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

Abstract

Source: Zhang, C. et al. Intracarotid Cancer Cell Injection to Produce Mouse Models of Brain Metastasis. J. Vis. Exp. (2017)

This video demonstrates the establishment of a brain metastasis mouse model by intracarotid injection of fluorescently labeled cancer cells. The mouse model can be used to study the effects of novel therapeutics and the underlying physiological mechanisms.

Protocol

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

1. Prepare Mice for Tumor Cell Injection

1. Anesthetize a mouse by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of ketamine/xylazine cocktail (ketamine 100 mg/kg, xylazine 10 mg/kg).
2. Confirm complete anesthesia by pinching the animal's feet and observe lack of response.
3. Place the mouse on a glass plate (used for casting protein gels) and secure with rubber bands.
4. If necessary, remove the hair of neck by shaving or applying a small amount of hair removal....

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Ketamine hydrochloride/xylazine hydrochloride solution	Sigma-Aldrich	K113
Routine Stereomicroscope Leica M50	Leica	M50	The microscope is modular and highly configurable to fit particular space requirements
Surgical disposable scapel	Integra Miltex	4-410	To make skin incisions
Tissue Forceps - 1 x 2 Teeth	Fine Science Tools	11021-12	To bluntly dissect muscles
Dumont #5 - Mirror Finish Forceps	Fine Science Tools	11252-23	To separate and prepare the carotid artery for injection
Spring Scissors	Fine Science Tools	15025-10	To cut sutures
EZ Clip Kit	Stoelting	59020	For wound closure
BD Insulin Syringe	Becton Dickinson	328438	For cell injection
IVIS Spectrum In Vivo Imaging System	PerkinElmer	124262