Improved Visualization of Lung Metastases at Single Cell Resolution in Mice by Combined In-situ Perfusion of Lung Tissue and X-Gal Staining of lacZ-Tagged Tumor Cells
Laboratory for Orthopedic Research, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich
The novel protocol reported in the present study allows selective detection of lung metastases at single cell resolution in mice by combined in-situ lung perfusion and fixation and X-Gal staining of lacZ-tagged tumor cells.
Procedure for Lung Engineering
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 2Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Duke University, 3Department of Anesthesia, Yale University
We have developed a decellularized lung extracellular matrix and novel biomimetic bioreactor that can be used to generate functional lung tissue. By seeding cells into the matrix and culturing in the bioreactor, we generate tissue that demonstrates effective gas exchange when transplanted in vivo for short periods of time.
Mouse Embryonic Lung Culture, A System to Evaluate the Molecular Mechanisms of Branching
Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
Early embryonic lung organ culture is a very useful system to study epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Both epithelial and mesenchymal morphogenesis proceeds under specific conditions that can be readily manipulated in this system.
Direct Observation of Phagocytosis and NET-formation by Neutrophils in Infected Lungs using 2-photon Microscopy
1Institute for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 2Department of Immunoregulation, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research
We show, how to use 2-photon microscopy for the observation of the dynamics of neutrophil granulocytes in infected lungs while they phagocytose pathogens or produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).
Isolation of Mouse Lung Dendritic Cells
Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University
A highly purified preparation of mouse lung dendritic cells is described. Specific emphasis is given to the isolation of conventional dendritic cell subset.
Isolation & Characterization of Hoechstlow CD45negative Mouse Lung Mesenchymal Stem Cells
1Charles C. Gates Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology Program, University of Colorado Denver, 2Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, 3Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, 4Webb Waring Institute, University of Colorado Denver
In this article we demonstrate the isolation of murine resident lung mesenchymal stem cells (lung MSC), their expansion, characterization and analysis of immunomodulatory properties.
Development of Obliterative Bronchiolitis in a Murine Model of Orthotopic Lung Transplantation
1Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 2Center for Immunobiology, Indiana University School of Medicine
Obliterative bronchiolitis is the key impediment to the long-term survival of lung transplant recipients and the lack of a robust preclinical model precludes examining obliterative bronchiolitis immunopathogenesis. Unlike other solid organ transplants, vascularized mouse lung transplantation has only recently been developed. Here we show our independently developed obliterative bronchiolitis model after murine orthotopic single-lung transplantation.
Non-surgical Intratracheal Instillation of Mice with Analysis of Lungs and Lung Draining Lymph Nodes by Flow Cytometry
1Department of Immunology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 2Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 3Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, 4Department of Immunology, National Jewish Health
We illustrate non-surgical delivery of test materials into the lungs of anesthetized mice via the trachea. This method permits lung exposure to bacterial and viral pathogens, cytokines, antibodies, beads, chemicals, or dyes. We further describe harvesting and processing of lungs and lung draining lymph nodes (LDLNs) for flow cytometry.
Analysis of Pulmonary Dendritic Cell Maturation and Migration during Allergic Airway Inflammation
1Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, 2Physiology and Experimental Medicine Research Program, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto
We describe a strategy to monitor maturation and migration of pulmonary dendritic cells in response to ovalbumin in the setting of ovalbumin induced allergic airway inflammation. This strategy can be modified to assess migration of pulmonary dendritic cells in settings of infection.
Flow Cytometric Isolation of Primary Murine Type II Alveolar Epithelial Cells for Functional and Molecular Studies
1Research Group Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 2Research Group Infection Immunology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 3Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research
We describe the rapid isolation of primary murine type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII) by flow cytometric negative selection. These AECII show high viability and purity and are suitable for a wide range of functional and molecular studies regarding their role in respiratory conditions such as autoimmune or infectious diseases.
Micro-Mechanical Characterization of Lung Tissue Using Atomic Force Microscopy
The stiffness of the extracellular matrix strongly influences multiple behaviors of adherent cells. Matrix stiffness varies spatially throughout a tissue, and undergoes modification in various disease conditions. Here we develop methods to characterize spatial variations in stiffness in normal and fibrotic mouse lung tissue using atomic force microscopy microindentation.
Experimental Metastasis and CTL Adoptive Transfer Immunotherapy Mouse Model
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia
An experimental lung metastasis and CTL immunotherapy mouse model for analysis of tumor cells-T cell interaction in vivo.
Experimental Metastasis Assay
1Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, 2Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester Medical Center
This article describes the procedures of an experimental metastasis assay that is used to determine the metastatic potential of human cancer cell lines.
Direct Tracheal Instillation of Solutes into Mouse Lung
1Department of Physiology, Emory University, 2Center for Respiratory Health, Emory University, 3Department of Medicine, Emory University
Intratracheal instillations deliver solutes directly into the lungs. This procedure targets the delivery of the instillate into the distal regions of the lung, and is therefore often incorporated in studies aimed at studying alveoli. We provide a detailed survival protocol for performing intratracheal instillations in mice.
Standardized Preparation of Single-Cell Suspensions from Mouse Lung Tissue using the gentleMACS Dissociator
Dissociating cells from specific tissue types requires specific parameters for tissue agitation to obtain a high volume of viable, culturable cells. The Miltenyi gentleMACS dissociator optimizes this task with a simple, practical protocol. In this publication the use of this apparatus on lung tissue is explained.
Characterization of the Isolated, Ventilated, and Instrumented Mouse Lung Perfused with Pulsatile Flow
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison
The following protocol outlines the process of isolating, ventilating and instrumenting mouse lungs to measure steady or pulsatile pulmonary vascular pressure-flow relationships in order to quantify the effects of blood flow, airflow, airway changes and vascular changes on right ventricular afterload.
Diagnostic Necropsy and Selected Tissue and Sample Collection in Rats and Mice
1Research Animal Diagnostic Services, Charles River, 2Research Models and Services, Charles River, 3Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington
This article describes the procedures for conducting a basic postmortem examination of a mouse or rat, and the collection of basic organs, as well as more challenging sample types from for histological, microbiological, and PCR evaluation.
Pressure Controlled Ventilation to Induce Acute Lung Injury in Mice
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado
A murine model for ventilator induced lung injury is an important tool to study an acute lung injury in vivo. Here, we report an easy applicable in situ model for acute lung injury using high-pressure mechanical ventilation to induce acute failure of the lung.
Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation
1Institute of Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 2Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Schistosoma mansoni eggs are potent stimulators of the T helper type 2 (Th2) immune response, characteristic of parasite infection, asthma and allergic inflammation. This protocol utilizes S. mansoni egg injection to generate a CD4 Th2 cytokine-induced inflammatory response in the lung, characterized by lung granuloma formation around the egg, eosinophilia and macrophage alternative activation.
High Resolution 3D Imaging of Ex-Vivo Biological Samples by Micro CT
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, 2Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, 3Department of Chemical Infrastructure, Weizmann Institute of Science
Non-destructive volume visualization can be achieved only by tomographic techniques, of which the most efficient is the x-ray micro computerized tomography ( CT).
Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure Measurements in Combination with Harvest of Lung and Immune Tissue Samples in Mice
1Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, 2Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 3Division of Pulmonary Medicine, New York University School of Medicine
A specific and rapid protocol to simultaneously investigate right heart function, lung inflammation, and the immune response is described as a learning tool. Video and figures describe physiology and microdissection techniques in an organized team-approach that is adaptable to be used for small to large sized studies.
An Experimental System to Study Mechanotransduction in Fetal Lung Cells
Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Mechanical forces play a key role in lung development and lung injury. Here, we describe a method to isolate rodent fetal lung type II epithelial cells and fibroblasts and to expose them to mechanical stimulation using an in vitro system.
Using Luciferase to Image Bacterial Infections in Mice
Microbial & Molecular Pathogenesis, Texas A&M Health Science Center
Methods for bioluminescence imaging of bacterial infections in living animals are decribed. Pathogens are modified to express luciferase allowing optical whole body imaging of infections in live animals. Animal models can be infected with luciferase expressing pathogens and the resulting course of disease visualized in real-time by bioluminescence imaging.
In vivo Measurement of the Mouse Pulmonary Endothelial Surface Layer
Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine
The endothelial glycocalyx/endothelial surface layer is ideally studied using intravital microscopy. Intravital microscopy is technically challenging in a moving organ such as the lung. We demonstrate how simultaneous brightfield and fluorescent microscopy may be used to estimate endothelial surface layer thickness in a freely-moving in vivo mouse lung.
Measurement of γHV68 Infection in Mice
Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
γ-Herpesviruses (γ-HVs) establish life-long persistency in their host. Infection of mice with γ-HV68 provides a genetically tractable in vivo model for the characterization of the lifecycle/pathogenesis of γHVs. This protocol describes the detection and quantitation of γHV68 infection at acute and latent stages following infection by plaque-forming, infectious center, and qPCR assays.
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Experimental mouse models of allergic asthma offer new possibilities for studying disease pathogenesis and developing new therapeutics. These models are well suited to measuring factors governing the allergic immune response, airway inflammation, and pulmonary pathophysiology.
Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique
1Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, McGill University, 2SCIREQ Scientific Respiratory Equipment Inc.
The present protocol provides a detailed step-by-step description of the procedures required to execute measurements of respiratory system mechanics as well as the assessment of airway responsiveness to inhaled methacholine in mice using the forced oscillation technique (flexiVent; SCIREQ Inc, Montreal, Qc, Canada).
Harvesting Murine Alveolar Macrophages and Evaluating Cellular Activation Induced by Polyanhydride Nanoparticles
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, 2Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University
Herein, we describe protocols for harvesting murine alveolar macrophages, which are resident innate immune cells in the lung, and examining their activation in response to co-culture with polyanhydride nanoparticles.
A Novel Surgical Approach for Intratracheal Administration of Bioactive Agents in a Fetal Mouse Model
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.
Establishing Primary Adult Fibroblast Cultures From Rodents
Department of Biology, University of Rochester
This article describes a protocol for isolation and maintenance of primary fibroblast cultures from skin and lung tissue of wild rodents.
Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
1Center for Autophagy Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center
We describe a protocol to identify key roles of host signaling molecules in lytic replication of a model herpesvirus, gamma herpesvirus 68 (γHV68). Utilizing genetically modified mouse strains and embryonic fibroblasts for γHV68 lytic replication, the protocol permits both phenotypic characterization and molecular interrogation of virus-host interactions in viral lytic replication.
Isolation and Culture of Pulmonary Endothelial Cells from Neonatal Mice
Blood Research Institute, BloodCenter of Wisconsin
Here, we describe a protocol for isolation and culture of murine pulmonary endothelial cells. This method comprises mechanic and enzymatic lung tissue dissociation as well as a 2-step purification process using anti-PECAM-1 and anti-ICAM-2 antibodies conjugated to magnetic beads, which produces a pure endothelial cell population of mostly microvascular origin.
Protein Transfection of Mouse Lung
Department of Medicine, St. Luke's Roosevelt Medical Center
Transgenic mice or viral vectors have been used to increase protein expression within the lung. However, these techniques are time-consuming, technically challenging and have off-target effects that can confound results. Our protein transfection protocol uses a lipid based transfection reagent and an ultrafine microsprayer to uniformly deliver active protein to lung cells.
A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
1Department of Anesthesia, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, 2Department of Anesthesia, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
We describe a technique to maintain oxygenation and ventilation using an endotracheal tube inserted nasally to the level of the naso-pharynx while sealing the mouth and nares for successful positive pressure ventilation.
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
1Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), 2Millenium Premier Group, 3Department of Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM)
Repeated measurements of rodent respiratory physiology and sampling of airway inflammatory cells are desirable, but generally not feasible. Here we describe a repeatable method for orally intubating mice that permits repeated measurements of airway hyperreactivity and sampling of airway inflammatory cells.
Bioluminescence Imaging of NADPH Oxidase Activity in Different Animal Models
1Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2Departments of Medicine and Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, 3Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo School of Medicine
NADPH oxidase is the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in phagocytes. Because of the ephemeral nature of ROS, it is difficult to measure and monitor ROS levels in living animals. A minimally invasive method for serial quantification of ROS in living mice is described.
3D Printing of Preclinical X-ray Computed Tomographic Data Sets
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, 2Freimann Life Science Center, University of Notre Dame, 3Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 4Notre Dame Integrated Imaging Facility, University of Notre Dame, 5MakerBot Industries LLC, 6Departments of Biological Sciences, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, and Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, 7Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame
Using modern plastic extrusion and printing technologies, it is now possible to quickly and inexpensively produce physical models of X-ray CT data taken in a laboratory. The three -dimensional printing of tomographic data is a powerful visualization, research, and educational tool that may now be accessed by the preclinical imaging community.
Tracheotomy: A Method for Transplantation of Stem Cells to the Lung
Dept. of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School
Significant breakthroughs in stem cell identification are continuously being made. To translate these discoveries, however, novel methods for cellular delivery must be devised. Here I report that the airways provide a safe route for stem cell transplantation to the lungs.
Fabrication of Biologically Derived Injectable Materials for Myocardial Tissue Engineering
University of California, San Diego
Methods for preparing an injectable matrix gel from decellularized tissue and injecting it into rat myocardium in vivo are described.
A Simple Method of Mouse Lung Intubation
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Program in Respiratory Biology and Lung Disease, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health Sciences University
This paper describes a striaghforward and efficient method of intubating mice for pulmonary function measurements or pulmonary instillation, that allows the mice to recover and be studied at later times. The procedure involves an inexpensive fiberoptic light source that directly illuminates the trachea.
Implantation of Engineered Tissue in the Rat Heart
1Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, 2Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston
Here, we describe a cardiac surgical procedure to implant engineered tissue in the atrioventricular (AV)-groove of an adult Lewis rat.
Co-culture Models of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms Grown on Live Human Airway Cells
1Department of Physiology, Dartmouth College, 2Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
This paper describes different methods of growing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms on cultured human airway epithelial cells. These protocols can be adapted to study different aspects of biofilm formation, including visualization of the biofilm, staining of the biofilm, measuring the colony forming units (CFU) of the biofilm, and studying biofilm cytotoxicity.
Passive Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies Against H. capsulatum and Others Fungal Pathogens
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
C57BL/6 mice have been used to study Hc pathogenesis and provide the best model. We are exploring the potential benefits of humoral immunity against this fungus and generated several mAbs [to histone H2B and a heat shock protein 60kDa] that we tested for their protective efficacy after intraperitoneal administration.
Isolation of Basal Cells and Submucosal Gland Duct Cells from Mouse Trachea
Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Here we demonstrate our protocol for isolation of basal and submucosal gland duct cells from mouse tracheas. We also demonstrate the method of injecting stem cells into the dorsal mouse fat pad to create an in vivo model of submucosal gland regeneration.
Use of a Hanging Weight System for Coronary Artery Occlusion in Mice
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver
A murine model for myocardial ischemia and ischemic preconditioning is an important tool study cardioprotective mechanisms in vivo. Here, we report an easy applicable in situ model for cardiac IP using a hanging-weight system for coronary artery occlusion.
Quantitative Analysis of Cancer Metastasis using an Avian Embryo Model
1Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University, 2Departments of Oncology, Surgery and Medical Biophysics, London Regional cancer program
Using quantitative PCR, we demonstrate how the well-established chick CAM model can be used to quantitatively analyze the metastasis of human tumor cells to distant organs.
Procedure for Decellularization of Porcine Heart by Retrograde Coronary Perfusion
1McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 2Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 4Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
A method to rapidly and completely remove cellular components from an intact porcine heart through retrograde perfusion is described. This method yields a site specific cardiac extracellular matrix scaffold which has the potential for use in multiple clinical applications.
Use of Artificial Sputum Medium to Test Antibiotic Efficacy Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Conditions More Relevant to the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
1Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, 2NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in Microbial Disease, University of Liverpool
Current diagnostic antimicrobial susceptibility testing relies on the planktonic growth of isolates in nutrient rich, aerobic conditions. Here, we employ an alternative artificial sputum medium to study antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms under both aerobic and microaerophilic conditions more representative of the cystic fibrosis lung.
LAD-Ligation: A Murine Model of Myocardial Infarction
1Transplant and Stem Cell Immunobiology Lab (TSI), University Heart Center Hamburg, 2CVRC, University Hospital Hamburg, 3Department of CT Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
This video demonstrates how to use a fast and reliable model to study pathobiological and pathophysiological processes of myocardial ischemia.
June 2011: This Month in JoVE
Here are some highlights from the June 2011 Issue of Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE).
