There are several differences between the right and left ventricles. However, the pathophysiology of right ventricular infarction (RVI) has not been clarified. In the present protocol, a reproducible method for RVI mouse model generation is introduced, which may provide a means to explain the mechanism of RVI.
Right ventricular infarction (RVI) is a common presentation in clinical practice. Severe RVI can lead to fatal hemodynamic dysfunction and arrhythmia. In contrast to the extensively used mouse myocardial infarction (MI) model generated by left coronary artery ligation, the RVI mouse model is rarely employed due to the difficulty associated with model generation. Research on the mechanisms and treatment of RVI-induced RV remodeling and dysfunction requires animal models to mimic the pathophysiology of RVI in patients. This study introduces a feasible procedure for RVI model generation in C57BL/6J mice. Further, this model was characterized based on the following: infarct size evaluation at 24 h after MI, assessment of cardiac remodeling and function with echocardiography, RV hemodynamics assessment, and histology of the infarct zone at 4 weeks after RVI. In addition, a coronary vasculature cast was performed to observe the coronary arterial arrangement in RV. This mouse model of RVI would facilitate the research on mechanisms of right heart failure and seek new therapeutic targets of RV remodeling.
The right ventricle (RV), long thought to be a simple tube connected to the pulmonary artery, has been wrongfully neglected for many years1. However, there has been an increasing interest in RV function recently since it plays an essential role in hemodynamic disorders2,3 and may serve as an independent risk predictor of cardiovascular disease4,5,6,7. RV diseases include RV infarction (RVI), pulmonary artery hypertension, and valvular disease8. In contrast to the immense interest in pulmonary artery hypertension, RVI has remained neglected7,9.
RVI, usually accompanied by inferior-posterior myocardial infarction10,11, is caused by right coronary artery (RCA) occlusion. According to clinical investigations, severe RVI likely induces hemodynamic disturbances and arrhythmias, such as hypotension, bradycardia, and atrioventricular block, associated with higher hospital morbidity and mortality12,13,14. RV function could recover spontaneously to a certain extent even in the absence of reperfusion15,16. Several morphological and functional differences exist between the left ventricle (LV) and RV17. RV is believed to be more resistant to ischemia than LV8, partially due to the more extensive collateral circulation formation after RVI. Clarifying the differences between LV infarction (LVI) and RVI and identifying the underlying mechanisms would provide new therapeutic targets for cardiac regeneration and ischemic heart failure. However, owing to the difficulty associated with RVI mouse model generation, basic research on RVI is mainly limited.
A large animal model of RVI has been generated by ligating RCA in swine18, which is easier to operate because of the visible RCA. Compared with the large animal model, the mouse model has the following advantages: more accessibility in gene manipulation, lower economic cost, and shorter experimental period19,20. Although a mouse RVI model focusing on the influence of RVI on LV function was reported previously, the detailed steps of the procedure, the difficulties and key points of operation, and the model characteristics such as hemodynamic changes were not fully introduced9,21.
This article provides detailed surgical procedures for generating a mouse model of RVI. Moreover, this model was characterized by echocardiographic measurement, invasive hemodynamic evaluation, and histological analysis. Furthermore, a coronary vasculature cast was performed to observe the coronary arterial arrangement in RV. The technique introduced in this paper would help beginners to quickly grasp the generation of the mouse RVI model with acceptable operation mortality and reliable evaluation approaches. The mouse model of RVI would help research the mechanisms of right heart failure and seek new therapeutic targets of RV remodeling.
All procedures were performed according to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals published by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH Publication No. 85-23, revised in 1996) and were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University (Guangzhou, China). Healthy male C57BL/6J mice (8-10 weeks old; body weight, 25-30 g) were obtained from the Animal Center of Southern Medical University. Female mice can also be used, but mixing both genders is not recommended due to the potential influences of sex differences. After arrival, the mice were housed under a 12-h/12-h dark/light cycle (3-4 mice per cage), with ad libitum food and water.
1. Preparation for surgery
2. Permanent ligation of the right coronary artery
3. Echocardiographic assessment of the RV function after surgery
NOTE: For echocardiography, use an MS400D probe with a center frequency of 30 MHz, connected to a high-resolution ultrasound imaging system (see Table of Materials). The echocardiography examination is performed 4 weeks after surgery.
4. Invasive measurements of RV hemodynamic
NOTE: RV hemodynamic is assessed through right heart catheterization 4 weeks after RVI. A 1.0 F catheter together with a monitoring system is applied.
5. Coronary vascular cast using a vascular casting agent
In this study, mice were randomly assigned to the RVI (n = 11) or sham operation (n = 11) group. The coronary cast in 2 normal mouse hearts is shown in Figure 1A. In response to RCA ligation, ST-segment elevation was seen in lead III of the ECG (Figure 1B). Moreover, 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining showed that the infarct area accounts for 45% of the RV free wall at 24 h postoperatively (Figure 1C,D). The above data indicated the successful generation of the RVI mouse model.
Recordings of the 4-chamber apex view (Figure 2A) and 2-chamber view at LV short axis and the corresponding M-mode echocardiography (Figure 2B) measurements were performed at 4 weeks after the surgery to evaluate the RV remodeling and function. Compared with that in the sham group, the RV internal dimension at the end of diastole (RVIDd) increased in the RVI group (Figure 2C), and it was more than 2 times in the sham group (Figure 2A). RV ejection fraction (RVEF), RV fraction shortening (RVFS), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were significantly smaller in the RVI group than in the sham group (Figure 2D-F). The RV/LV area ratio increased by approximately 50% relative to the sham group (Figure 2G).
The mice were subjected to RV hemodynamic measurement 4 weeks after surgery. In the RVI group, RVSBP, dp/dt max, dp/dt min, and RV contractility were significantly smaller. At the same time, RVEDP and τ (tau) index were considerably more significant than those in the sham group (Figure 3A-E).
Four weeks after the surgery, the mice were sacrificed. An RV aneurysm was visible in the infarcted area (Figure 4A). The heart weight to body weight (HW/BW) ratio and heart weight to tibia length (HW/TL) ratio in the RVI group were slightly larger (without statistical significance) than those in the sham group (Figure 4B,C). Masson staining22 indicated significant fibrosis in the RV-free wall, and seldomly fibrosis occurred in the septum in the RVI group (Figure 4D,E). In contrast, a few surviving cardiomyocytes were in the infarct area (Figure 4F).
Figure 1: Electrocardiography (ECG) changes and infarct size after ligation of the right coronary artery (RCA). (A) Representative images of mouse coronary vascular cast. Scale bar = 4 mm. (B) Lead III ECG change in response to RCA ligation. (C) Representative pictures of 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining (white indicates infarct area, red indicates viable tissue). Scale bar = 4 mm. (D) Quantitation of myocardial infarct size of RVI mice. Data are presented as mean ± SEM, *P < 0.01 vs. sham group, n = 6 per group (two independent sample t-test). Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 2: Echocardiography assessment of right ventricular (RV) remodeling and function in mice subjected to RCA ligation. (A) Representative B-mode images in four-chamber view 4 weeks after RCA ligation; scale bar = 2 mm. (B) Typical pictures of B-Mode at right ventricle interface (upper) and the corresponding M-Mode (lower) showing both LV and RV at 4 weeks after RCA ligation; scale bar = 2 mm. (C) RV internal dimension at the end of diastole (RVIDd). (D) RV fraction shortening (RVFS). (E) RV ejection fraction (RVEF). (F) Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). (G) RV/LV area ratio. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. *P < 0.01 vs. sham group, n = 6 per group (two independent sample t-test). LV, left ventricle; RVI, right ventricular infarction. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 3: Right ventricular (RV) hemodynamics at 4 weeks after right coronary artery ligation. (A) Representative pressure curves were obtained with a pressure catheter. (B) Right ventricular systolic blood pressure (RVSBP) and right ventricular end-diastolic pressure (RVEDP). (C) The maximum and minimum rising rate of RV pressure (dp/dt max, dp/dt min). (D) RV contractility. (E) The exponential time constant of RV relaxation (τ). *P < 0.01 vs. sham group, n = 6 per group (two independent sample t-test). Data are presented as mean ± SEM. RVI, right ventricular infarction; RVP, right ventricular pressure. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 4: Histological results at 4 weeks after RVI. (A) Pictures of whole representative heart from sham and RVI group (red circle indicates infarct wall; scale bar = 3 mm). (B) Heart weight to body weight ratio (HW/BW), P = 0.0536 between RVI and sham group. (C) HW to tibia length ratio (HW/TL), P = 0.1682 between RVI and sham group. (D) Represent pictures of hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining of heart sections (scale bar = 3 mm). (E) Quantitative results of myocardial fibrosis. (F) Representative Masson staining pictures showing survival cardiomyocytes in the infarct area (the right picture (scale bar = 100 µm) is an enlargement of the tissue in the left box (scale bar = 1 mm). *P < 0.01 vs. sham group, n = 6 per group (two independent sample t-test). Data are presented as mean ± SEM. RVI, right ventricular infarction. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Sicard and colleagues from France first reported a mouse model of RVI in 2019, which described the surgical process and focused on the interaction between LV and RV after RVI9. However, to date, no study has reported using this model for further studies. A more detailed procedure would be helpful for researchers to use the mouse model of RVI for investigation. In contrast to the report by Sicard et al.9, we provided step-by-step information for model generation and strategy for quality control and further evaluated the anatomical distribution of RCA, RV hemodynamics, and the survival of cardiomyocytes in the infarct area. A recent report demonstrated that cardiomyocytes in the infarct area play an essential role in myocardial regeneration23. The RV function in patients with RVI would recover spontaneously within 3-12 months, even without reperfusion16,24. These findings suggest that the mouse RVI model would help search for potential therapeutic targets for right heart failure or cardiac regeneration. Therefore, it is necessary to popularize the model.
Due to the invisibility of RCA and the variation of RCA distribution, it would be difficult for the junior operators to generate RVI models with stable infarct sizes. To overcome this limitation, controlling the ligation level and range and ensuring sufficient elevation of ST-segment in II or III lead of ECG is recommended. The most critical step for successfully generating a mouse RVI model is to locate the anatomical structure of RCA. As shown in Figure 1A, mouse RCA may contain a primary or several parallel arteries; thus, the infarct size depends on how many arteries are blocked. Therefore, intraoperatively, the position of the RCA can be confirmed according to the anatomical characteristics of neighboring the right atrium and the visible vein. RVI mice usually exhibit myocardial infarction in the free wall of RV. Still, the septum can also be seldomly involved if the septal artery originates from the RCA, as shown in Figure 4D. The septum can be irrigated in mice by its own septal coronary artery branch25 or a branch of RCA or LCA26,27. After ligating the RCA, the classical ECG change of ST-segment elevation in EEG leads II or III leads is the gold standard to judge the success of RVI.
Since RV dilation induced by RCA ligation would increase intrapericardial pressure and then restrain cardiac filling, which would result in aggravation of hemodynamic disorder9,10, the pericardium should be torn apart during the operation. In contrast to the high incidence of cardiac rupture in mice with LCA ligation, no cardiac rupture was observed in the RVI mice. However, surgical mortality due to bleeding and atrioventricular block could be as high as 50% for beginners, which can be avoided by decreasing the piercing depth of needle stitch and myocardial range of suture ligation, lowering the ligation position, and gentle manipulation. Experienced technicians in our laboratory can complete the generation of an RVI mouse model in about 30 min with an 80%-90% success rate calculated by the survival proportion of mice with significant infarct size. Operation success was judged by instant elevation of ST-segment in Lead II or III of ECG after RCA ligation, TTC negative staining of myocardium in the 1st 24 h after surgery, and RV dilation measured by echocardiography at 3 days or 1 week after surgery. ST elevation in ECG leads of inferior wall and echocardiographic dilation of RV at 3 days after surgery may be used as the inclusion criteria for studies using mouse RVI model.
During the 4-week follow-up period, quite a few surviving cardiomyocytes were observed in the infarct area of RVI mice, which may be a reasonable basis for regenerative research. RV remodeling and dysfunction recovery at 4 weeks were not noted after RVI in this model, suggesting that this model is also feasible for basic research on right heart remodeling and failure.
The authors have nothing to disclose.
This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82073851 to Sun) and the National China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2021M690074 to Lin).
2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride | Sigma | T8877 | For TTC staining |
Animal Mini Ventilator | Havard | Type 845 | For artificial ventilation |
Animal ultrasound system VEVO2100 | Visual Sonic | VEVO2100 | Measurement for Doppler flow velocity and AS plaque |
Batson’s #17 Anatomical Corrosion Kit | Polyscience Inc | 7349 | For vasculature casting |
buprenorphine | Isoreag | 1134630-70-8 | For reduce the pain of mice after surgery |
C57BL/6J mice + D29A1A2:D27 | Animal Center of South Medical University | – | For the generation of mouse RVI model |
Camera | Sangnond | For taking photograph | |
Cold light illuminator | Olympus | ILD-2 | Light for operation |
electrocardiograph | ADI Instrument | ADAS1000 | For recording electrocardiogram |
hair removal cream | Reckitt Benchiser | RQ/B 33 Type 2 | Remove mouse hair |
Heat pad- thermostatic surgical system (ALC-HTP-S1) | SHANGHAI ALCOTT BIOTECH CO | ALC-HTP-S1 | Heating |
Hematoxylin-eosin dye | Leagene | DH0003 | Hematoxylin-eosin staining |
Heparin sodium salt | Macklin | H837056 | For heparization |
Isoflurane | RWD life science | R510-22 | Inhalant anaesthesia |
Lab made spatula | Work as a laryngoscope | ||
Lab made tracheal cannula | For intubation | ||
Matrx VIP 3000 Isofurane Vaporizer | Midmark Corporation | VIP 3000 | Anesthetization |
Medical nylon suture (5-0) | Ningbo Medical Needle Co. | 5-0 | For chest close |
Microsurgical elbow tweezers | RWD life science | F11021-11 | For surgery |
Microsurgical scissors | NAPOX | MB-54-1 | For arteriotomy |
Millar Catheter | AD Instruments, Shanghai | 1.0F | Measurement of pressure gradient |
MS400D ultrasonic probe | Visual Sonic | MS400D | Measurement for Doppler flow velocity and AS plaque |
needle forceps | Visual Sonic | F31006-12 | For surgery |
nitroglycerin | BEIJING YIMIN MEDICINE Co | For dilating coronary artery | |
Ophthalmic scissors | RWD life science | S11022-14 | For surgery |
Pentobarbital sodium salt | Merck | 25MG | Anesthetization |
PowerLab Multi-Directional Physiological Recording System | AD Instruments, Shanghai | 4/35 | Pressure recording |
Precision electronic balance | Denver Instrument | TB-114 | Weighing scale |
Silk suture (8-0) | Ningbo Medical Needle Co. | 6-0 | coronary artery ligation |
Small animal microsurgery equipment | Napox | MA-65 | Surgical instruments |
tissue forceps | Visual Sonic | F-12007-10 | For surgery |
tissue scissor | Visual Sonic | S13052-12 | Open chest for hemodynamic measurement |
Transmission Gel | Guang Gong pai | 250ML | preparation for Echocardiography measurement |
Vascular Clamps | Visual Sonic | R31005-06 | For blocking blood from aorta |