Brain Metastasis Mouse Model: A Method to Generate Brain Metastasis Mouse Model by Intracarotid Cancer Cell Injection

In brain metastasis, cancer cells from other affected organs, or the primary site of origin, spread into the central nervous system to form secondary tumors. To generate a mouse brain metastasis model, prep an anesthetized mouse in the supine position. Make a small incision in the neck region.

Dissect the muscles to expose one of the underlying carotid arteries. Carotid arteries are a pair of major blood vessels in the neck, supplying blood to the brain and head. Separate the carotid artery from the adjacent vagus nerve. Next, place suture knots around the proximal and distal ends of the artery.

Tighten the proximal knot to obstruct the blood flow into the target injection site. Then, place a buffer-soaked cotton ball under the target injection site to immobilize and stretch the artery for additional support. Take a syringe filled with green fluorescent protein or GFP-labeled cancer cell suspension.

Gently inject the cell suspension into the lumen of the carotid artery. Retract the needle and tighten the distal knot to prevent leakage of cancer cells. Lastly, suture the incision. Allow the mouse to recover. Over time, cancer cells begin to migrate and form secondary tumors in the brain, confirming the successful establishment of a brain metastasis model.