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O'Riordan CE, Trochet P, Steiner M, Fuchs D. Standardisation and future of preclinical echocardiography. Mamm Genome 2023; 34:123-155. [PMID: 37160810 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-023-09981-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Echocardiography is a non-invasive imaging technique providing real-time information to assess the structure and function of the heart. Due to advancements in technology, ultra-high-frequency transducers have enabled the translation of ultrasound from humans to small animals due to resolutions down to 30 µm. Most studies are performed using mice and rats, with ages ranging from embryonic, to neonatal, and adult. In addition, alternative models such as zebrafish and chicken embryos are becoming more frequently used. With the achieved high temporal and spatial resolution in real-time, cardiac function can now be monitored throughout the lifespan of these small animals to investigate the origin and treatment of a range of acute and chronic pathological conditions. With the increased relevance of in vivo real-time imaging, there is still an unmet need for the standardisation of small animal echocardiography and the appropriate cardiac measurements that should be reported in preclinical cardiac models. This review focuses on the development of standardisation in preclinical echocardiography and reports appropriate cardiac measurements throughout the lifespan of rodents: embryonic, neonatal, ageing, and acute and chronic pathologies. Lastly, we will discuss the future of cardiac preclinical ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dieter Fuchs
- FUJIFILM VisualSonics, Inc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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2
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Miyoshi T, Hisamitsu T, Ishibashi-Ueda H, Ikemura K, Ikeda T, Miyazato M, Kangawa K, Watanabe Y, Nakagawa O, Hosoda H. Maternal administration of tadalafil improves fetal ventricular systolic function in a Hey2 knockout mouse model of fetal heart failure. Int J Cardiol 2019; 302:110-116. [PMID: 31924399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2019.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no established transplacental treatment for heart failure (HF) in utero, and no animal models or experimental systems of fetal HF have been established. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal tadalafil administration on fetal cardiovascular function and uteroplacental circulation in a murine model of fetal HF. METHODS AND RESULTS We first used an ultra-high-frequency ultrasound imaging system in utero and demonstrated that Hey2-/- embryos had worsening right ventricular hypoplasia and marked left ventricular (LV) dilatation as gestation progressed. In both ventricles, fractional shortening (FS) and the E/A ratio were significantly lower in Hey2-/- embryos than in wild-type embryos, indicating that the embryos can be used as a murine model of fetal HF. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of tadalafil treatment (0.04 or 0.08 mg/ml; T0.04 or T0.08 groups, respectively) on fetoplacental circulation in Hey2-/- embryos. LV FS was significantly higher in the T0.04 group than in control (P < 0.01), whereas LV dilation, mitral E/A ratio, and umbilical artery resistance index were not significantly different among all groups. The thinness of the LV compacted layer did not differ between the T0.04 and vehicle-treated Hey2-/- embryos. CONCLUSIONS A phenotype comprising marked dilatation and reduced FS of the left ventricles was identified in Hey2-/- embryos, suggesting these embryos as a murine model of fetal HF. In addition, maternal administration of tadalafil improved LV systolic function without altering LV morphological abnormalities in Hey2-/- embryos. Our findings suggest that tadalafil is a potential agent to treat impaired fetal ventricular systolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takekazu Miyoshi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan; Department of Management and Strategy, Clinical Research Center, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Hisamitsu
- Department of Molecular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Hatsue Ishibashi-Ueda
- Department of Pathology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Kenji Ikemura
- Department of Pharmacy, Mie University Hospital, Tsu, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, Tsu, Japan
| | - Mikiya Miyazato
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Kenji Kangawa
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Yusuke Watanabe
- Department of Molecular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Osamu Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hosoda
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan.
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3
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Zhang B, Chen Z, Han J, Li M, Nayak NR, Fan X. Comprehensive Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Placenta-Targeted Drug Delivery Using Three Complementary Methods. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 30247484 DOI: 10.3791/58219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
No effective treatments currently exist for placenta-associated pregnancy complications, and developing strategies for the targeted delivery of drugs to the placenta while minimizing fetal and maternal side effects remains challenging. Targeted nanoparticle carriers provide new opportunities to treat placental disorders. We recently demonstrated that a synthetic placental chondroitin sulfate A binding peptide (plCSA-BP) could be used to guide nanoparticles to deliver drugs to the placenta. In this protocol, we describe in detail a system for assessing the efficiency of drug delivery to the placenta by plCSA-BP that employs three separate methods used in combination: in vivo imaging, high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using in vivo imaging, plCSA-BP-guided nanoparticles were visualized in the placentas of live animals, while HFUS and HPLC demonstrated that plCSA-BP-conjugated nanoparticles efficiently and specifically delivered methotrexate to the placenta. Thus, a combination of these methods can be used as an effective tool for the targeted delivery of drugs to the placenta and development of new treatment strategies for several pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Zhang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Zhilong Chen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University
| | - Jinyu Han
- Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process and Technology for High-efficiency Conversion, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Heilongjiang University
| | - Mengxia Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Nihar R Nayak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine
| | - Xiujun Fan
- Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences;
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4
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Echocardiographic assessment of embryonic and fetal mouse heart development: a focus on haemodynamics and morphology. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:531324. [PMID: 24707208 PMCID: PMC3951091 DOI: 10.1155/2014/531324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Heart development is a complex process, and abnormal development may result in congenital heart disease (CHD). Currently, studies on animal models mainly focus on cardiac morphology and the availability of hemodynamic data, especially of the right heart half, is limited. Here we aimed to assess the morphological and hemodynamic parameters of normal developing mouse embryos/fetuses by using a high-frequency ultrasound system. Methods. A timed breeding program was initiated with a WT mouse line (Swiss/129Sv background). All recordings were performed transabdominally, in isoflurane sedated pregnant mice, in hearts of sequential developmental stages: 12.5, 14.5, and 17.5 days after conception (n = 105). Results. Along development the heart rate increased significantly from 125 ± 9.5 to 219 ± 8.3 beats per minute. Reliable flow measurements could be performed across the developing mitral and tricuspid valves and outflow tract. M-mode measurements could be obtained of all cardiac compartments. An overall increase of cardiac systolic and diastolic function with embryonic/fetal development was observed. Conclusion. High-frequency echocardiography is a promising and useful imaging modality for structural and hemodynamic analysis of embryonic/fetal mouse hearts.
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Yap CH, Liu X, Pekkan K. Characterization of the vessel geometry, flow mechanics and wall shear stress in the great arteries of wildtype prenatal mouse. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86878. [PMID: 24475188 PMCID: PMC3903591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Abnormal fluid mechanical environment in the pre-natal cardiovascular system is hypothesized to play a significant role in causing structural heart malformations. It is thus important to improve our understanding of the prenatal cardiovascular fluid mechanical environment at multiple developmental time-points and vascular morphologies. We present such a study on fetal great arteries on the wildtype mouse from embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) to near-term (E18.5). Methods Ultrasound bio-microscopy (UBM) was used to measure blood velocity of the great arteries. Subsequently, specimens were cryo-embedded and sectioned using episcopic fluorescent image capture (EFIC) to obtain high-resolution 2D serial image stacks, which were used for 3D reconstructions and quantitative measurement of great artery and aortic arch dimensions. EFIC and UBM data were input into subject-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for modeling hemodynamics. Results In normal mouse fetuses between E14.5–18.5, ultrasound imaging showed gradual but statistically significant increase in blood velocity in the aorta, pulmonary trunk (with the ductus arteriosus), and descending aorta. Measurement by EFIC imaging displayed a similar increase in cross sectional area of these vessels. However, CFD modeling showed great artery average wall shear stress and wall shear rate remain relatively constant with age and with vessel size, indicating that hemodynamic shear had a relative constancy over gestational period considered here. Conclusion Our EFIC-UBM-CFD method allowed reasonably detailed characterization of fetal mouse vascular geometry and fluid mechanics. Our results suggest that a homeostatic mechanism for restoring vascular wall shear magnitudes may exist during normal embryonic development. We speculate that this mechanism regulates the growth of the great vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choon Hwai Yap
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaoqin Liu
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kerem Pekkan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Koch SE, Haworth KJ, Robbins N, Smith MA, Lather N, Anjak A, Jiang M, Varma P, Jones WK, Rubinstein J. Age- and gender-related changes in ventricular performance in wild-type FVB/N mice as evaluated by conventional and vector velocity echocardiography imaging: a retrospective study. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2013; 39:2034-2043. [PMID: 23791351 PMCID: PMC4857602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Detailed studies in animal models to assess the importance of aging animals in cardiovascular research are rather scarce. The increase in mouse models used to study cardiovascular disease makes the establishment of physiologic aging parameters in myocardial function in both male and female mice critical. Forty-four FVB/N mice were studied at multiple time points between the ages of 3 and 16 mo using high-frequency echocardiography. Our study found that there is an age-dependent decrease in several systolic and diastolic function parameters in male mice, but not in female mice. This study establishes the physiologic age- and gender-related changes in myocardial function that occur in mice and can be measured with echocardiography. We report baseline values for traditional echocardiography and advanced echocardiographic techniques to measure discrete changes in cardiac function in the commonly employed FVB/N strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl E. Koch
- Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kevin J. Haworth
- Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nathan Robbins
- Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Margaret A. Smith
- Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Navneet Lather
- Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ahmad Anjak
- Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Min Jiang
- Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Priyanka Varma
- Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - W. Keith Jones
- Department of Pharmacology & Cell Biophysics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jack Rubinstein
- Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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7
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Greco A, Ragucci M, Coda ARD, Rosa A, Gargiulo S, Liuzzi R, Gramanzini M, Albanese S, Pappatà S, Mancini M, Brunetti A, Salvatore M. High frequency ultrasound for in vivo pregnancy diagnosis and staging of placental and fetal development in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77205. [PMID: 24155928 PMCID: PMC3796510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ultrasound is a valuable non-invasive tool used in obstetrics and gynecology to monitor the growth and well being of the human fetus. The laboratory mouse has recently emerged as an appropriate model for fetal and perinatal studies because morphogenetic processes in mice exhibit adequate homology to those in humans, and genetic manipulations are relatively simple to perform in mice. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) has recently become available for small animal preclinical imaging and can be used to study pregnancy and development in the mouse. The objective of the current study was to assess the main applications of HFUS in the evaluation of fetal growth and placental function and to better understand human congenital diseases. Methodology/Principal Findings On each gestational day, at least 5 dams were monitored with HFUS; a total of ∼200 embryos were examined. Because it is not possible to measure each variable for the entire duration of the pregnancy, the parameters were divided into three groups as a function of the time at which they were measured. Univariate analysis of the relationship between each measurement and the embryonic day was performed using Spearman’s rank correlation (Rs). Continuous linear regression was adopted for multivariate analysis of significant parameters. All statistical tests were two-sided, and a p value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusions/Significance The study describes the main applications of HFUS to assess changes in phenotypic parameters in the developing CD1 mouse embryo and fetus during pregnancy and to evaluating physiological fetal and placental growth and the development of principal organs such as the heart, kidney, liver, brain and eyes in the embryonic mouse. A database of normal structural and functional parameters of mouse development will provide a useful tool for the better understanding of morphogenetic and cardiovascular anomalies in transgenic and mutant mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelaide Greco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione SDN, Napoli, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Alessandro Rosa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione SDN, Napoli, Italy
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Napoli, Italy
- Ceinge, Biotecnologie Avanzate, scarl, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Gargiulo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandra Albanese
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione SDN, Napoli, Italy
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Napoli, Italy
- Ceinge, Biotecnologie Avanzate, scarl, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sabina Pappatà
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Arturo Brunetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione SDN, Napoli, Italy
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Napoli, Italy
- Ceinge, Biotecnologie Avanzate, scarl, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Salvatore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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8
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Abstract
Transgenic mice displaying abnormalities in cardiac development and function represent a powerful tool for the understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying both normal cardiovascular function and the pathophysiological basis of human cardiovascular disease. Fetal and perinatal death is a common feature when studying genetic alterations affecting cardiac development. In order to study the role of genetic or pharmacologic alterations in the early development of cardiac function, ultrasound imaging of the live fetus has become an important tool for early recognition of abnormalities and longitudinal follow-up. Noninvasive ultrasound imaging is an ideal method for detecting and studying congenital malformations and the impact on cardiac function prior to death. It allows early recognition of abnormalities in the living fetus and the progression of disease can be followed in utero with longitudinal studies. Until recently, imaging of fetal mouse hearts frequently involved invasive methods. The fetus had to be sacrificed to perform magnetic resonance microscopy and electron microscopy or surgically delivered for transillumination microscopy. An application of high-frequency probes with conventional 2-D and pulsed-wave Doppler imaging has been shown to provide measurements of cardiac contraction and heart rates during embryonic development with databases of normal developmental changes now available. M-mode imaging further provides important functional data, although, the proper imaging planes are often difficult to obtain. High-frequency ultrasound imaging of the fetus has improved 2-D resolution and can provide excellent information on the early development of cardiac structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene H Kim
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, University of Chicago, USA.
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9
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Nguyen TM, Nakamura H, Wakabayashi A, Kanagawa T, Koyama S, Tsutsui T, Hamasaki T, Kimura T. Estimation of mouse fetal weight by ultrasonography: application from clinic to laboratory. Lab Anim 2012; 46:225-30. [PMID: 22723651 DOI: 10.1258/la.2012.011117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasonographic assessment of fetal growth to estimate fetal weight has been widely used in clinical obstetrics but not in laboratory mice. Even though it is important to assess fetal growth abnormalities for gene-targeting studies using mice, there have been no reports of accurately estimated fetal weight using fetal biometric parameters in mice. The aim of this study was to establish an accurate mouse formula using fetal biometric parameters under ultrasound imaging. Using a high-frequency ultrasound system with a 40 MHz transducer, we measured 293 fetuses of biparietal diameter and mean abdominal diameter from day 12.5 postcoitus (p.c.) until day 18.5 p.c every day. Thirteen algorithms for humans based on head and/or abdominal measurements were assessed. We established an accurate formula based on measurement of the abdomen in Jcl:ICR mice to investigate gestational complications, such as intrauterine growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thang M Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
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10
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Gregg CL, Butcher JT. Quantitative in vivo imaging of embryonic development: opportunities and challenges. Differentiation 2012; 84:149-62. [PMID: 22695188 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2012.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Animal models are critically important for a mechanistic understanding of embryonic morphogenesis. For decades, visualizing these rapid and complex multidimensional events has relied on projection images and thin section reconstructions. While much insight has been gained, fixed tissue specimens offer limited information on dynamic processes that are essential for tissue assembly and organ patterning. Quantitative imaging is required to unlock the important basic science and clinically relevant secrets that remain hidden. Recent advances in live imaging technology have enabled quantitative longitudinal analysis of embryonic morphogenesis at multiple length and time scales. Four different imaging modalities are currently being used to monitor embryonic morphogenesis: optical, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Each has its advantages and limitations with respect to spatial resolution, depth of field, scanning speed, and tissue contrast. In addition, new processing tools have been developed to enhance live imaging capabilities. In this review, we analyze each type of imaging source and its use in quantitative study of embryonic morphogenesis in small animal models. We describe the physics behind their function, identify some examples in which the modality has revealed new quantitative insights, and then conclude with a discussion of new research directions with live imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L Gregg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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11
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Purssell E, Weston AD, Thomson JJ, Swanson TA, Brown NA, Ozolinš TR. Noninvasive high-resolution ultrasound reveals structural and functional deficits in dimethadione-exposed fetal rat hearts in utero. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 95:35-46. [DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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12
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Ram R, Mickelsen DM, Theodoropoulos C, Blaxall BC. New approaches in small animal echocardiography: imaging the sounds of silence. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2011; 301:H1765-80. [PMID: 21873501 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00559.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systolic and diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV) is a hallmark of most cardiac diseases. In vivo assessment of heart function in animal models, particularly mice, is essential to refining our understanding of cardiovascular disease processes. Ultrasound echocardiography has emerged as a powerful, noninvasive tool to serially monitor cardiac performance and map the progression of heart dysfunction in murine injury models. This review covers current applications of small animal echocardiography, as well as emerging technologies that improve evaluation of LV function. In particular, we describe speckle-tracking imaging-based regional LV analysis, a recent advancement in murine echocardiography with proven clinical utility. This sensitive measure enables an early detection of subtle myocardial defects before global dysfunction in genetically engineered and rodent surgical injury models. Novel visualization technologies that allow in-depth phenotypic assessment of small animal models, including perfusion imaging and fetal echocardiography, are also discussed. As imaging capabilities continue to improve, murine echocardiography will remain a critical component of the investigator's armamentarium in translating animal data to enhanced clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Ram
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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13
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Abstract
Persistent pressure overload can cause cardiac hypertrophy and progressive heart failure (HF). The authors developed a pressure-overload HF model of juvenile mice to study the cardiac response to pressure overload that may be applicable to clinical processes in children. Severe thoracic aortic banding (sTAB) was performed using a 28-gauge needle for 40 juvenile (age, 3 weeks) and 47 adult (age, 6 weeks) C57BL/6 male mice. To monitor the structural and functional changes, M-mode echocardiography was performed for conscious mice that had undergone sTAB and sham operation. Cardiac hypertrophy, dilation, and HF occurred in both juvenile and adult mice after sTAB. Compared with adults, juvenile HF is characterized by greater impairment of ventricular contractility and less hypertrophy. In addition, juvenile mice had significantly higher rates of survival than adult mice during the early postoperative weeks. Consistent with clinical HF seen in children, juvenile banded mice demonstrated a lower growth rate than either adult banded mice or juvenile control mice that had sham operations. The authors first developed a juvenile murine model of pressure-overload HF. Learning the unique characteristics of pressure-overload HF in juveniles should aid in understanding age-specific pathologic changes for HF development in children.
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14
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Zamyadi M, Baghdadi L, Lerch JP, Bhattacharya S, Schneider JE, Henkelman RM, Sled JG. Mouse embryonic phenotyping by morphometric analysis of MR images. Physiol Genomics 2010; 42A:89-95. [PMID: 20682847 PMCID: PMC2957795 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00091.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A new method is described for automatic detection of subtle morphological phenotypes in mouse embryos. Based on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scanning and nonlinear image alignment, this method is demonstrated by comparing the morphology of two inbred strains, C57BL/6J and 129Sv/S1ImJ, at 15.5 days postconception. Mouse embryo morphology was found to be highly amenable to this kind of analysis with very low levels (on average 110 μm) of residual anatomical variation within strains after linear differences in pose and scale are removed. Mapping of local size differences showed that C57BL/6J embryos were larger than 129Sv/S1ImJ embryos, although these differences were not uniformly distributed across the anatomy. Expressed in terms of organ volumes, heart and lung were larger in C57BL/6J embryos, while brain and liver were comparable in volume between strains. The positive relationship between organ size and embryo size was consistent for the two strains but differed by organ, with the brain and liver being the least variable. Together these findings suggest the power of this technique for detecting subtle phenotypic differences arising from mutated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zamyadi
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Wagenseil JE, Ciliberto CH, Knutsen RH, Levy MA, Kovacs A, Mecham RP. The importance of elastin to aortic development in mice. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2010; 299:H257-64. [PMID: 20495146 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00194.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Elastin is an essential component of vertebrate arteries that provides elasticity and stores energy during the cardiac cycle. Elastin production in the arterial wall begins midgestation but increases rapidly during the last third of human and mouse development, just as blood pressure and cardiac output increase sharply. The aim of this study is to characterize the structure, hemodynamics, and mechanics of developing arteries with reduced elastin levels and determine the critical time period where elastin is required in the vertebrate cardiovascular system. Mice that lack elastin (Eln(-/-)) or have approximately one-half the normal level (Eln(+/-)) show relatively normal cardiovascular development up to embryonic day (E) 18 as assessed by arterial morphology, left ventricular blood pressure, and cardiac function. Previous work showed that just a few days later, at birth, Eln(-/-) mice die with high blood pressure and tortuous, stenotic arteries. During this period from E18 to birth, Eln(+/-) mice add extra layers of smooth muscle cells to the vessel wall and have a mean blood pressure 25% higher than wild-type animals. These findings demonstrate that elastin is only necessary for normal cardiovascular structure and function in mice starting in the last few days of fetal development. The large increases in blood pressure during this period may push hemodynamic forces over a critical threshold where elastin becomes required for cardiovascular function. Understanding the interplay between elastin amounts and hemodynamic forces in developing vessels will help design treatments for human elastinopathies and optimize protocols for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Wagenseil
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis Univ., 3507 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103, USA.
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16
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Corrigan N, Brazil DP, Auliffe FM. High-frequency ultrasound assessment of the murine heart from embryo through to juvenile. Reprod Sci 2009; 17:147-57. [PMID: 19843878 DOI: 10.1177/1933719109348923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study is to assess the murine heart of normal embryos, neonates, and juveniles using high-frequency ultrasound. METHODS Diastolic function was measured with E/A ratio (E wave velocity/A wave velocity) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), systolic function with isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), percentage fractional shortening (FS %), percentage ejection fraction (EF %). Global cardiac performance was quantified using myocardial performance index (MPI). RESULTS Isovolumetric relaxation time remained stable from E10.5 to 3 weeks. Systolic function (ICT) improved with gestation and remained stable from E18.5 onward. Myocardial performance index showed improvement in embryonic life (0.82- 0.63) and then stabilized from 1 to 3 week (0.60-0.58). Percentage ejection fraction remained high during gestation (77%-69%) and then decreased from the neonate to juvenile (68%-51%). CONCLUSION The ultrasound biomicroscope allows for noninvasive in-depth assessment of cardiac function of embryos and pups. Detailed physiological and functional cardiac function readouts can be obtained, which is invaluable for comparison to mouse models of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Corrigan
- UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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Stypmann J, Engelen MA, Troatz C, Rothenburger M, Eckardt L, Tiemann K. Echocardiographic assessment of global left ventricular function in mice. Lab Anim 2009; 43:127-37. [DOI: 10.1258/la.2007.06001e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Doppler-echocardiographic assessment of cardiovascular structure and function in murine models has developed into one of the most commonly used non-invasive techniques during the last decades. Recent technical improvements even expanded the possibilities. In this review, we summarize the current options to assess global left ventricular (LV) function in mice using echocardiographic techniques. In detail, standard techniques as structural and functional assessment of the cardiovascular phenotype using one-dimensional M-mode echocardiography, two-dimensional B-mode echocardiography and spectral Doppler signals from mitral inflow respective aortal outflow are presented. Further pros and contras of recently implemented techniques as three-dimensional echocardiography and strain and strain rate measurements are discussed. Deduced measures of LV function as the myocardial performance index according to Tei, estimation of the mean velocity of circumferential fibre shortening, LV wall stress and different algorithms to estimate the LV mass are described in detail. Last but not least, specific features and limitations of murine echocardiography are presented. Future perspectives in respect to new examination techniques like targeted molecular imaging with advanced ultrasound contrast bubbles or improvement of equipment like new generation matrix transducers for murine echocardiography are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Stypmann
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hospital of the University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33, D-48149 Münster, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research, Central Project Group (ZPG 4a), Westfälische Wilhelms Universität, Münster, Germany
- Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 656, Project C3, Münster, Germany
| | - Markus A Engelen
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hospital of the University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33, D-48149 Münster, Germany
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Medical Physiology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens Troatz
- Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 656, Project C3, Münster, Germany
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Rothenburger
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lars Eckardt
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hospital of the University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Tiemann
- Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 656, Project C3, Münster, Germany
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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18
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Dickinson H, Griffiths T, Walker DW, Jenkin G. Application of clinical indices of fetal growth and wellbeing to a novel laboratory species, the spiny mouse. Reprod Biol 2008; 8:229-43. [DOI: 10.1016/s1642-431x(12)60014-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Scherrer-Crosbie M, Thibault HB. Echocardiography in translational research: of mice and men. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2008; 21:1083-92. [PMID: 18723318 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2008.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2008] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mice are increasingly used in cardiovascular research, and echocardiography is ideally suited to evaluate their cardiac phenotype. This review describes the current use of mice echocardiography and focuses on some of its applications in both basic and clinical science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Scherrer-Crosbie
- Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory in Cardiology Division of Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
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20
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Mu J, Slevin JC, Qu D, McCormick S, Adamson SL. In vivo quantification of embryonic and placental growth during gestation in mice using micro-ultrasound. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2008; 6:34. [PMID: 18700008 PMCID: PMC2527569 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-6-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2008] [Accepted: 08/12/2008] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive micro-ultrasound was evaluated as a method to quantify intrauterine growth phenotypes in mice. Improved methods are required to accelerate research using genetically-altered mice to investigate the interactive roles of genes and environments on embryonic and placental growth. We determined (1) feasible age ranges for measuring specific variables, (2) normative growth curves, (3) accuracy of ultrasound measurements in comparison with light microscopy, and (4) weight prediction equations using regression analysis for CD-1 mice and evaluated their accuracy when applied to other mouse strains. METHODS We used 30-40 MHz ultrasound to quantify embryonic and placental morphometry in isoflurane-anesthetized pregnant CD-1 mice from embryonic day 7.5 (E7.5) to E18.5 (full-term), and for C57Bl/6J, B6CBAF1, and hIGFBP1 pregnant transgenic mice at E17.5. RESULTS Gestational sac dimension provided the earliest measure of conceptus size. Sac dimension derived using regression analysis increased from 0.84 mm at E7.5 to 6.44 mm at E11.5 when it was discontinued. The earliest measurement of embryo size was crown-rump length (CRL) which increased from 1.88 mm at E8.5 to 16.22 mm at E16.5 after which it exceeded the field of view. From E10.5 to E18.5 (full term), progressive increases were observed in embryonic biparietal diameter (BPD) (0.79 mm to 7.55 mm at E18.5), abdominal circumference (AC) (4.91 mm to 26.56 mm), and eye lens diameter (0.20 mm to 0.93 mm). Ossified femur length was measureable from E15.5 (1.06 mm) and increased linearly to 2.23 mm at E18.5. In contrast, placental diameter (PD) and placental thickness (PT) increased from E10.5 to E14.5 then remained constant to term in accord with placental weight. Ultrasound and light microscopy measurements agreed with no significant bias and a discrepancy of less than 25%. Regression equations predicting gestational age from individual variables, and embryonic weight (BW) from CRL, BPD, and AC were obtained. The prediction equation BW = -0.757 + 0.0453 (CRL) + 0.0334 (AC) derived from CD-1 data predicted embryonic weights at E17.5 in three other strains of mice with a mean discrepancy of less than 16%. CONCLUSION Micro-ultrasound provides a feasible tool for in vivo morphometric quantification of embryonic and placental growth parameters in mice and for estimation of embryonic gestational age and/or body weight in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwu Mu
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - John C Slevin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dawei Qu
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - S Lee Adamson
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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21
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Yu Q, Leatherbury L, Tian X, Lo C. Cardiovascular assessment of fetal mice by in utero echocardiography. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2008; 34:741-52. [PMID: 18328616 PMCID: PMC4275222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2007.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2007] [Revised: 09/27/2007] [Accepted: 11/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
To establish a developmental profile of fetal mouse cardiovascular parameters, we analyzed a large body of ultrasound measurements obtained by in utero echocardiography of C57BL/6J fetal mice from embryonic day 12.5 to 19.5 (term). Measurements were obtained using two-dimensional (2D), spectral Doppler and M-mode imaging with standard clinical cardiac ultrasound imaging planes. As these studies were conducted as part of a large scale mouse mutagenesis screen, stringent filtering criteria were used to eliminate potentially abnormal fetuses. Our analysis showed heart rate increased from 190 to 245 beats per minute as the mouse fetus grew from 8 mm at embryonic day 12.5 to 18.7 mm at term. This was accompanied by increases in peak outflow velocity, E-wave, E/A ratio and ventricular dimensions. In contrast, the A-wave, myocardial performance index and isovolemic contraction time decreased gradually. Systolic function remained remarkably stable at 80% ejection fraction. Analysis of intra- and interobserver variabilities showed these parameters were reproducible, with most comparing favorably to clinical ultrasound measurements in human fetuses. A comprehensive database was generated comprising 23 echocardiographic parameters delineating fetal mouse cardiovascular function from embryonic day 12.5 to term. This database can serve as a standard for evaluating cardiovascular pathophysiology in genetically altered and mutant mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yu
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Linda Leatherbury
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
- Children’s National Heart Institute, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, D.C
| | - Xin Tian
- Office of Biostatistics Research, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - C.W. Lo
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
- Address for correspondence: Dr. Cecilia Lo, 9000 Rockville Pike, NIH/NHLBI/LDB, Buidling 50/Room 4537, Bethesda, MD 20892. Telephone: 301-451-8041. FAX: 301-480-4581.
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Hinton RB, Alfieri CM, Witt SA, Glascock BJ, Khoury PR, Benson DW, Yutzey KE. Mouse heart valve structure and function: echocardiographic and morphometric analyses from the fetus through the aged adult. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2008; 294:H2480-8. [PMID: 18390820 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.91431.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to provide standard echocardiographic and morphometric data for normal mouse valve structure and function from late fetal to aged adult stages. Cross-sectional, two-dimensional and Doppler transthoracic echocardiography was performed in C57BL6 mice anesthetized with 1% to 2% isoflurane at embryonic day 18.5 (late fetal), 10 days (neonate), 1 mo (juvenile), 2 mo (young adult), 9 mo (old adult), and 16 mo (aged adult). Normal annulus dimensions indexed to age or weight, and selected flow velocities, were established by echocardiography. After echocardiographic imaging, hearts were harvested and histological and morphometric analyses were performed. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a progressive valve thinning and elongation during the fetal and juvenile stages that plateaued during adult stages (ANOVA, P < 0.01); however, there was increased thickening of the hinge of the aortic valve with advanced age, reminiscent of human aortic valve sclerosis. There was no age-related calcification. The results of this study provide comprehensive echocardiographic and morphometric data for normal mouse valve structure and function from late fetal to aged adult stages and should prove useful as a reference standard for future studies using mouse models of progressive valve disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Hinton
- Division of Cardiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA.
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Bose AK, Mathewson JW, Anderson BE, Andrews AM, Martin Gerdes A, Benjamin Perryman M, Grossfeld PD. Initial Experience with High Frequency Ultrasound for the Newborn C57BL Mouse. Echocardiography 2007; 24:412-9. [PMID: 17381652 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2007.00402.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse has become a powerful genetic tool for studying genes involved in cardiac development and congenital heart disease. Many of the most severe congenital heart defects are ductal-dependent, resulting in neonatal lethality. Recent advances in ultrasound technology provide an opportunity for the use of high-frequency transducers to characterize the cardiac anatomy and physiology of the newborn mouse. In this study, we define limited normative values for cardiac structure and function in the C57BL newborn mouse. Specifically, we define normal values for 19 indices derived from standard echocardiographic views. This study demonstrates that transthoracic echocardiography using a 40-MHz high-frequency transducer is a safe and reliable noninvasive modality for the delineation of cardiac anatomy and physiology in the newborn mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok K Bose
- Division of Cardiology, University of California at San Diego and Children's Hospital of San Diego, San Diego, California 92123, USA
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Spurney CF, Lo CW, Leatherbury L. Fetal Mouse Imaging Using Echocardiography: A Review of Current Technology. Echocardiography 2006; 23:891-9. [PMID: 17069613 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2006.00335.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in genetic research have led to the need for phenotypic analysis of small animal models. However, often these genetic alterations, especially when affecting the cardiovascular system, can result in fetal or perinatal death. Noninvasive ultrasound imaging is an ideal method for detecting and studying such congenital malformations, as it allows early recognition of abnormalities in the living fetus and the progression of disease can be followed in utero with longitudinal studies. Two platforms for fetal mouse echocardiography exist, the clinical systems with 15-MHz phased array transducers and research systems with 20-55-MHz mechanical transducers. The clinical ultrasound system has limited two-dimensional (2D) resolution (axial resolution of 440 microm), but the availability of color and spectral Doppler allows quick interrogations of blood flows, facilitating the detection of structural abnormalities. M-mode imaging further provides important functional data, although, the proper imaging planes are often difficult to obtain. In comparison, the research biomicroscope system has significantly improved 2D resolution (axial resolution of 28 microm). Spectral Doppler imaging is also available, but in the absence of color Doppler, imaging times are increased and the detection of flow abnormalities is more difficult. M-mode imaging is available and equivalent to the clinical ultrasound system. Overall, the research system, given its higher 2D resolution, is best suited for in-depth analysis of mouse fetal cardiovascular structure and function, while the clinical ultrasound systems, equipped with phase array transducers and color Doppler imaging, are ideal for high-throughput fetal cardiovascular screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Spurney
- Division of Cardiology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
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Abstract
Progress has been rapid in the elucidation of genes responsible for cardiac development. Strategies to ascertain phenotypes, however, have lagged behind advances in genomics, particularly in the in vivo mouse embryo, considered a model organism for mammalian development, and for human development and disease. Over the past several years, our laboratory and others have pioneered a variety of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM)-Doppler approaches to study in vivo development in both normal and mutant mouse embryos. This state-of-the-art review will discuss the development and potential of ultrasound biomicroscopy as a tool for the in vivo imaging and phenotyping of both cardiac and non-cardiac organ systems in the early developing mouse. Broad, long-term research objectives are to define living structure-function relationships during critical periods of mammalian morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Kit Lun Phoon
- Pediatric Cardiology Program, New York University School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA.
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Ji RP, Phoon CKL. Noninvasive localization of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1-/- mouse embryos by ultrasound biomicroscopy-Doppler allows genotype-phenotype correlation. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2006; 18:1415-21. [PMID: 16376776 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2005.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM)-Doppler allows study of cardiovascular physiology in the in utero mouse embryo from embryonic day (E)8.25 onward. We determined the accuracy of localization of embryos by transabdominal, noninvasive 40-MHz UBM-Doppler imaging. Nuclear factor of activated T cells c1-/- mice lack semilunar valves, exhibit outflow tract regurgitation, and die in utero. In timed pregnant mice generated from heterozygote crosses, an UBM-derived map of the in situ litter was compared with a definitive laparotomy map, and UBM-Doppler cardiac screen attempted for each embryo. All 109 living and dead (nonresorbed) E10.5 to 17.5 embryos were imaged and accurately localized. All 10 embryos with reversed diastolic aortic flow and 7 of 9 dead embryos genotyped were nuclear factor of activated T cells c1-/-. In 30 embryos followed up serially over 1 to 2 days from E12.5 to E16.5, we again achieved 100% accuracy in localizing at follow-up. Noninvasive localization and UBM-Doppler analysis of in situ mouse embryos can provide accurate genotype-phenotype correlation, along with nontraumatic serial imaging of embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ping Ji
- Pediatric Cardiology Program, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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