants from the SNF [31003A-138528], the Octav and the Marcella Botnar Foundation, the Novartis Foundation and the Emma Muschamp Foundation. We thank Martine Lambelet, and&#160;Jean-Christophe Stehle for their excellent technical assistance.

The Ethical Committee of the University of Lausanne approved the experiments, which are in accordance with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki of 1975, as revised in 1983 for the use of human tissues.
1. Human Great Saphenous Vein Harvest
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	<li>Obtain surplus segments of non-varicose human saphenous veins from patients undergoing lower limb bypass surgery for ischemia. In the operating room, disinfect the entire leg with an iodine solution and drape the patient to expo...

<ol>
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Y., 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=On+the+biology+of+saphenous+vein+grafts+fitted+with+external+synthetic+sheaths+and+stents.">On the biology of saphenous vein grafts fitted with external synthetic sheaths and stents.</a> Biomaterials. 28, 895-908 (2007).</li><li>Zilla, 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=Constrictive+external+nitinol+meshes+inhibit+vein+graft+intimal+hyperplasia+in+nonhuman+primates.">Constrictive external nitinol meshes inhibit vein graft intimal hyperplasia in nonhuman primates.</a> The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 136, 717-725 (2008).</li><li>Zilla, 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=Utilization+of+shape+memory+in+external+vein-graft+meshes+allows+extreme+diameter+constriction+for+suppressing+intimal+hyperplasia:+a+non-human+primate+study.">Utilization of shape memory in external vein-graft meshes allows extreme diameter constriction for suppressing intimal hyperplasia: a non-human primate study.</a> Journal of Vascular Surgery. 49, 1532-1542 (2009).</li><li>Yeoman, M. 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=A+constitutive+model+for+the+warp-weft+coupled+non-linear+behavior+of+knitted+biomedical+textiles.">A constitutive model for the warp-weft coupled non-linear behavior of knitted biomedical textiles.</a> Biomaterials. 31, 8484-8493 (2010).</li><li>Longchamp, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+use+of+external+mesh+reinforcement+to+reduce+intimal+hyperplasia+and+preserve+the+structure+of+human+saphenous+veins.">The use of external mesh reinforcement to reduce intimal hyperplasia and preserve the structure of human saphenous veins.</a> Biomaterials. 35, 2588-2599 (2014).</li><li>Saucy, F., 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=Ex+vivo+pulsatile+perfusion+of+human+saphenous+veins+induces+intimal+hyperplasia+and+increased+levels+of+the+plasminogen+activator+inhibitor+1.">Ex vivo pulsatile perfusion of human saphenous veins induces intimal hyperplasia and increased levels of the plasminogen activator inhibitor 1.</a> European Surgical Research. 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This study uncovers an ex&#160;vivo vein perfusion system (EVPS) to perform extensive hemodynamic studies in human veins. This system allows saphenous veins perfusion under defined hemodynamic parameters in the absence of aggravating inflammatory and growth factors released by circulating cells in vivo. Thus, it provides a better understanding of the underlying pathways involved in the control of IH in human veins grafts5,11,12,15.
Reproducible and quantifiable hem...

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Western countries1. Despite advances made in endovascular treatments, bypass surgery remains the mainstay of contemporary therapies, thus over half a million vein grafts are performed annually in the United States. However, despite decades of research, 30-60% of lower extremity vein grafts fail within the first years due to intimal hyperplasia (IH)2. Mechanical forces, particularly low shear stress (SS) and high wall tension, are pivotal in the initiation and development of this hyperplastic response3,4. To address this issue, an ex&#160;vivo veins perfusion system (EVPS) was generated to study, under strictly controlled hemodynamic conditions (pressure and shear stress), the behavior of human saphenous veins. In this study, following insertion into the arterial-like circulation, high pressure (mean = 100 mm Hg) was sufficient to stimulate proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells into the intimal layer (IH)5.
Mammalian studies have suggested the use of external reinforcement as an efficient method to support the &#8220;arterialized vein&#8221; and counteract the acute hemodynamic changes the vein faces once implanted into an arterial milieu. The mesh prevented over-distension, increased shear stress, and reduced wall tension and consequently IH6-10. However, the underlying mechanisms and its applicability to human veins in improving bypass patency have not been fully characterized. Our EVPS was used to compare, in condition mimicking the alterations a vein faces once inserted into an arterial regimen (high shear stress and pressure), the behavior of human saphenous veins in the absence and presence of an external macroporous polyester tubular mesh. By preventing pathological remodeling and IH, the mesh provided evidence of its potential clinical efficiency11.
This study 1) introduces a model of ex&#160;vivo human saphenous veins perfusion under controlled pressure and shear stress 2) demonstrates that external macro-porous polyester mesh reduces IH and provides crucial information for its potential clinical application.

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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:453px;">Name</td>
			<td style="width:371px;">Company</td>
			<td style="width:145px;">Catalog Number</td>
			<td style="width:144px;">Comments</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">RPMI 1640 - Glutamax</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>61870-010</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;"><a name="RANGE!A3">Penicilline/Streptomycine/Fungizone</a></td>
			<td>Bioconcept</td>
			<td>4-02F00-H</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Dextran from Leuconostoc spp. 500 gr.</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>31390</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Tampon PBS CHUV pH 7.1-7.3 1 lt.</td>
			<td>Laboratorium und Grosse Apotheke Dr. G. Bichsel AG</td>
			<td>100 0 324 00</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Cryosectionning embedding medium - Tissue-Tek OCT Compound</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>14-373-65</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Silicon Tubing (Peroxide) L/S 16 (96400-16 ) - 7.5m</td>
			<td>Idex Health &#38; Science GMBH</td>
			<td>MF0037ST</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Y-splitter&#160;</td>
			<td>Idex Health &#38; Science GMBH</td>
			<td>Y-connector</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">35 mm Culture dish</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>CLS430165-100EA</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">15 ml Falcon tube</td>
			<td>BD Bioscence</td>
			<td>352096</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">50 ml Falcon tube</td>
			<td>BD Bioscence</td>
			<td>352098</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Gearing pump - Reglo-Z</td>
			<td>Idex Health &#38; Science GMBH</td>
			<td>SM 895&#160;</td>
			<td>&#160;App-Nr 03736-00194</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Pump Head</td>
			<td>Idex Health &#38; Science GMBH</td>
			<td>MI0008&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
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		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Monitoring Kit TRANSPAC IV</td>
			<td>icumedical</td>
			<td>011-0J736-01</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">20 mL Syringes</td>
			<td>B. Braun Medical SA</td>
			<td>4612041-02</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Etibon 3-0 FS-2</td>
			<td>Ethicon- Johnson&#38;Johnson</td>
			<td>EH7346H</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Mesh ProVena 6-8mm</td>
			<td>B. Braun Medical SA</td>
			<td>1105012-14</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">NaCl: Sodium Chlorure Solution perfusion 0.9% (100 ml)</td>
			<td>B. Braun Medical SA</td>
			<td>534534</td>
			<td></td>
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		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Masterflex L/S Standard Drive</td>
			<td>Cole-Parmer Instrument Co</td>
			<td>7521-10</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Acquisition card</td>
			<td>National Instruments</td>
			<td>PCI-6024 E</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Flowmeter module</td>
			<td>Transonic Systems Inc.</td>
			<td>TS410 and T402</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Stopcock with 3-ways</td>
			<td>BD Connexta Luerlock</td>
			<td>394600</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Millex Filter</td>
			<td>Milian</td>
			<td>SE2M229I04</td>
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procedure for human saphenous veins ex vivo perfusion and external reinforcement

The mainstay of contemporary therapies for extensive occlusive arterial disease is venous bypass graft. However, its durability is threatened by intimal hyperplasia (IH) that eventually leads to vessel occlusion and graft failure. Mechanical forces, particularly low shear stress and high wall tension, are thought to initiate and to sustain these cellular and molecular changes, but their exact contribution remains to be unraveled. To selectively evaluate the role of pressure and shear stress on the biology of IH, an ex&#160;vivo perfusion system (EVPS) was created to perfuse segments of human saphenous veins under arterial regimen (high shear stress and high pressure). Further technical innovations allowed the simultaneous perfusion of two segments from the same vein, one reinforced with an external mesh. Veins were harvested using a no-touch technique and immediately transferred to the laboratory for assembly in the EVPS. One segment of the freshly isolated vein was not perfused (control, day 0). The two others segments were perfused for up to 7 days, one being completely sheltered with a 4 mm (diameter) external mesh. The pressure, flow velocity, and pulse rate were continuously monitored and adjusted to mimic the hemodynamic conditions prevailing in the femoral artery. Upon completion of the perfusion, veins were dismounted and used for histological and molecular analysis. Under ex&#160;vivo conditions, high pressure perfusion (arterial, mean = 100 mm Hg) is sufficient to generate IH and remodeling of human veins. These alterations are reduced in the presence of an external polyester mesh.

The EVPS provides a valuable tool to independently assess the hemodynamic forces on human saphenous vein grafts remodeling and IH.
Figure 1 shows the perfusion chamber and the vein support. In Figures 1A and B, the vein support before (Figure 1A) and after (Figure 1B) assembly, respectively, is pictured. It is composed (from the top to the bottom) of 1 plain stainless steel tube measuring 9 cm, which serves as...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Procedure for Human Saphenous Veins Ex Vivo Perfusion and External Reinforcement at JoVE.com

Procedure for Human Saphenous Veins Ex Vivo Perfusion and External Reinforcement

The mechanisms leading to the development of intimal hyperplasia (IH) and vein graft failure are still poorly understood. This study describes an ex&#160;vivo system to perfuse human veins under controlled flow and pressure. Furthermore the efficiency of external mesh reinforcement to limit the development of IH was evaluated.

Procedure for Human Saphenous Veins Ex Vivo Perfusion and External Reinforcement

The mainstay of contemporary therapies for extensive occlusive arterial disease is venous bypass graft. However, its durability is threatened by intimal ...

procedure-for-human-saphenous-veins-ex-vivo-perfusion-external

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A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the vasculature. There are various methods to study the inflammatory compound in atherosclerotic lesions. Mouse models are an important tool to investigate inflammatory processes in atherogenesis, but these models suffer from the phenotypic and functional differences between the murine and human immune system. In vitro cell experiments are used to specifically evaluate cell type-dependent changes caused by a substance of interest, but culture-dependent variations and the inability to analyze the influence of specific molecules in the context of the inflammatory compound in atherosclerotic lesions limit the impact of the results. In addition, measuring levels of a molecule of interest in human blood helps to further investigate its clinical relevance, but this represents systemic and not local inflammation. Therefore, we here describe a plaque culture model to study human atherosclerotic lesion biology ex vivo. In short, fresh plaques are obtained from patients undergoing endarterectomy or coronary artery bypass grafting and stored in RPMI medium on ice until usage. The specimens are cut into small pieces followed by random distribution into a 48-well plate, containing RPMI medium in addition to a substance of interest such as cytokines or chemokines alone or in combination for defined periods of time. After incubation, the plaque pieces can be shock frozen for mRNA isolation, embedded in Paraffin or OCT for immunohistochemistry staining or smashed and lysed for western blotting. Furthermore, cells may be isolated from the plaque for flow cytometry analysis. In addition, supernatants can be collected for protein measurement by ELISA. In conclusion, the presented ex vivo model opens the possibility to further study inflammatory lesional biology, which may result in identification of novel disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process. This manuscript illustrates an easy to use ex vivo model to investigate fresh carotid or coronary artery plaques. The ex vivo model allows for the investigation of potential substances on the inflammatory milieu in human atherosclerotic lesions and results can be analyzed by various methods.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the vasculature. There are various methods to study the inflammatory compound in atherosclerotic ...

Technique of Subnormothermic Ex Vivo Liver Perfusion for the Storage, Assessment, and Repair of Marginal Liver Grafts

The success of liver transplantation has resulted in a dramatic organ shortage. In most transplant regions 20-30% of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation die without receiving an organ transplant or are delisted for disease progression. One strategy to increase the donor pool is the utilization of marginal grafts, such as fatty livers, grafts from older donors, or donation after cardiac death (DCD). The current preservation technique of cold static storage is only poorly tolerated by marginal livers resulting in significant organ damage. In addition, cold static organ storage does not allow graft assessment or repair prior to transplantation.
These shortcomings of cold static preservation have triggered an interest in warm perfused organ preservation to reduce cold ischemic injury, assess liver grafts during preservation, and explore the opportunity to repair marginal livers prior to transplantation. The optimal pressure and flow conditions, perfusion temperature, composition of the perfusion solution and the need for an oxygen carrier has been controversial in the past.
In spite of promising results in several animal studies, the complexity and the costs have prevented a broader clinical application so far. Recently, with enhanced technology and a better understanding of liver physiology during ex vivo perfusion the outcome of warm liver perfusion has improved and consistently good results can be achieved.
This paper will provide information about liver retrieval, storage techniques, and isolated liver perfusion in pigs. We will illustrate a) the requirements to ensure sufficient oxygen supply to the organ, b) technical considerations about the perfusion machine and the perfusion solution, and c) biochemical aspects of isolated organs.

Technique of Subnormothermic Ex Vivo Liver Perfusion for the Storage, Assessment, and Repair of Marginal Liver Grafts

Marginal grafts, such as fatty livers, grafts from older donors, or livers retrieved after cardiac death (DCD) tolerate conventional, cold static storage only poorly. We developed a novel model of subnormothermic ex vivo liver perfusion for preservation, assessment, and repair of marginal liver grafts prior to transplantation.

The success of liver transplantation has resulted in a dramatic organ shortage. In most transplant regions 20-30% of patients on the waiting list for ...

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The number of acceptable donor lungs available for lung transplantation is severely limited due to poor quality. Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) has allowed lung transplantation in humans to become more readily available by enabling the ability to assess organs and expand the donor pool. As this technology expands and improves, the ability to potentially evaluate and improve the quality of substandard lungs prior to transplant is a critical need. In order to more rigorously evaluate these approaches, a reproducible animal model needs to be established that would allow for testing of improved techniques and management of the donated lungs as well as to the lung-transplant recipient. In addition, an EVLP animal model of associated pathologies, e.g., ventilation induced lung injury (VILI), would provide a novel method to evaluate treatments for these pathologies. Here, we describe the development of a rat EVLP lung program and refinements to this method that allow for a reproducible model for future expansion. We also describe the application of this EVLP system to model VILI in rat lungs. The goal is to provide the research community with key information and &#8220;pearls of wisdom&#8221;/techniques that arose from trial and error and are critical to establishing an EVLP system that is robust and reproducible.

Method of Isolated Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion in a Rat Model: Lessons Learned from Developing a Rat EVLP Program

Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) has allowed lung transplantation in humans to become more readily available by enabling the ability to assess organs and expand the donor pool. Here, we describe the development of a rat EVLP program and refinements that allow for a reproducible model for future expansion.

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An Ex vivo Model to Study Hormone Action in the Human Breast

We have developed a novel ex vivo model to study hormone action in the human breast. It is based on tissue microstructures isolated from surgical breast tissue specimens which preserve tissue architecture, intercellular interactions, and paracrine signaling.

The study of hormone action in the human breast has been hampered by lack of adequate model systems. Upon in vitro culture, primary mammary epithelial ...

Human Dupuytren's Ex Vivo Culture for the Study of Myofibroblasts and Extracellular Matrix Interactions

Organ fibrosis or &#8220;scarring&#8221; is known to account for a high death toll due to the extensive amount of disorders and organs affected (from cirrhosis to cardiovascular diseases). There is no effective treatment and the in vitro tools available do not mimic the in vivo situation rendering the progress of the out of control wound healing process still enigmatic.
To date, 2D and 3D cultures of fibroblasts derived from DD patients are the main experimental models available. Primary cell cultures have many limitations; the fibroblasts derived from DD are altered by the culture conditions, lack cellular context and interactions, which are crucial for the development of fibrosis and weakly represent the derived tissue. Real-time PCR analysis of fibroblasts derived from control and DD samples show that little difference is detectable. 3D cultures of fibroblasts include addition of extracellular matrix that alters the native conditions of these cells. 
As a way to characterize the fibrotic, proliferative properties of these resection specimens we have developed a 3D culture system, using intact human resections of the nodule part of the cord. The system is based on transwell plates with an attached nitrocellulose membrane that allows contact of the tissue with the medium but not with the plastic, thus, preventing the alteration of the tissue. No collagen gel or other extracellular matrix protein substrate is required. The tissue resection specimens maintain their viability and proliferative properties for 7 days. This is the first &#8220;organ&#8221; culture system that allows human resection specimens from DD patients to be grown ex vivo and functionally tested, recapitulating the in vivo situation.

Human Dupuytren's Ex Vivo Culture for the Study of Myofibroblasts and Extracellular Matrix Interactions

Dupuytren&#8217;s disease (DD) is a fibroproliferative disease of the palm of the hand. Here, we present a protocol to culture resection specimens from DD in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system. Such short-term culture system allows preservation of the 3D structure and molecular properties of the fibrotic tissue.

Organ fibrosis or &#8220;scarring&#8221; is known to account for a high death toll due to the extensive amount of disorders and organs affected (from ...

Ex Situ Normothermic Machine Perfusion of Donor Livers

In contrast to conventional static cold preservation (0-4 &#176;C), ex situ machine perfusion may provide better preservation of donor livers. Continuous perfusion of organs provides the opportunity to improve organ quality and allows ex situ viability assessment of donor livers prior to transplantation. This video article provides a step by step protocol for ex situ normothermic machine perfusion (37 &#176;C) of human donor livers using a device that provides a pressure and temperature controlled pulsatile perfusion of the hepatic artery and continuous perfusion of the portal vein. The perfusion fluid is oxygenated by two hollow fiber membrane oxygenators and the temperature can be regulated between 10 &#176;C and 37 &#176;C. During perfusion, the metabolic activity of the liver as well as the degree of injury can be assessed by biochemical analysis of samples taken from the perfusion fluid. Machine perfusion is a very promising tool to increase the number of livers that are suitable for transplantation.

Ex Situ Normothermic Machine Perfusion of Donor Livers

Here we present a protocol describing oxygenated ex situ machine perfusion of donor liver grafts. This article contains a step by step protocol to procure and prepare the liver graft for machine perfusion, prepare the perfusion fluid, prime the perfusion machine and perform oxygenated normothermic machine perfusion of the liver graft.

In contrast to conventional static cold preservation (0-4 &#176;C), ex situ machine perfusion may provide better preservation of donor livers. Continuous ...

Normothermic Ex Vivo Kidney Perfusion for the Preservation of Kidney Grafts prior to Transplantation

Kidney transplantation has become a well-established treatment option for patients with end-stage renal failure. The persisting organ shortage remains a serious problem. Therefore, the acceptance criteria for organ donors have been extended leading to the usage of marginal kidney grafts. These marginal organs tolerate cold storage poorly resulting in increased preservation injury and higher rates of delayed graft function. To overcome the limitations of cold storage, extensive research is focused on alternative normothermic preservation methods.
Ex vivo normothermic organ perfusion is an innovative preservation technique. The first experimental and clinical trials for ex vivo lung, liver, and kidney perfusions demonstrated favorable outcomes.
In addition to the reduction of cold ischemic injury, the method of normothermic kidney storage offers the opportunity for organ assessment and repair. This manuscript provides information about kidney retrieval, organ preservation techniques, and isolated ex vivo normothermic kidney perfusion (NEVKP) in a porcine model. Surgical techniques, set up for the perfusion solution and the circuit, potential assessment options, and representative results are demonstrated.

Normothermic Ex Vivo Kidney Perfusion for the Preservation of Kidney Grafts prior to Transplantation

The severe organ shortage has resulted in increased use of marginal kidney grafts for transplantation. This has triggered interest in alternative storage methods, since marginal grafts especially tolerate cold storage poorly. The technique of normothermic ex vivo kidney perfusion (NEVKP) represents a novel preservation method for kidney grafts prior to &#160;transplantation.

Kidney transplantation has become a well-established treatment option for patients with end-stage renal failure. The persisting organ shortage remains a ...

Generation of Microtumors Using 3D Human Biogel Culture System and Patient-derived Glioblastoma Cells for Kinomic Profiling and Drug Response Testing

The use of patient-derived xenografts for modeling cancers has provided important insight into cancer biology and drug responsiveness. However, they are time consuming, expensive, and labor intensive. To overcome these obstacles, many research groups have turned to spheroid cultures of cancer cells. While useful, tumor spheroids or aggregates do not replicate cell-matrix interactions as found in vivo. As such, three-dimensional (3D) culture approaches utilizing an extracellular matrix scaffold provide a more realistic model system for investigation. Starting from subcutaneous or intracranial xenografts, tumor tissue is dissociated into a single cell suspension akin to cancer stem cell neurospheres. These cells are then embedded into a human-derived extracellular matrix, 3D human biogel, to generate a large number of microtumors. Interestingly, microtumors can be cultured for about a month with high viability and can be used for drug response testing using standard cytotoxicity assays such as 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and live cell imaging using Calcein-AM. Moreover, they can be analyzed via immunohistochemistry or harvested for molecular profiling, such as array-based high-throughput kinomic profiling, which is detailed here as well. 3D microtumors, thus, represent a versatile high-throughput model system that can more closely replicate in vivo tumor biology than traditional approaches.

Patient-derived xenografts of glioblastoma multiforme can be miniaturized into living microtumors using 3D human biogel culture system. This in vivo-like 3D tumor assay is suitable for drug response testing and molecular profiling, including kinomic analysis.

The use of patient-derived xenografts for modeling cancers has provided important insight into cancer biology and drug responsiveness. However, they are ...

A Small Animal Model of Ex Vivo Normothermic Liver Perfusion

There is a significant shortage of liver allografts available for transplantation, and in response the donor criteria have been expanded. As a result, normothermic ex vivo liver perfusion (NEVLP) has been introduced as a method to evaluate and modify organ function. NEVLP has many advantages in comparison to hypothermic and subnormothermic perfusion including reduced preservation injury, restoration of normal organ function under physiologic conditions, assessment of organ performance, and as a platform for organ repair, remodeling, and modification. Both murine and porcine NEVLP models have been described. We demonstrate a rat model of NEVLP and use this model to show one of its important applications &#8212; the use of a therapeutic molecule added to liver perfusate. Catalase is an endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger and has been demonstrated to decrease ischemia-reperfusion in the eye, brain, and lung. Pegylation has been shown to target catalase to the endothelium. Here, we added pegylated-catalase (PEG-CAT) to the base perfusate and demonstrated its ability to mitigate liver preservation injury. An advantage of our rodent NEVLP model is that it is inexpensive in comparison to larger animal models. A limitation of this study is that it does not currently include post-perfusion liver transplantation. Therefore, prediction of the function of the organ post-transplantation cannot be made with certainty. However, the rat liver transplant model is well established and certainly could be used in conjunction with this model. In conclusion, we have demonstrated an inexpensive, simple, easily replicable NEVLP model using rats. Applications of this model can include testing novel perfusates and perfusate additives, testing software designed for organ evaluation, and experiments designed to repair organs.

A Small Animal Model of Ex Vivo Normothermic Liver Perfusion

There is a significant liver donor shortage, and criteria for liver donors have been expanded. Normothermic ex vivo liver perfusion (NEVLP) has been developed to evaluate and modify organ function. This study demonstrates a rat model of NEVLP and tests the ability of pegylated-catalase, to mitigate liver preservation injury.

There is a significant shortage of liver allografts available for transplantation, and in response the donor criteria have been expanded. As a result, ...

Optocardiography and Electrophysiology Studies of Ex Vivo Langendorff-perfused Hearts

Small animal models are most commonly used in cardiovascular research due to the availability of genetically modified species and lower cost compared to larger animals. Yet, larger mammals are better suited for translational research questions related to normal cardiac physiology, pathophysiology, and preclinical testing of therapeutic agents. To overcome the technical barriers associated with employing a larger animal model in cardiac research, we describe an approach to measure physiological parameters in an isolated, Langendorff-perfused piglet heart. This approach combines two powerful experimental tools to evaluate the state of the heart: electrophysiology (EP) study and simultaneous optical mapping of transmembrane voltage and intracellular calcium using parameter sensitive dyes (RH237, Rhod2-AM). The described methodologies are well suited for translational studies investigating the cardiac conduction system, alterations in action potential morphology, calcium handling, excitation-contraction coupling and the incidence of cardiac alternans or arrhythmias.

The objective of this study was to establish a method for investigating cardiac dynamics using a translational animal model. The described experimental approach incorporates dual-emission optocardiography in conjunction with an electrophysiological study to assess electrical activity in an isolated, intact porcine heart model.

Small animal models are most commonly used in cardiovascular research due to the availability of genetically modified species and lower cost compared to ...