Vascular Casting of Adult and Early Postnatal Mouse Lungs for Micro-CT Imaging

Russell H. Knutsen; Leah  M. Gober; Joseph  R. Sukinik; Danielle  R. Donahue; Elise  K. Kronquist; Mark  D. Levin; Sean  E. McLean; Beth  A. Kozel

doi:10.3791/61242

Moulage vasculaire des poumons de souris postnatales adultes et précoces pour l’imagerie micro-CT

JoVE Journal
Developmental Biology

A subscription to JoVE is required to view this content. Sign in or start your free trial.

JoVE Journal Developmental Biology

Vascular Casting of Adult and Early Postnatal Mouse Lungs for Micro-CT Imaging

Moulage vasculaire des poumons de souris postnatales adultes et précoces pour l’imagerie micro-CT

Full Text

8,445 Views

09:00 min

June 20, 2020

DOI: 10.3791/61242-v

Russell H. Knutsen¹, Leah M. Gober¹, Joseph R. Sukinik¹, Danielle R. Donahue², Elise K. Kronquist¹, Mark D. Levin¹, Sean E. McLean³, Beth A. Kozel¹

¹Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute,National Institutes of Health, ²Mouse Imaging Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,National Institutes of Health, ³Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery,University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Please note that some of the translations on this page are AI generated. Click here for the English version.

Overview

This protocol provides step-by-step guidance for casting the pulmonary arterial vasculature in both adult and early postnatal mice. The technique allows for complete visualization of the vascular network while preserving soft tissue integrity, making it useful for studying pulmonary-vascular morphology and architecture.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Vascular Biology
Imaging Techniques

Background

Understanding pulmonary arterial networks is crucial for studying respiratory physiology.
Visualization techniques enhance the ability to analyze vascular structures.
Maintaining soft tissue integrity during casting is essential for accurate representation.
This method can be adapted for other vascular beds beyond the pulmonary system.

Purpose of Study

To visualize pulmonary arterial networks in mice.
To discuss potential applications for casted tissues.
To provide a detailed protocol for researchers.

Methods Used

Lung inflation and injection of a radio-opaque polymer-based compound.
Micro-CT imaging for visualization of the vascular network.
Step-by-step surgical protocol for casting.
Maintaining soft tissue integrity during the procedure.

Main Results

Successful casting of the pulmonary arterial vasculature.
Visualization of vascular morphology and architecture.
Demonstration of the technique's adaptability for other vascular beds.
Enhanced understanding of pulmonary vascular structures.

Conclusions

The technique provides a reliable method for vascular visualization.
It can be applied to various research areas in vascular biology.
Future studies can leverage this method for deeper insights into vascular health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of this technique?

The main goal is to visualize pulmonary arterial networks in mice.

How does this method preserve soft tissue integrity?

The technique involves careful casting that maintains the structure of soft tissues.

Can this method be adapted for other vascular systems?

Yes, the protocol can be modified for targeting other vascular beds.

What imaging technique is used for visualization?

Micro-CT imaging is used to visualize the casted vascular network.

Is this technique applicable to both adult and postnatal mice?

Yes, the protocol is designed for both adult and early postnatal mice.

What are the potential applications of casted tissues?

Casted tissues can be used for studying vascular morphology and related research.

Le but de cette technique est la visualisation ex vivo des réseaux artériels pulmonaires des souris postnatales et adultes précoces par l’inflation pulmonaire et l’injection d’un composé à base de polymère radio-opaque par l’intermédiaire de l’artère pulmonaire. Les applications potentielles pour les tissus moulés sont également discutées.

Ce protocole donne des conseils précis, étape par étape pour moulage de la vascularisation artérielle pulmonaire chez les souris adultes et postnatales précoces. Cette technique permet aux utilisateurs de lancer entièrement l’ensemble du réseau vasculaire pour la visualisation par une variété de méthodes, y compris micro-CT, tout en maintenant l’intégrité des tissus mous. Cette technique est particulièrement utile pour examiner la morphologie pulmonaire-vasculaire et l’architecture, mais peut facilement être adaptée pour le ciblage d’autres lits vasculaires.

Comme beaucoup de chirurgies et de dissections, il n’y a pas de substitut pour visualiser réellement une procédure, et les téléspectateurs peuvent bénéficier de voir certaines des manœuvres les plus difficiles en cours d’effectuer. Une fois que le processus xiphoïde est exposé, saisissez doucement et élevez la cage thoracique. Faites soigneusement une incision dans le diaphragme semi-transparent, maintenant exposé.

View the full transcript and gain access to thousands of scientific videos