Mouse Inguinal Lymph Node Volume Analysis: An Ultra-high-frequency Ultrasound Imaging Technique to Determine the Volume of Inguinal Lymph Node in Mouse Model

Abstract

Source: Vitiello, M. et. al., Analysis of Lymph Node Volume by Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging in the Braf/Pten Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Melanoma. J. Vis. Exp. (2021)

In this video, we demonstrate the technique to image the inguinal lymph node in a mouse model using ultra-high-frequency ultrasound imaging. This non-invasive imaging technique allows the monitoring of the change in lymph node volume in the animal over time.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Imaging procedure

1. Place the mouse in an induction chamber for gas anesthesia and supply 3% isoflurane in pure oxygen until the animal is fully anesthetized. Verify the depth of anesthesia by lack of response to paw pinch.
2. Transfer the animal to a heated board - a constitutive part of the UHFUS imaging station - holding the animal in a supine position. Use a rectal probe lubricated with petroleum jelly to measure the body temperature. Adjust the board temper....

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
B6.Cg-Braftm1Mmcm Ptentm1Hwu Tg(Tyr-cre/ERT2)13Bos/BosJ (Braf/Pten) mice	The Jackson Laboratory	13590
Blu gel	Sooft Ialia		Ophthalmic solution gel
IsoFlo (isoflorane)	Zoetis		Liquid for gaseous anaesthesia
Sigma gel	Parker		Electrode gel
Transonic gel clear	Telic SAU		Ultrasound gel
Veet	Reckitt Benckiser IT		Depilatory cream
Compact Dual Anesthesia System	Fujifilm, Visualsonics Inc.		Isoflurane-based anesthesia system equipped with nose cone and induction chamber
MX550S	Fujifilm, Visualsonics Inc.		UHFUS linear probe
Vevo 3100	Fujifilm, Visualsonics Inc.		UHFUS system
Vevo Imaging Station	Fujifilm, Visualsonics Inc.		UHFUS imaging station and Advancing Physiological Monitoring Unit endowed with heated board
Vevo Lab	Fujifilm, Visualsonics Inc.		Software platform for ultrasound image post-processing