KU Leuven View Institution's Website 36 articles published in JoVE Immunology and Infection Cell-Based Electrical Impedance Platform to Evaluate Zika Virus Inhibitors in Real Time Merel Oeyen1, Eef Meyen1, Dominique Schols1 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven Here, we demonstrate the use of cell-based electrical impedance (CEI) as a very easy and straightforward method to study Zika virus infection and replication in human cells in real time. Furthermore, the CEI assay is useful for the evaluation of antiviral compounds. Medicine Rectal Organoid Morphology Analysis (ROMA): A Diagnostic Assay in Cystic Fibrosis Senne Cuyx1,2, Anabela S. Ramalho1, Nikky Corthout3,4, Steffen Fieuws5, Eva Fürstová6, Kaline Arnauts7,8, Marc Ferrante7,9, Catherine Verfaillie8, Sebastian Munck3,4, Mieke Boon1,2, Marijke Proesmans1,2, Lieven Dupont10,11, Kris De Boeck1,2, François Vermeulen1,2 1Department of Development and Regeneration, Woman and Child Unit, CF research lab, KU Leuven, 2Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Pulmonology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3VIB Bio Imaging Core, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 4Department for Neuroscience, KU Leuven, 5Interuniversity Center for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, University of Leuven and University of Hasselt, 6Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, 7Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, 8Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute Leuven (SCIL), KU Leuven, 9Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, 10Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing; Pneumology, KU Leuven, 11Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven This protocol describes rectal organoid morphology analysis (ROMA), a novel diagnostic assay for cystic fibrosis (CF). Morphological characteristics, namely the roundness (circularity index, CI) and the presence of a lumen (intensity ratio, IR), are a measure of CFTR function. Analysis of 189 subjects showed perfect discrimination between CF and non-CF. Chemistry Uncovering Hidden Dynamics of Natural Photonic Structures Using Holographic Imaging Marina Simovic-Pavlovic1,2, Maja C. Pagnacco3, Dusan Grujic1, Bojana Bokic1, Darko Vasiljevic1, Sébastien Mouchet4,5, Thierry Verbiest6, Branko Kolaric1,7 1Institute of Physics, Photonics Center, University of Belgrade, 2Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade, 3Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, 4School of Physics, University of Exeter, 5Department of Physics & Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM), University of Namur, 6Chemistry Department, Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Photonics, KULeuven, 7Université de Mons The paper is primarily focused on the combined power of optical (linear and nonlinear) and holographic methods used to reveal phenomena at the nanoscale. The results obtained from the biophotonic and oscillatory chemical reactions' studies are given as representative examples, highlighting holography's ability to reveal dynamics at a nanoscale. Immunology and Infection Longitudinal Follow-Up of Urinary Tract Infections and Their Treatment in Mice using Bioluminescence Imaging Noémie Luyts1, Greetje Vande Velde2, Matthias Vanneste1, Helene De Bruyn1, Annelies Janssens1, Natalie Verstraeten3, Thomas Voets1, Wouter Everaerts4 1Laboratory of Ion Channel Research (LICR), VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium & Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 2Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, 3Belgium & KU Leuven Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, 4Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven This manuscript describes the intravesical administration of uropathogenic bacteria with a lux operon to induce a urinary tract infection in mice and subsequent longitudinal in vivo analysis of the bacterial load using bioluminescence imaging. Behavior Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm Eveliina Glogan1,2, Rena Gatzounis1, Kristof Vandael1,3, Mathijs Franssen2, Johan W. S. Vlaeyen1,2, Ann Meulders1,2 1Experimental Health Psychology, Maastricht University, 2Research Group Health Psychology, KU Leuven, 3Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven Avoidance is central to chronic pain disability, yet adequate paradigms for examining pain-related avoidance are lacking. Therefore, we developed a paradigm that allows investigating how pain-related avoidance behavior is learned (acquisition), spreads to other stimuli (generalization), can be mitigated (extinction), and how it may subsequently re-emerge (spontaneous recovery). Neuroscience Horizontal Hippocampal Slices of the Mouse Brain Evelien Van Hoeymissen1,2, Koenraad Philippaert2, Rudi Vennekens2, Joris Vriens*1, Katharina Held*1,2 1Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 2Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium and Department of Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven This article aims to describe a systematic protocol to obtain horizontal hippocampal brain slices in mice. The objective of this methodology is to preserve the integrity of hippocampal fiber pathways, such as the perforant path and the mossy fiber tract to assess dentate gyrus related neurological processes. Neuroscience Production, Purification, and Quality Control for Adeno-associated Virus-based Vectors Shelly Fripont*1,2, Catherine Marneffe*1,2, Marika Marino*1,2, Melvin Y. Rincon1,2, Matthew G. Holt1,2,3 1VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, 2Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, 3Leuven Brain Institute Here, we describe an efficient and reproducible strategy to produce, titer, and quality-control batches of adeno-associated virus vectors. It allows the user to obtain a vector preparation with high-titer (≥1 x 1013 vector genomes/mL) and a high purity, ready for in vitro or in vivo use. Immunology and Infection Identification of Mediators of T-cell Receptor Signaling via the Screening of Chemical Inhibitor Libraries Elijah W. Chen*1, Chyan Ying Ke*2,3, Joanna Brzostek*1, Nicholas R. J. Gascoigne1, Vasily Rybakin1,4 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 2Singapore Immunology Network, A*STAR, 3Curiox Biosystems, 4Department of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven This paper uses a flow-cytometry-based assay to screen libraries of chemical inhibitors for the identification of inhibitors and their targets that influence T-cell receptor signaling. The methods described here can also be expanded for high-throughput screenings. Developmental Biology An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues Bartosz Ditkowski1, Tiago R Veloso1, Martyna Bezulska-Ditkowska1,2, Andreas Lubig3, Stefan Jockenhoevel3, Petra Mela3, Ramadan Jashari4, Marc Gewillig1, Bart Meyns5, Marc F Hoylaerts2, Ruth Heying1 1Cardiovascular Developmental Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 2Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles, AME - Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 4European Homograft Bank, Saint Jean Clinique, 5Division of Clinical Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven We describe an in-house designed in vitro flow chamber model, which allows the investigation of bacterial adherence to graft tissues. Engineering Three-Dimensional Ultrasonic Needle Tip Tracking with a Fiber-Optic Ultrasound Receiver Wenfeng Xia1,2, Simeon J. West3, Malcolm C. Finlay2,4, Rosalind Pratt5,6, Sunish Mathews1,2, Jean-Martial Mari7, Sebastien Ourselin1,2,6, Anna L. David1,5,8,9, Adrien E. Desjardins1,2 1Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London, 2Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, 3Department of Anaesthesia, University College Hospital, 4St Bartholomew's Hospital and Queen Mary University of London, 5Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 6Centre for Medical Imaging Computing, University College London, 7GePaSud, University of French Polynesia, 8Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit), 9NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre Accurate and efficient visualization of invasive medical devices is extremely important in many ultrasound-guided minimally invasive procedures. Here, a method for localizing the spatial position of a needle tip relative to the ultrasound imaging probe is presented. Neuroscience Investigating Object Representations in the Macaque Dorsal Visual Stream Using Single-unit Recordings Irene Caprara1, Peter Janssen1,2, Maria C. Romero1 1Laboratorium voor Neuro-en Psychofysiologie, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 2The Leuven Brain Institute A detailed protocol to analyze object selectivity of parieto-frontal neurons involved in visuomotor transformations is presented. Neuroscience In Vivo Electrophysiological Measurement of Compound Muscle Action Potential from the Forelimbs in Mouse Models of Motor Neuron Degeneration Eveliina Pollari1,2, Robert Prior1,2, Wim Robberecht1,2,3, Philip Van Damme1,2,3, Ludo Van Den Bosch1,2 1Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, 2Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, 3Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven The measurement of nerve conduction is a useful tool to assess mouse models of neurodegeneration but it is frequently only applied to stimulate the sciatic nerve in hindlimbs. Here, we describe a technique to measure compound muscle action potential (CMAP) in vivo in the mouse forelimb muscles innervated by the brachial plexus. Environment Protocol for Acute and Chronic Ecotoxicity Testing of the Turquoise Killifish Nothobranchius furzeri Charlotte Philippe1,2, Arnout F. Gregoir1, Eli S. J. Thoré1, Gudrun De Boeck2, Luc Brendonck1,3, Tom Pinceel1,4 1Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, University of Leuven, 2Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research, University of Antwerp, 3Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 4Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State In this work, we describe an acute, chronic and multigenerational bioassay to study the effects of single and combined stressors on the Turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri. This protocol is designed to study life-history traits (mortality, growth, fecundity, weight) and critical thermal maximum. Biology A Flow Cytometry-based Assay to Identify Compounds That Disrupt Binding of Fluorescently-labeled CXC Chemokine Ligand 12 to CXC Chemokine Receptor 4 Geert Schoofs1, Anneleen Van Hout1, Thomas D'huys1, Dominique Schols1, Tom Van Loy1 1Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven A flow cytometry-based cellular binding assay is described that is primarily used as a screening tool to identify compounds that inhibit the binding of a fluorescently labeled CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) to the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Medicine A Kinetic Fluorescence-based Ca2+ Mobilization Assay to Identify G Protein-coupled Receptor Agonists, Antagonists, and Allosteric Modulators Sandra Claes1, Thomas D'huys1, Anneleen Van Hout1, Dominique Schols1, Tom Van Loy1 1Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven The described cellular assay is designed for the identification of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)-interacting agents that inhibit or stimulate, either competitively or allosterically, the intracellular Ca2+ release initiated by CXCR4 activation. Behavior Assessment of Social Transmission of Food Preferences Behaviors Ann Van der Jeugd1, Rudi D'Hooge1 1Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven This paper presents a protocol for the investigation of social transmission of food preference in mice. The advantages and possible applications for this procedure, for instance, in detecting early changes in AD mouse models, are highlighted. To conclude, interpretation of the results in light of critical details are discussed. Biochemistry mRNA Interactome Capture from Plant Protoplasts Zhicheng Zhang1, Kurt Boonen1, Meixia Li1, Koen Geuten1 1Department of Biology, KU Leuven Here, we present an interactome capture protocol applied to Arabidopsis thaliana leaf mesophyll protoplasts. This method critically relies on in vivo UV crosslinking and allows for the isolation and identification of plant mRNA-binding proteins from a physiological environment. Medicine Transvaginal Mesh Insertion in the Ovine Model Iva Urbankova1,2, Geertje Callewaert1,3, Nikhil Sindhwani1, Alice Turri1, Lucie Hympanova1,2, Andrew Feola1, Jan Deprest1,3 1Centrum for Surgical Technologies, Department of Development and Regeneration, Clinical Specialties Research Groups, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, 2Institute for the Care of Mother and Child and Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, 3Pelvic Floor Unit, University Hospitals KU Leuven This protocol describes mesh implantation in the ovine rectovaginal septum using a single vaginal incision technique, with and without the trocar-guided insertion of anchoring arms. Medicine Use of a Central Venous Line for Fluids, Drugs and Nutrient Administration in a Mouse Model of Critical Illness Sarah Derde1, Steven Thiessen1, Chloë Goossens1, Thomas Dufour1, Greet Van den Berghe1, Lies Langouche1 1Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven This protocol describes a centrally catheterized mouse model of prolonged critical illness. We combine the cecal ligation and puncture method to induce sepsis with the use of a central venous line for fluids, drugs and nutrient administration to mimic the human clinical setting. Developmental Biology Isolation of Mouse Endometrial Epithelial and Stromal Cells for In Vitro Decidualization Katrien De Clercq*1, Aurélie Hennes*1, Joris Vriens1 1Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) This study presents a standardized and validated method for the isolation and culture of primary mouse endometrial stromal and epithelial cells, which can be used in a coculture system to study in vitro decidualization. Bioengineering A Microfluidic Flow Chamber Model for Platelet Transfusion and Hemostasis Measures Platelet Deposition and Fibrin Formation in Real-time Katrijn R. Six1,2, Rosalie Devloo1, Britt Van Aelst1, Philippe Vandekerckhove2,3,4, Hendrik B. Feys1, Veerle Compernolle1,2,3 1Transfusion Research Center, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders, 2Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 3Blood Service, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders, 4Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KULeuven - University of Leuven This paper describes an experimental model of hemostasis that simultaneously measures platelet function and coagulation. Platelet and fibrin fluorescence is measured in real-time, and platelet adhesion rate, coagulation rate, and onset of coagulation are determined. The model is used to determine platelet procoagulant properties under flow in concentrates for transfusion. Medicine Rapid and Efficient Generation of Recombinant Human Pluripotent Stem Cells by Recombinase-mediated Cassette Exchange in the AAVS1 Locus Laura Ordovás*1, Ruben Boon*1, Mariaelena Pistoni1, Yemiao Chen1, Rangarajan Sambathkumar1, Nicky Helsen1, Jolien Vanhove1, Pieter Berckmans1, Qing Cai1, Kim Vanuytsel1, Susanna Raitano1, Catherine M. Verfaillie1 1Stem Cell Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Here we report a rapid and efficient gene editing method based on RMCE in the AAVS1 locus of human Pluripotent Stem Cells (hPSCs) that improves upon previously described systems. Using this technique, isogenic lines can be rapidly and reliably generated for proper comparative studies, facilitating transgenesis-mediated research with hPSCs. Engineering Nanostructured Ag-zeolite Composites as Luminescence-based Humidity Sensors Eduardo Coutino-Gonzalez*1, Wouter Baekelant*1, Bjorn Dieu1, Maarten B.J. Roeffaers2, Johan Hofkens1 1Division of Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, 2Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven A protocol for the synthesis of moisture-responsive luminescent Ag-zeolite composites is described in this report. Engineering Simulation of Human-induced Vibrations Based on the Characterized In-field Pedestrian Behavior Katrien Van Nimmen1, Geert Lombaert1, Guido De Roeck1, Peter Van den Broeck2 1Department of Civil Engineering, KU Leuven, 2Department of Civil Engineering, KU Leuven, Technology Campus Ghent A protocol is presented for the characterization of the in-field pedestrian behavior and the simulation of the resulting structural response. Field-tests demonstrate that the in situ identified pacing rate and synchronization rate among the participants constitute an essential input for the simulation and verification of the human-induced loads. Bioengineering Microfluidic Flow Chambers Using Reconstituted Blood to Model Hemostasis and Platelet Transfusion In Vitro Britt Van Aelst1, Hendrik B. Feys1, Rosalie Devloo1, Philippe Vandekerckhove2,3,4, Veerle Compernolle1,2,4 1Transfusion Research Center, Belgium Red Cross-Flanders, 2Blood Service, Belgium Red Cross-Flanders, 3Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Catholic University of Leuven, 4Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent Platelet transfusion and hemostasis was modeled using blood reconstitution and microfluidic flow chambers to investigate the function of blood banking platelets. The data demonstrate the consequences of platelet storage lesion on hemostasis, in vitro. Medicine Development of an Alpha-synuclein Based Rat Model for Parkinson's Disease via Stereotactic Injection of a Recombinant Adeno-associated Viral Vector Anke Van der Perren1, Cindy Casteels2, Koen Van Laere2, Rik Gijsbers3,4, Chris Van den Haute1,4, Veerle Baekelandt1 1Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 2Division of Nuclear Medicine, Leuven University Hospital - KU Leuven, 3Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 4Leuven Viral Vector Core, KU Leuven This manuscript describes how viral vector-mediated local gene delivery provides an attractive way to express transgenes in the central nervous system. The protocol outlines all crucial steps to perform a viral vector injection in the substantia nigra of the rat to develop a viral vector-based animal model for Parkinson's disease. Immunology and Infection In Vitro and In Vivo Model to Study Bacterial Adhesion to the Vessel Wall Under Flow Conditions Jorien Claes1, Laurens Liesenborghs1, Marleen Lox1, Peter Verhamme1, Thomas Vanassche1, Marijke Peetermans1 1Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven To study the interaction of bacteria with the blood vessels under shear stress, a flow chamber and an in vivo mesenteric intravital microscopy model are described that allow to dissect the bacterial and host factors contributing to vascular adhesion. Medicine Candida albicans Biofilm Development on Medically-relevant Foreign Bodies in a Mouse Subcutaneous Model Followed by Bioluminescence Imaging Soňa Kucharíková1, Greetje Vande Velde2, Uwe Himmelreich2, Patrick Van Dijck1 1Department of Molecular Microbiology, Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, VIB, KU Leuven, 2Biomedical MRI Unit/ MoSAIC, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven We present an experimental procedure of Candida albicans biofilm development in a mouse subcutaneous model. Fungal biofilms were quantified by determining the number of colony forming units and by a non-invasive bioluminescence imaging, where the amount of light that is produced corresponds with the number of viable cells. Medicine Permanent Ligation of the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery in Mice: A Model of Post-myocardial Infarction Remodelling and Heart Failure Ilayaraja Muthuramu1, Marleen Lox1, Frank Jacobs1, Bart De Geest1 1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Catholic University of Leuven Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization and a major cause of mortality. A model of permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in mice is applied to investigate ventricular remodelling and cardiac dysfunction post-myocardial infarction. The technique of invasive hemodynamic measurements in mice is presented. Medicine Fundus Photography as a Convenient Tool to Study Microvascular Responses to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Epidemiological Studies Patrick De Boever1,2, Tijs Louwies1,2, Eline Provost1,2, Luc Int Panis1,3, Tim S. Nawrot2,4 1Environmental Risk and Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3Transportation Research Institute, Hasselt University, 4Department of Public Health, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Leuven University Retinal image analysis is an unobtrusive procedure for visualizing the microcirculation. The impact of cardiovascular disease risk factors can result in changes of retinal vessel calibers. The procedures to acquire fundus images and the steps for calculating the vessel calibers are described. Biology A Highly Reproducible and Straightforward Method to Perform In Vivo Ocular Enucleation in the Mouse after Eye Opening Jeroen Aerts*1, Julie Nys*1, Lutgarde Arckens1 1Department of Biology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven The removal of eyes, also called enucleation, provides a useful strategy to study aspects of visual, cross-modal, and developmental plasticity along the mammalian visual system since it induces irreversible partial (monocular) or complete (binocular) vision loss. Here we describe a highly reproducible and straightforward approach to perform in vivo enucleation. Biology Characterization of G Protein-coupled Receptors by a Fluorescence-based Calcium Mobilization Assay Jelle Caers1, Katleen Peymen1, Nick Suetens1, Liesbet Temmerman1, Tom Janssen1, Liliane Schoofs1, Isabel Beets1 1Department of Biology, KU Leuven The here described fluorescence-based calcium mobilization assay is a medium-throughput reverse pharmacology screening system for the identification of functionally activating ligand(s) of orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Biology Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells Catheleyne D'hondt1, Bernard Himpens1, Geert Bultynck1 1Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, KU Leuven Intercellular Ca2+-waves are driven by gap junction channels and hemichannels. Here, we describe a method to measure intercellular Ca2+-waves in cell monolayers in response to a local single-cell mechanical stimulus and its application to investigate the properties and regulation of gap junction channels and hemichannels. Medicine Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction Ryan Hodges1,2, Masayuki Endo1, Andre La Gerche3, Elisenda Eixarch4,5, Philip DeKoninck1, Vessilina Ferferieva3, Jan D'hooge3, Euan M. Wallace2, Jan Deprest1 1Division Woman and Child, Department Women, University Hospitals Leuven, 2The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia, 3Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 4 We describe examination of fetal cardiac function with contemporary functional fetal echocardiography and fetoplacental Doppler ultrasound using the VisualSonics VEVO 2100 microultrasound in a surgically induced model of intrauterine fetal growth restriction in a rabbit. Medicine A Novel Surgical Approach for Intratracheal Administration of Bioactive Agents in a Fetal Mouse Model Marianne S. Carlon*1, Jaan Toelen*2, Marina Mori da Cunha2, Dragana Vidović1, Anke Van der Perren3, Steffi Mayer2, Lourenço Sbragia2, Johan Nuyts4, Uwe Himmelreich5, Zeger Debyser1, Jan Deprest2 1Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, KU Leuven, 2Department of Woman and Child, KU Leuven, 3Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, KU Leuven, 4Division of Nuclear Medicine, KU Leuven, 5Biomedical NMR Unit/ MoSAIC, KU Leuven We developed a novel surgical approach for intratracheal administration of bioactive agents into the mouse fetus. The delivery route is more efficient in targeting the fetal mouse lungs than the commonly used intra-amniotic injection. This procedure has to date not been described in a mouse model. Medicine The Use of Cystometry in Small Rodents: A Study of Bladder Chemosensation Pieter Uvin1,2,3, Wouter Everaerts1,2,3, Silvia Pinto2,3, Yeranddy A. Alpízar2,3, Mathieu Boudes1,2,3, Thomas Gevaert1,2,3, Thomas Voets2,3, Bernd Nilius2,3, Karel Talavera2,3, Dirk De Ridder1,3 1Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Belgium, 2Laboratory for Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium, 3TRP Research Platform Leuven (TRPLe), KU Leuven, Belgium Cystometry is an efficient technique to measure bladder function of small animals in vivo. The bladder is continuously infused at rates controlled through an intravesical catheter, whereas the urethra is left free for micturition. This allows for repetitive filling and emptying of the bladder, while intravesical pressure and voided volume are recorded.