This work was supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG; Clinician Scientist Program in Vascular Medicine (PRIME), MA 2186/14-1 to P. Tomsits), the German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK; 81X2600255 to S. Clauss), the Corona Foundation (S199/10079/2019 to S. Clauss), and the ERA-NET on Cardiovascular Diseases (ERA-CVD; 01KL1910 to S. Clauss). The funders had no role in manuscript preparation.

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Current guidelines recommend regular physical activity as it has been demonstrated to be an important modifier of cardiovascular risk factors30. There is also a growing body of evidence that moderate physical activity may protect against atrial fibrillation (AF) both in primary and secondary prevention31,32,33. On the contrary, endurance athletes such as marathon runners have a higher risk to develop AF i...

Regular physical activity is important for a healthy life. Certain cardiovascular conditions, however, lead to situations where this common-sense agreement is at least questionable. In patients with myocarditis, current data even shows adverse effects of exercise and, thus, it is recommended to pause all exercise for a certain period in these patients1,2,3. In other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as inherited arrhythmia syndromes comparatively less evidence on the appropriate level of exercise exists4,5,6,7, making clinical counselling in these cases, mostly for young and physically active patients, very challenging.
Adverse remodeling leading to reduced contractility and heart failure and proarrhythmogenic remodeling leading to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death have been suggested as hallmarks of exercise-associated harmful effects on the heart8. A large number of studies indicate beneficial effects of moderate exercise over a broad spectrum of different diseases9,10. Extensive training, however, may have detrimental effects on the heart leading to arrhythmias especially in otherwise healthy athletes11. Although structural remodeling processes leading to a vulnerable proarrhythmic substrate production may underlie this paradox situation as demonstrated in marathon runners12, the specific mechanisms of exercise-related adverse remodeling both in healthy people and in patients with cardiovascular diseases remain largely unknown.
In animals, especially in mice, several suitable models have been developed to mimic a broad range of cardiovascular diseases13,14. Also, various exercise models and training protocols have been established in mice15,16,17, including motorized treadmill training, voluntary wheel running (VWR), and swimming17,18. Evaluation of cardiac electrophysiology by ECG monitoring classically depends on a direct conducting connection between the animal and some sort of detection device. Thus, either animals need to be anesthetized, e.g., to obtain ECG recordings using sharp electrodes19, or animals need to be immobilized by a restrainer 20, or data quality is reduced due to motion artifacts, e.g., when using paw-electrodes21 or conductive platforms22 allowing only basic analysis. Thus, none of the above-mentioned approaches are compatible with training protocols and consequently prevent studies on exercise-related mechanisms leading to adverse remodeling in mice. Implantable telemetry devices can overcome these hurdles and are nowadays the most powerful tool and gold standard to evaluate murine electrophysiology in vivo in conscious and moving animals23,24. Current telemetry hardware solutions have been developed to monitor mice in their cages25,26,&#160;and commonly require a receiver to be placed underneath the cage for data acquisition, thus making real-time monitoring outside these circumstances challenging. Here we provide an approach to investigate the effects of exercise on cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis by real-time ECG recording during treadmill training in mice using implanted telemetry devices. All parameters obtained were analyzed as previously described by Tomsits et al.23.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
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			<td>14-gauge needle</td>
			<td>Sterican</td>
			<td>584125</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Any mouse</td>
			<td>e.g. Jackson Laboratories</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bepanthen</td>
			<td>Bayer</td>
			<td>1578675</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Carprofen 0.005 mg/&#181;L</td>
			<td>Zoetis</td>
			<td>53716-49-7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Data Exchange Matrix 2.0 (MX2)</td>
			<td>Data Science International</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Manages communication between PhysioTel and PhysioTel HD telemetry implants and the acquisition computer.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Enrofloxacin 25 mg/ml</td>
			<td>Baytril</td>
			<td>400614.00.00</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td>Fentanyl 0.5 mg/10 mL</td>
			<td>Braun Melsungen</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
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		<tr>
			<td>Fine forceps</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>11295-51</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Five Lane Treadmill for Mouse</td>
			<td>Panlab - Harvard Apparatus</td>
			<td>76-0896</td>
			<td>Includes treadmill unit, touchscreen control unit, a sponge , and cables</td>
		</tr>
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			<td>Iris scissors</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>14084-08</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td>Isoflurane 1 mL/mL</td>
			<td>Cp-Pharma</td>
			<td>31303</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isoflurane vaporizer system</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik</td>
			<td>34-0458, 34-1030, 73-4911, 34-0415, 73-4910</td>
			<td>Includes an induction chamber, a gas evacuation unit and charcoal filters</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LabChart Pro 8.1.16</td>
			<td>ADInstruments</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
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		<tr>
			<td>Magnet</td>
			<td>Data Science International</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Modified Bain circuit</td>
			<td>Hugo Sachs Elektronik</td>
			<td>73-4860</td>
			<td>Includes an anesthesia mask for mice</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Modular connectors</td>
			<td>Data Science International</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Connecting cables between Reciever, Signal Interface and Matrix 2.0 (MX2)</td>
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			<td>Novafil s 5-0</td>
			<td>Medtrocin/Covidien</td>
			<td>88864555-23</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Octal BioAmp</td>
			<td>ADInstruments</td>
			<td>FE238-0239</td>
			<td>Amplifier for recording Surface ECG</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Octenisept</td>
			<td>Sch&#252;lke</td>
			<td>121418</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Oxygen 5 L</td>
			<td>Linde</td>
			<td>2020175</td>
			<td>Includes a pressure regulator</td>
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		<tr>
			<td>PhysioTel ETA-F10 transmitter</td>
			<td>Data Science International</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PhysioTel receiver RPC-1</td>
			<td>Data Science International</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Signal reciever</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ponemah 6.42</td>
			<td>Data Science International</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>ECG Analysis Software</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Powerlab</td>
			<td>ADInstruments</td>
			<td>3516-1277</td>
			<td>Suface ECG Acquisition hardware device. Includes ECG electrode leads</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Prism 8.0.1</td>
			<td>Graph Pad</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Radio Device (Sony AF/AM)</td>
			<td>Sony</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Signal Interface</td>
			<td>Data Science International</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Acquires and synchronizes digital signals with telemetry data in Ponemah v6.x.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Spring scissors</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>91500-09</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical platform</td>
			<td>Kent Scientific</td>
			<td>SURGI-M</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tergazyme 1%</td>
			<td>Alconox</td>
			<td>13051.0</td>
			<td>Commercial cleaning solution</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tweezers</td>
			<td>Kent Scientific</td>
			<td>INS600098-2</td>
			<td></td>
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real-time electrocardiogram monitoring during treadmill training in mice

Regular physical exercise is a major contributor to cardiovascular health, influencing various metabolic as well as electrophysiological processes. However, in certain cardiac diseases such as inherited arrhythmia syndromes, e.g., arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) or myocarditis, physical exercise may have negative effects on the heart leading to a proarrhythmogenic substrate production. Currently, the underlying molecular mechanisms of exercise-related proarrhythmogenic remodeling are largely unknown, thus it remains unclear which frequency, duration, and intensity of exercise can be considered safe in the context of disease(s).
The proposed method allows to study proarrhythmic/antiarrhythmic effects of physical exercise by combining treadmill training with real-time monitoring of the ECG. Implantable telemetry devices are used to continuously record the ECG of freely moving mice over a period of up to 3 months both at rest and during treadmill training. Data acquisition software with its analysis modules is used to analyze basic ECG parameters such as heart rate, P wave duration, PR interval, QRS interval, or QT duration at rest, during and after training. Furthermore, heart rate variability (HRV) parameters and occurrence of arrhythmias are evaluated. In brief, this manuscript describes a step-by-step approach to experimentally explore exercise induced effects on cardiac electrophysiology, including potential proarrhythmogenic remodeling in mouse models.

Depending on individual research objectives, subsequent analysis of obtained telemetry data will differ widely. Here, we demonstrate feasibility of the method by obtaining good quality data recorded during training periods and provide exemplary results of ECGs and heart rate variability analyses before, during, and after training. Data are presented as mean &#177; standard error of mean (SEM), all statistical analyses were conducted with a suitable statistical software (see Table of Materials). Statistic...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Real-Time Electrocardiogram Monitoring During Treadmill Training in Mice at JoVE.com

Real-Time Electrocardiogram Monitoring During Treadmill Training in Mice

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is the key variable to understanding cardiac electrophysiology. Physical exercise has beneficial effects but may also be harmful in the context of cardiovascular diseases. This manuscript provides a method of recording real-time ECG during exercise, which can serve to investigate its effects on cardiac electrophysiology in mice.

Regular physical exercise is a major contributor to cardiovascular health, influencing various metabolic as well as electrophysiological processes. ...

real-time-electrocardiogram-monitoring-during-treadmill-training

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

2.3K Views.  Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU). Electrocardiogram (ECG) is the key variable to understanding cardiac electrophysiology. Physical exercise has beneficial effects but may also be harmful in the context of cardiovascular diseases. This manuscript provides a method of recording real-time ECG during exercise, which can serve to investigate its effects on cardiac electrophysiology in mice.

Video: Real-Time Electrocardiogram Monitoring During Treadmill Training in Mice

Evaluation of Nanoparticle Uptake in Tumors in Real Time Using Intravital Imaging

Current technologies for tumor imaging, such as ultrasound, MRI, PET and CT, are unable to yield high-resolution images for the assessment of nanoparticle uptake in tumors at the microscopic level1,2,3, highlighting the utility of a suitable xenograft model in which to perform detailed uptake analyses. Here, we use high-resolution intravital imaging to evaluate nanoparticle uptake in human tumor xenografts in a modified, shell-less chicken embryo model. The chicken embryo model is particularly well-suited for these in vivo analyses because it supports the growth of human tumors, is relatively inexpensive and does not require anesthetization or surgery 4,5. Tumor cells form fully vascularized xenografts within 7 days when implanted into the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) 6. The resulting tumors are visualized by non-invasive real-time, high-resolution imaging that can be maintained for up to 72 hours with little impact on either the host or tumor systems. Nanoparticles with a wide range of sizes and formulations administered distal to the tumor can be visualized and quantified as they flow through the bloodstream, extravasate from leaky tumor vasculature, and accumulate at the tumor site. We describe here the analysis of nanoparticles derived from Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) decorated with near-infrared fluorescent dyes and/or polyethylene glycol polymers (PEG) 7, 8, 9,10,11. Upon intravenous administration, these viral nanoparticles are rapidly internalized by endothelial cells, resulting in global labeling of the vasculature both outside and within the tumor7,12. PEGylation of the viral nanoparticles increases their plasma half-life, extends their time in the circulation, and ultimately enhances their accumulation in tumors via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect 7, 10,11. The rate and extent of accumulation of nanoparticles in a tumor is measured over time using image analysis software. This technique provides a method to both visualize and quantify nanoparticle dynamics in human tumors.

We present a novel approach to quantify nanoparticle localization in the vasculature of human xenografted tumors using dynamic, real-time intravital imaging in an avian embryo model.

Current technologies for tumor imaging, such as ultrasound, MRI, PET and CT, are unable to yield high-resolution images for the assessment of nanoparticle ...

MicroRNA Detection in Prostate Tumors by Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, 18&#x2013;24 nucleotide long, non-coding RNA molecules. They are involved in virtually every cellular process including development1, apoptosis2, and cell cycle regulation3. MiRNAs are estimated to regulate the expression of 30% to 90% of human genes4 by binding to their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs)5. Widespread dysregulation of miRNAs has been reported in various diseases and cancer subtypes6. Due to their prevalence and unique structure, these small molecules are likely to be the next generation of biomarkers, therapeutic agents and/or targets.
Methods used to investigate miRNA expression include SYBR green I dye- based as well as Taqman-probe based qPCR. If miRNAs are to be effectively used in the clinical setting, it is imperative that their detection in fresh and/or archived clinical samples be accurate, reproducible, and specific. qPCR has been widely used for validating expression of miRNAs in whole genome analyses such as microarray studies7. The samples used in this protocol were from patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer; however other tissues and cell lines can be substituted in. Prostate specimens were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen after resection. Clinical variables and follow-up information for each patient were collected for subsequent analysis8.
Quantification of miRNA levels in prostate tumor samples. The main steps in qPCR analysis of tumors are: Total RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and detection of qPCR products using miRNA-specific primers. Total RNA, which includes mRNA, miRNA, and other small RNAs were extracted from specimens using TRIzol reagent. Qiagen's miScript System was used to synthesize cDNA and perform qPCR (Figure 1). Endogenous miRNAs are not polyadenylated, therefore during the reverse transcription process, a poly(A) polymerase polyadenylates the miRNA. The miRNA is used as a template to synthesize cDNA using oligo-dT and Reverse Transcriptase. A universal tag sequence on the 5' end of oligo-dT primers facilitates the amplification of cDNA in the PCR step. PCR product amplification is detected by the level of fluorescence emitted by SYBR Green, a dye which intercalates into double stranded DNA. Specific miRNA primers, along with a Universal Primer that binds to the universal tag sequence will amplify specific miRNA sequences. 
The miScript Primer Assays are available for over a thousand human-specific miRNAs, and hundreds of murine-specific miRNAs. Relative quantification method was used here to quantify the expression of miRNAs. To correct for variability amongst different samples, expression levels of a target miRNA is normalized to the expression levels of a reference gene. The choice of a gene on which to normalize the expression of targets is critical in relative quantification method of analysis. Examples of reference genes typically used in this capacity are the small RNAs RNU6B, RNU44, and RNU48 as they are considered to be stably expressed across most samples. In this protocol, RNU6B is used as the reference gene.

MicroRNA Detection in Prostate Tumors by Quantitative Real-time PCR qPCR

Quantitative Real Time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a rapid and sensitive method to investigate the expression levels of various microRNA (miRNA) molecules in tumor samples. Using this method expression of hundreds of different miRNA molecules can be amplified, quantified, and analyzed from the same cDNA template.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, 18&#x2013;24 nucleotide long, non-coding RNA molecules. They are involved in virtually every cellular process ...

Movement Retraining using Real-time Feedback of Performance

Any modification of movement - especially movement patterns that have been honed over a number of years - requires re-organization of the neuromuscular patterns responsible for governing the movement performance. This motor learning can be enhanced through a number of methods that are utilized in research and clinical settings alike. In general, verbal feedback of performance in real-time or knowledge of results following movement is commonly used clinically as a preliminary means of instilling motor learning. Depending on patient preference and learning style, visual feedback (e.g. through use of a mirror or different types of video) or proprioceptive guidance utilizing therapist touch, are used to supplement verbal instructions from the therapist. Indeed, a combination of these forms of feedback is commonplace in the clinical setting to facilitate motor learning and optimize outcomes.
Laboratory-based, quantitative motion analysis has been a mainstay in research settings to provide accurate and objective analysis of a variety of movements in healthy and injured populations. While the actual mechanisms of capturing the movements may differ, all current motion analysis systems rely on the ability to track the movement of body segments and joints and to use established equations of motion to quantify key movement patterns. Due to limitations in acquisition and processing speed, analysis and description of the movements has traditionally occurred offline after completion of a given testing session.
This paper will highlight a new supplement to standard motion analysis techniques that relies on the near instantaneous assessment and quantification of movement patterns and the display of specific movement characteristics to the patient during a movement analysis session. As a result, this novel technique can provide a new method of feedback delivery that has advantages over currently used feedback methods.

Retraining abnormal movement patterns following injury or disease is a key component of physical rehabilitation. Recent advances in technology have permitted accurate assessment of movement during a variety of tasks, with near instantaneous quantification of results. This provides new opportunities for modification of faulty movement patterns in real time.

Any modification of movement - especially movement patterns that have been honed over a number of years - requires re-organization of the neuromuscular ...

Direct Pressure Monitoring Accurately Predicts Pulmonary Vein Occlusion During Cryoballoon Ablation

Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is an established therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). Pulmonary vein (PV) occlusion is essential for achieving antral contact and PV isolation and is typically assessed by contrast injection. We present a novel method of direct pressure monitoring for assessment of PV occlusion.
Transcatheter pressure is monitored during balloon advancement to the PV antrum. Pressure is recorded via a single pressure transducer connected to the inner lumen of the cryoballoon. Pressure curve characteristics are used to assess occlusion in conjunction with fluoroscopic or intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance. PV occlusion is confirmed when loss of typical left atrial (LA) pressure waveform is observed with recordings of PA pressure characteristics (no A wave and rapid V wave upstroke). Complete pulmonary vein occlusion as assessed with this technique has been confirmed with concurrent contrast utilization during the initial testing of the technique and has been shown to be highly accurate and readily reproducible.
We evaluated the efficacy of this novel technique in 35 patients. A total of 128 veins were assessed for occlusion with the cryoballoon utilizing the pressure monitoring technique; occlusive pressure was demonstrated in 113 veins with resultant successful pulmonary vein isolation in 111 veins (98.2%). Occlusion was confirmed with subsequent contrast injection during the initial ten procedures, after which contrast utilization was rapidly reduced or eliminated given the highly accurate identification of occlusive pressure waveform with limited initial training.
Verification of PV occlusive pressure during CBA is a novel approach to assessing effective PV occlusion and it accurately predicts electrical isolation. Utilization of this method results in significant decrease in fluoroscopy time and volume of contrast.

Effective pulmonary vein isolation utilizing a cryoballoon depends on complete pulmonary vein occlusion. The point of occlusion can be effectively predicted by direct analysis of pulmonary vein pressure waveform analysis during balloon inflation using a simple and reproducible technique.

Cryoballoon  ablation (CBA) is an established therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF).  Pulmonary vein (PV) occlusion is essential for achieving antral ...

Chemotherapy-induced Vascular Toxicity - Real-time In vivo Imaging of Vessel Impairment

Certain classes of chemotherapies may exert acute vascular changes that may progress into long-term conditions that may predispose the patient to an increased risk of vascular morbidity.&#160;Yet, albeit&#160;the mounting clinical evidence, there is a paucity of clear studies of vascular toxicity and therefore the etiology of a heterogeneous group of vascular/cardiovascular disorders remains to be elucidated. Moreover, the mechanism that may underlie vascular toxicity can completely differ from the principles of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, which is related to direct myocyte injury. We have established a real-time, in vivo molecular imaging platform&#160;to evaluate&#160;the potential&#160;acute&#160;vascular toxicity of anti-cancer therapies.
We have set up a platform of in vivo, high-resolution molecular imaging&#160;in mice,&#160;suitable for visualizing vasculature within confined organs and reference blood vessels within the same individuals whereas each individual serve as its own control. Blood vessel walls were impaired after doxorubicin administration, representing a unique mechanism of vascular toxicity that may be the early event in end-organ injury. Herein, the method of fibered confocal fluorescent microscopy (FCFM) based imaging is described, which provides an innovative mode to understand physiological phenomena at the cellular and sub-cellular levels in animal subjects.

Chemotherapy-induced Vascular Toxicity - Real-time In vivo Imaging of Vessel Impairment

We herein describe the method of fibered confocal fluorescent microscopy (FCFM) based imaging, which provides an innovative mode to understand physiological phenomena at the cellular and sub-cellular levels in animal subjects.

Certain classes of chemotherapies may exert acute vascular changes that may progress into long-term conditions that may predispose the patient to an ...

Assessment of Ovarian Cancer Spheroid Attachment and Invasion of Mesothelial Cells in Real Time

Ovarian cancers metastasize by shedding into the peritoneal fluid and dispersing to distal sites within the peritoneum. Monolayer cultures do not accurately model the behaviors of cancer cells within a nonadherent environment, as cancer cells inherently aggregate into multicellular structures which contribute to the metastatic process by attaching to and invading the peritoneal lining to form secondary tumors. To model this important stage of ovarian cancer metastasis, multicellular aggregates, or spheroids, can be generated from established ovarian cancer cell lines maintained under nonadherent conditions. To mimic the peritoneal microenvironment encountered by tumor cells in vivo, a spheroid-mesothelial co-culture model was established in which preformed spheroids are plated on top of a human mesothelial cell monolayer, formed over an extracellular matrix barrier. Methods were then developed using a real-time cell analyzer to conduct quantitative real time measurements of the invasive capacity of different ovarian cancer cell lines grown as spheroids. This approach allows for the continuous measurement of invasion over long periods of time, which has several advantages over traditional endpoint assays and more laborious real time microscopy image analyses. In short, this method enables a rapid, determination of factors which regulate the interactions between ovarian cancer spheroid cells invading through mesothelial and matrix barriers over time.

Ovarian cancer cell invasion into the mesothelial lining of the peritoneum is a dynamic process over time. Utilizing a real time analyzer, the invasive capacity of ovarian cancer cells in a spheroid-mesothelial cell co-culture model can be quantified over prolonged time periods, providing insights into factors regulating the metastatic process.

Ovarian cancers metastasize by shedding into the peritoneal fluid and dispersing to distal sites within the peritoneum. Monolayer cultures do not ...

Real-time Cytotoxicity Assays in Human Whole Blood

A live cell-based whole blood cytotoxicity assay (WCA) that allows access to temporal information of the overall cell cytotoxicity is developed with high-throughput cell positioning technology. The targeted tumor cell populations are first preprogrammed to immobilization into an array format, and labeled with green fluorescent cytosolic dyes. Following the cell array formation, antibody drugs are added in combination with human whole blood. Propidium iodide (PI) is then added to assess cell death. The cell array is analyzed with an automatic imaging system. While cytosolic dye labels the targeted tumor cell populations, PI labels the dead tumor cell populations. Thus, the percentage of target cancer cell killing can be quantified by calculating the number of surviving targeted cells to the number of dead targeted cells. With this method, researchers are able to access time-dependent and dose-dependent cell cytotoxicity information. Remarkably, no hazardous radiochemicals are used. The WCA presented here has been tested with lymphoma, leukemia, and solid tumor cell lines. Therefore, WCA allows researchers to assess drug efficacy in a highly relevant ex&#160;vivo condition.

The whole blood cytotoxicity assay (WCA) is a cytotoxicity assay developed by incorporating high-throughput cell positioning technology with fluorescence microscopy and automated image processing. Here, we describe how lymphoma cells treated with an anti-CD20 antibody can be analyzed real-time in human whole blood to provide quantitative cellular cytotoxicity analysis.

A live cell-based whole blood cytotoxicity assay (WCA) that allows access to temporal information of the overall cell cytotoxicity is developed with ...

Monitoring of Systemic and Hepatic Hemodynamic Parameters in Mice

The use of mouse models in experimental research is of enormous importance for the study of hepatic physiology and pathophysiological disturbances. However, due to the small size of the mouse, technical details of the intraoperative monitoring procedure suitable for the mouse were rarely described. Previously we have reported a monitoring procedure to obtain hemodynamic parameters for rats. Now, we adapted the procedure to acquire systemic and hepatic hemodynamic parameters in mice, a species ten-fold smaller than rats. This film demonstrates the instrumentation of the animals as well as the data acquisition process needed to assess systemic and hepatic hemodynamics in mice. Vital parameters, including body temperature, respiratory&#160;rate&#160;and heart&#160;rate were recorded throughout the whole procedure. Systemic hemodynamic parameters consist of carotid artery pressure (CAP) and central venous pressure (CVP). Hepatic perfusion parameters include portal vein pressure (PVP), portal flow rate as well as the flow rate of the common hepatic artery (table 1). Instrumentation and data acquisition to record the normal values was completed within 1.5 h. Systemic and hepatic hemodynamic parameters remained within normal ranges during this procedure.
This procedure is challenging but feasible. We have already applied this procedure to assess hepatic hemodynamics in normal mice as well as during 70% partial hepatectomy and in liver lobe clamping experiments. Mean PVP after resection (n= 20), was 11.41&#177;2.94 cmH2O which was significantly higher (P&#60;0.05) than before resection (6.87&#177;2.39 cmH2O). The results of liver lobe clamping experiment indicated that this monitoring procedure is sensitive and suitable for detecting small changes in portal pressure and portal flow rate. In conclusion, this procedure is reliable in the hands of an experienced micro-surgeon but should be limited to experiments where mice are absolutely needed.

This film demonstrates how to acquire systemic and hepatic hemodynamics in mice. The whole monitoring includes acquisition of vital parameters, systemic blood pressure, central venous pressure, common hepatic artery flow rate, and portal vein pressure as well as the portal flow rate in mice.

The use of mouse models in experimental research is of enormous importance for the study of hepatic physiology and pathophysiological disturbances. ...

Evaluation of Lung Metastasis in Mouse Mammary Tumor Models by Quantitative Real-time PCR

Metastatic disease is the spread of malignant tumor cells from the primary cancer site to a distant organ and is the primary cause of cancer associated death 1. Common sites of metastatic spread include lung, lymph node, brain, and bone 2. Mechanisms that drive metastasis are intense areas of cancer research. Consequently, effective assays to measure metastatic burden in distant sites of metastasis are instrumental for cancer research. Evaluation of lung metastases in mammary tumor models is generally performed by gross qualitative observation of lung tissue following dissection. Quantitative methods of evaluating metastasis are currently limited to ex vivo and in vivo imaging based techniques that require user defined parameters. Many of these techniques are at the whole organism level rather than the cellular level 3-6. Although newer imaging methods utilizing multi-photon microscopy are able to evaluate metastasis at the cellular level 7, these highly elegant procedures are more suited to evaluating mechanisms of dissemination rather than quantitative assessment of metastatic burden. Here, a simple in vitro method to quantitatively assess metastasis is presented. Using quantitative Real-time PCR (QRT-PCR), tumor cell specific mRNA can be detected within the mouse lung tissue.

This protocol describes how to use quantitative Real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) to detect tumor cell specific mRNA representing metastasis within the mouse lung tissue.

Metastatic disease is the spread of malignant tumor cells from the primary cancer site to a distant organ and is the primary cause of cancer associated ...

Uncontrolled Hemorrhagic Shock Modeled via Liver Laceration in Mice with Real Time Hemodynamic Monitoring

Uncontrolled hemorrhage is an important cause of preventable deaths among trauma patients. We have developed a murine model of uncontrolled hemorrhage via a liver laceration that results in consistent blood loss, hemodynamic alterations, and survival.
Mice undergo a standardized resection of the left-middle lobe of the liver. They are allowed to bleed without mechanical intervention. Hemostatic agents can be administered as pre-treatment or rescue therapy depending on the interest of the investigator. During the time of hemorrhage, real-time hemodynamic monitoring via a left femoral arterial line is performed. Mice are then sacrificed, blood loss is quantified, blood is collected for further analysis, and organs are harvested for analysis of injury. Experimental design is described to allow for simultaneous testing of multiple animals.
Liver hemorrhage as a model of uncontrolled hemorrhage exists in the literature, primarily in rat and porcine models. Some of these models utilize hemodynamic monitoring or quantify blood loss but lack consistency. The present model incorporates quantification of blood loss, real-time hemodynamic monitoring in a murine model that offers the advantage of using transgenic lines and a high-throughput mechanism to further investigate the pathophysiologic mechanisms in uncontrolled hemorrhage.

Uncontrolled hemorrhage, an important cause of mortality among trauma patients, can be modeled using a standard liver laceration in a murine model. This model results in consistent blood loss, survival, and allows for testing hemostatic agents. This article provides the step-by-step process to perform this valuable model.

Uncontrolled hemorrhage is an important cause of preventable deaths among trauma patients. We have developed a murine model of uncontrolled hemorrhage via ...

Real-Time Electrocardiogram Monitoring During Treadmill Training in Mice

Summary

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Chapters in this video

Evaluation of Nanoparticle Uptake in Tumors in Real Time Using Intravital Imaging

MicroRNA Detection in Prostate Tumors by Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR)

Movement Retraining using Real-time Feedback of Performance

Direct Pressure Monitoring Accurately Predicts Pulmonary Vein Occlusion During Cryoballoon Ablation

Chemotherapy-induced Vascular Toxicity - Real-time In vivo Imaging of Vessel Impairment

Assessment of Ovarian Cancer Spheroid Attachment and Invasion of Mesothelial Cells in Real Time

Real-time Cytotoxicity Assays in Human Whole Blood

Monitoring of Systemic and Hepatic Hemodynamic Parameters in Mice

Evaluation of Lung Metastasis in Mouse Mammary Tumor Models by Quantitative Real-time PCR

Uncontrolled Hemorrhagic Shock Modeled via Liver Laceration in Mice with Real Time Hemodynamic Monitoring