In Vivo Microinjection and Electroporation of Mouse Testis

Summary

This article describes microinjection and electroporation of mouse testis in vivo as a transfection technique for testicular mouse cells to study unique processes of spermatogenesis. The presented protocol involves steps of glass capillary preparation, microinjection via the efferent duct, and transfection by electroporation.

Abstract

This video and article contribution gives a comprehensive description of microinjection and electroporation of mouse testis in vivo. This particular transfection technique for testicular mouse cells allows the study of unique processes in spermatogenesis.

The following protocol focuses on transfection of testicular mouse cells with plasmid constructs. Specifically, we used the reporter vector pEGFP-C1, which expresses enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and also the pDsRed2-N1 vector expressing red fluorescent protein (DsRed2). Both encoded reporter genes were under the control of the human cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter (CMV).

For performing gene transfer into mouse testes, the reporter plasmid constructs are injected into testes of living mice. To that end, the testis of an anaesthetized animal is exposed and the site of microinjection is prepared. Our preferred place of injection is the efferent duct, with the ultimately connected rete testis as the anatomical transport route of the spermatozoa between the testis and the epididymis. In this way, the filling of the seminiferous tubules after microinjection is excellently managed and controlled due to the use of stained DNA solutions. After observing a sufficient filling of the testis by its colored tubule structure, the organ is electroporated. This enables the transfer of the DNA solution into the testicular cells. Following 3 days of incubation, the testis is removed and investigated under the microscope for green or red fluorescence, illustrating transfection success.

Generally, this protocol can be employed for delivering DNA- or RNA- constructs into living mouse testis in order to (over)express or knock down genes, facilitating in vivo gene function analysis. Furthermore, it is suitable for studying reporter constructs or putative gene regulatory elements. Thus, the main advantages of the electroporation technique are fast performance in combination with low effort as well as the moderate technical equipment and skills required compared to alternative techniques.

Introduction

Mammalian spermatogenesis is considered to be a sophisticated process of self-renewing stem cells successively undergoing mitosis, meiosis and differentiation in order to develop into mature haploid spermatozoa. These morphological changes are orchestrated by different cell types and despite profound attempts, it is still impossible to mimic these processes in cell culture^1,2. Hence, research on spermatogenesis up to now relies on living organisms as in vivo models. In general, gene function studies are usually based on transgenic animals. However, generating and sustaining this kind of animal model is time-consuming, cost-intensive and qu....

Protocol

All performed animal experiments have been approved by the local ethics committee (Landesamt für Landwirtschaft, Lebensmittelsicherheit und Fischerei, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany).

1. Plasmid Preparation

1. For plasmid preparation, use plasmid purification kits (see Materials table) or similar methods with endotoxin removal buffer so that immune reactions of the animal can be avoided. Follow the instructions of the manual. Employ ddH₂O to dilute the plasmid solution.
2. Eliminate debris by spinning the DNA solution at maximum speed (20,000 x g). Then collect the supernatant.
3. Determine plasmid co....

Results

The experimental setting for performing microinjection and electroporation of mouse testis in vivo as it is used according to the protocol is illustrated in Figure 1. Even though it is possible to acquire industrially manufactured micropipettes, we preferred to generate our own pipettes by pulling (Figure 1A) and beveling (Figure 1B) glass capillaries so that they fitted our needs. The equipment for microinjection and electroporation is illustrated in Fi.......

Discussion

Research in the field of reproductive biology, particularly in the area of male fertility and spermatogenesis inevitably relies on living organisms. In order to examine testicular function, no adequate cell culture/in vitro system has been established capable of reflecting all the crucial morphological changes from a diploid spermatogonium to a haploid mature spermatozoon^1,2. Thus, the generation of genetically modified animals is often a necessary and as such a valuable tool in male .......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Centrifuge	Sigma	1-15 PK
Spectrophotometer	Nanodrop	ND-1000
Micropipette puller	Narishige	PC-10	vertical capillary puller
Microinjection capillaries	Clark	GC100-10	borosilicate standard wall
Micropipette beveler	Bachofer	Typ 462	rotating disk beveler
Electroporator	Nepagene	CUY 21EDIT	square wave electroporator
Tweezer electrodes	Nepagene	CUY 650P5	5 mm Ø disk electrodes
Stereo microscope	Zeiss	Stemi 2000-C
Cold light source	Zeiss	KL 1500LCD
Microinjection pump	Eppendorf	Femtojet
Micromanipulator	homemade		XYZ cross table
Surgical instruments	FST		scissors, forceps, needle holder
Fine forceps	FST	Dumont #5, #7	efferent ducts preparation
Michel clip applying stapler	FST	Michel, 12029-12
Michel suture clips	FST	Michel, 12040-01	7.5 x 1.75 mm
Surgical suture	Catgut, Markneukirchen, Germany	Catgut 00
Syringe with 30 G needle	B. Braun	Omnican 40	to load micropipette and for anesthesia
Plasmid isolation kit	Promega	Cat. # A2495	plasmid Midiprep
Plasmid pEGFP-C1	Clontech	Cat. #6084-1	CMV-promoter + EGFP
Plasmid pDsRed2-N1	Clontech	Cat. #6084-1	CMV-promoter + DsRed2
Fast Green dye	Sigma	F7258-25G	for dilution in ddH2O
10% Ketamine	Serum Werk, Bernburg, Germany	Urotamin	mix in a rate 1:1 with xylazine
2% Xylazine	Serum Werk, Bernburg, Germany	Xylazin	mix in a rate 1:1 with ketamine
Sterilium	Bode Chemie	Sterillium	disinfection
Vet ointment	S&K Pharma, GmbH	Kerato Biciron 5%, Augensalbe	opthalmic ointment to prevent eye dryness
To-Pro-3 iodide	Invitrogen	T3605
10x PBS, pH 7.4
1.37 M NaCl	Carl Roth	3957.1
Ibuprofen, Dolormin	Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health Care Germany	01094902	analgesic pediatric solution (NSAID) for postsurgery pain relief
27 mM KCl	Carl Roth	6781.1
100 mM Na2HPO4·2H2O	Carl Roth	T106.2
18 mM KH2PO4	Carl Roth	3904.1