Murine Tail Lymphedema Model: An In Vivo Technique to Generate Sustained Lymphedema in Murine Tail

Abstract

Source: Hassanein, A. H. et al., A Murine Tail Lymphedema Model. J. Vis. Exp. (2021).

This video describes an in vivo technique to generate murine tail lymphedema, an abnormal fluid accumulation in the interstitial tissue space leading to swelling in the tail. The model is applied to study mechanisms and therapy for lymphedema.

Protocol

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

1. Surgical Disruption of Mouse Tail Lymphatics

1. Use eight week-old C57BL/6 mice of equal gender distribution.
2. Place a mouse under general anesthesia in an induction chamber with 3-4% isoflurane in 100% oxygen followed by maintenance sedation at 1-3% during the procedure.
3. Administer 0.5 mg/kg sustained-release (SR) buprenorphine subcutaneously for pain control.
   NOTE: Additional analgesic drugs administered postop: Carprofen onc....

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Surgical Microscope	Leica, Wetzlar, Germany	MSV266
Adherent Dressing (Tegaderm)	3M, St. Paul, Minn.	1626W
C57BL/6 mice	Jackson Laboratories	664
Micro-Adson Forceps - 1x2 Teeth	Fine Science Tools (USA) Inc.	11019-12
Disposable Needle 30GX1	Fischer Scientific	305128
Operating Scissors	Fischer Scientific	12-460-796
IsosulfanBlue (Lymphazurin) 50mg/5ml	Mylan	67457-220-05