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Du T, Raghunandan A, Mestre H, Plá V, Liu G, Ladrón-de-Guevara A, Newbold E, Tobin P, Gahn-Martinez D, Pattanayak S, Huang Q, Peng W, Nedergaard M, Kelley DH. Restoration of cervical lymphatic vessel function in aging rescues cerebrospinal fluid drainage. NATURE AGING 2024:10.1038/s43587-024-00691-3. [PMID: 39147980 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00691-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Cervical lymphatic vessels (cLVs) have been shown to drain solutes and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain. However, their hydrodynamical properties have never been evaluated in vivo. Here, we developed two-photon optical imaging with particle tracking in vivo of CSF tracers (2P-OPTIC) in superficial and deep cLVs of mice, characterizing their flow and showing that the major driver is intrinsic pumping by contraction of the lymphatic vessel wall. Moreover, contraction frequency and flow velocity were reduced in aged mice, which coincided with a reduction in smooth muscle actin expression. Slowed flow in aged mice was rescued using topical application of prostaglandin F2α, a prostanoid that increases smooth muscle contractility, which restored lymphatic function in aged mice and enhanced central nervous system clearance. We show that cLVs are important regulators of CSF drainage and that restoring their function is an effective therapy for improving clearance in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Du
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Aditya Raghunandan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI, USA
| | - Humberto Mestre
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Virginia Plá
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Guojun Liu
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Antonio Ladrón-de-Guevara
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Evan Newbold
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Paul Tobin
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Gahn-Martinez
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Saurav Pattanayak
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Qinwen Huang
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Weiguo Peng
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Douglas H Kelley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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2
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Cheon H, Lee SH, Kim SA, Kim B, Suh HP, Jeon JY. In Vivo Dynamic and Static Analysis of Lymphatic Dysfunction in Lymphedema Using Near-Infrared Fluorescence Indocyanine Green Lymphangiography. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:2008-2022. [PMID: 37615112 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Near-infrared fluorescence indocyanine green lymphangiography, a primary modality for detecting lymphedema, which is a disease due to lymphatic obstruction, enables real-time observations of lymphatics and reveals not only the spatial distribution of drainage (static analysis) but also information on the lymphatic contraction (dynamic analysis). METHODS We have produced total lymphatic obstruction in the upper limbs of 18 Sprague-Dawley rats through the dissection of proximal (brachial and axillary) lymph nodes and 20-Gy radiation (dissection limbs). After the model formation for 1 week, 9 animal models were observed for 6 weeks using near-infrared fluorescence indocyanine green lymphangiography by injecting 6-μL ICG-BSA (indocyanine green-bovine serum albumin) solution of 20-μg/mL concentration. The drainage pattern and leakage of lymph fluid were evaluated and time-domain signals of lymphatic contraction were observed in the distal lymphatic vessels. The obtained signals were converted to frequency-domain spectrums using signal processing. RESULTS The results of both static and dynamic analyses proved to be effective in accurately identifying the extent of lymphatic disruption in the dissection limbs. The static analysis showed abnormal drainage patterns and increased leakage of lymph fluid to the periphery of the vessels compared with the control (normal) limbs. Meanwhile, the waveforms were changed and the contractile signal frequency increased by 58% in the dynamic analysis. Specifically, our findings revealed that regular lymphatic contractions, observed at a frequency range of 0.08 to 0.13 Hz in the control limbs, were absent in the dissection limbs. The contractile regularity was not fully restored for the follow-up period, indicating a persistent lymphatic obstruction. CONCLUSIONS The dynamic analysis could detect the abnormalities of lymphatic circulation by observing the characteristics of signals, and it provided additional evaluation indicators that cannot be provided by the static analysis. Our findings may be useful for the early detection of the circulation problem as a functional evaluation indicator of the lymphatic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwayeong Cheon
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea (H.C.)
| | - Sang-Hun Lee
- Department of Optical Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea (S.-H.L.)
| | - Sang Ah Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (S.A.K., B.K., J.Y.J.), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumchul Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (S.A.K., B.K., J.Y.J.), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsuk Peter Suh
- Department of Plastic Surgery (H.P.S.), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yong Jeon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (S.A.K., B.K., J.Y.J.), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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3
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Evaluation of Longitudinal Lymphatic Function Changes upon Injury in the Mouse Tail with Photodynamic Therapy. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2022; 14:204-216. [PMID: 36403192 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-022-00645-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The lymphatic system is an essential but often understudied component of the circulatory system in comparison with its cardiovascular counterpart. Such disparity could often be explained by the difficulty in imaging lymphatics and the specialized microsurgical skills that are often required for lymphatic injury models. Recently, it has been shown that verteporfin, a photosensitive drug used for photodynamic therapy (PDT) to ablate the blood vessels, provides a similar effect on lymphatic vessels. Here, we seek to administer verteporfin and perform a modified form of PDT on collecting lymphatics in the mouse tail, a commonly used location for the study of lymphatic disorders, and examine lymphatic remodeling, contractility, and transport in response to the procedure. METHODS Mice collecting lymphatics in the tail were injured by PDT through an intradermal injection of verteporfin in the distal tip of the tail followed by light activation on the proximal portion of the tail downstream of the injection site. Lymphatic function was evaluated using a near-infrared (NIR) imaging system weekly for up to 28 days after injury. RESULTS PDT resulted in a loss in lymphatic function contractile frequency that persisted for up to 7 days after injury. Packet transport and packet amplitude, measurements reflective of the strength of contraction, were significantly reduced 14 days after injury. The lymphatics showed a delayed increase in lymphatic leakage at 7 days that persisted until the study endpoint on day 28. CONCLUSION This technique provides an easy-to-use method for injuring lymphatics to understand their remodeling response to injury by PDT as well as potentially for screening therapeutics that seek to normalize lymphatic permeability or contractile function after injury.
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4
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Russell PS, Hucklesby JJW, Hong J, Cao E, Trevaskis NL, Angel CE, Windsor JA, Phillips ARJ. Vmeasur: A software package for experimental and clinical measurement of mesenteric lymphatic contractile function over an extended vessel length. Microcirculation 2022; 29:e12748. [PMID: 35092129 PMCID: PMC9787391 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Conventionally, in vivo mesenteric lymphatic contractile function is measured using a high magnification transmission microscope (field of view 0.3-1.5 mm), which precludes visualization of extended lengths of vessels embedded in mesenteric fat. Existing software is not optimized for imaging at a low magnification using a contrast agent. We aimed to develop a simple and clinically transferable method for in situ visualization, image analysis, and quantitative assessment of mesenteric lymphatic contractile function over an extended area. METHODS Subserosal injection of various blue dyes was taken up by mesenteric lymphatics and visualized under a stereomicroscope (25×), allowing for video recording of 1.4 × 1.1 cm of intact mesentery. A new R package ("vmeasur") that combines multiple high-performance image analyses into a single workflow was developed. The edges of each vessel were determined by applying an automated threshold to each frame (with real-time manual verification). The vessel width at every point in each frame was plotted to provide contractile parameters over time and along the lymphatic vessel length. RESULTS Contractile parameters and their differences along the length of the vessel were accurately calculated in a rodent model. In a human mesenteric lymphatic, the algorithm was also able to measure changes in diameter over length. CONCLUSION This software offers a low cost, rapid, and accessible method to measure lymphatic contractile function over a wide area, showing differences in contractility along the length of a vessel. Because the presence of mesenteric fat has less of an impact on imaging, due to the use of an exogenous contrast agent, there is potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S. Russell
- Applied Surgery and Metabolism LaboratorySchool of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand,Department of SurgeryFaculty of Medical and Health SciencesSurgical and Translational Research CentreUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - James J. W. Hucklesby
- Human Cellular Immunology GroupSchool of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand,Department of Molecular Medicine and PathologyFaculty of Medical and Health SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Jiwon Hong
- Applied Surgery and Metabolism LaboratorySchool of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand,Department of SurgeryFaculty of Medical and Health SciencesSurgical and Translational Research CentreUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Enyuan Cao
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and DynamicsMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityParkvilleVic.Australia
| | - Natalie L. Trevaskis
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and DynamicsMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityParkvilleVic.Australia
| | - Catherine E. Angel
- Human Cellular Immunology GroupSchool of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - John A. Windsor
- Department of SurgeryFaculty of Medical and Health SciencesSurgical and Translational Research CentreUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Anthony R. J. Phillips
- Applied Surgery and Metabolism LaboratorySchool of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand,Department of SurgeryFaculty of Medical and Health SciencesSurgical and Translational Research CentreUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
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5
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Scallan JP, Jannaway M. Lymphatic Vascular Permeability. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2022; 12:a041274. [PMID: 35879102 PMCID: PMC9380735 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Blood vessels have a regulated permeability to fluid and solutes, which allows for the delivery of nutrients and signaling molecules to all cells in the body, a process essential to life. The lymphatic vasculature is the second network of vessels in the body, making up part of the immune system, yet is not typically thought of as having a permeability to fluid and solute. However, the major function of the lymphatic vasculature is to regulate tissue fluid balance to prevent edema, so lymphatic vessels must be permeable to absorb and transport fluid efficiently. Only recently were lymphatic vessels discovered to be permeable, which has had many functional implications. In this review, we will provide an overview of what is known about lymphatic vascular permeability, discuss the biophysical and signaling mechanisms regulating lymphatic permeability, and examine the disease relevance of this new property of lymphatic vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - Melanie Jannaway
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
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6
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Russell PS, Velivolu R, Maldonado Zimbrón VE, Hong J, Kavianinia I, Hickey AJR, Windsor JA, Phillips ARJ. Fluorescent Tracers for In Vivo Imaging of Lymphatic Targets. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:952581. [PMID: 35935839 PMCID: PMC9355481 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.952581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system continues to gain importance in a range of conditions, and therefore, imaging of lymphatic vessels is becoming more widespread for research, diagnosis, and treatment. Fluorescent lymphatic imaging offers advantages over other methods in that it is affordable, has higher resolution, and does not require radiation exposure. However, because the lymphatic system is a one-way drainage system, the successful delivery of fluorescent tracers to lymphatic vessels represents a unique challenge. Each fluorescent tracer used for lymphatic imaging has distinct characteristics, including size, shape, charge, weight, conjugates, excitation/emission wavelength, stability, and quantum yield. These characteristics in combination with the properties of the target tissue affect the uptake of the dye into lymphatic vessels and the fluorescence quality. Here, we review the characteristics of visible wavelength and near-infrared fluorescent tracers used for in vivo lymphatic imaging and describe the various techniques used to specifically target them to lymphatic vessels for high-quality lymphatic imaging in both clinical and pre-clinical applications. We also discuss potential areas of future research to improve the lymphatic fluorescent tracer design.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. S. Russell
- Applied Surgery and Metabolism Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - R. Velivolu
- Applied Surgery and Metabolism Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - V. E. Maldonado Zimbrón
- Applied Surgery and Metabolism Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J. Hong
- Applied Surgery and Metabolism Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - I. Kavianinia
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A. J. R. Hickey
- Applied Surgery and Metabolism Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J. A. Windsor
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A. R. J. Phillips
- Applied Surgery and Metabolism Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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7
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Zhang Y, Zhang J, Li X, Li J, Lu S, Li Y, Ren P, Zhang C, Xiong L. Imaging of fluorescent polymer dots in relation to channels and immune cells in the lymphatic system. Mater Today Bio 2022; 15:100317. [PMID: 35757035 PMCID: PMC9213818 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymer dots (Pdots) have been applied to imaging lymph nodes (LNs) and lymphatic vessels (LVs) in living mice and rats. However, the mechanism of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of Pdots in LNs and LVs is still unclear. Therefore, the relationship between Pdots and immune cells, LVs and collagen fibers in lymphatics was studied by multiple in vivo and ex vivo microscopic imaging methods and detection techniques. Flow cytometry showed that Pdots could be phagocytosed by macrophages and monocytes, and had no relationship with B cells, T cells and dendric cells in LNs. Silver staining, immunofluorescence and two-photon microscope showed that Pdots gathered in collagen fibers and LVs of LNs. Furthermore, immunofluorescence imaging results verified that Pdots were distributed in the extracellular space of collecting LVs endothelial cells. In addition, Pdots in the collecting LVs were basically cleared by leaking into the surrounding tissue or draining LNs after 21 days of injection. During the long-time observation, Pdots also helped monitor the contraction frequency and variation range of LV. Our study lays a foundation on the research of Pdots as the carrier to study lymphatic structure and function in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Zhang
- Shanghai Med-X Engineering Center for Medical Equipment and Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Juxiang Zhang
- Shanghai Med-X Engineering Center for Medical Equipment and Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Shanghai Med-X Engineering Center for Medical Equipment and Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Jingru Li
- Shanghai Med-X Engineering Center for Medical Equipment and Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Shuting Lu
- Shanghai Med-X Engineering Center for Medical Equipment and Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Yuqiao Li
- Shanghai Med-X Engineering Center for Medical Equipment and Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Panting Ren
- Shanghai Med-X Engineering Center for Medical Equipment and Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Chunfu Zhang
- Shanghai Med-X Engineering Center for Medical Equipment and Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Liqin Xiong
- Shanghai Med-X Engineering Center for Medical Equipment and Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
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8
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Vachon L, Smaani A, Tessier N, Jean G, Demers A, Milasan A, Ardo N, Jarry S, Villeneuve L, Alikashani A, Finherty V, Ruiz M, Sorci-Thomas MG, Mayer G, Martel C. Downregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor mRNA in lymphatic endothelial cells impairs lymphatic function through changes in intracellular lipids. Theranostics 2022; 12:1440-1458. [PMID: 35154499 PMCID: PMC8771568 DOI: 10.7150/thno.58780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Impairment in lymphatic transport is associated with the onset and progression of atherosclerosis in animal models. The downregulation of low-density-lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression, rather than increased circulating cholesterol level per se, is involved in early atherosclerosis-related lymphatic dysfunction. Enhancing lymphatic function in Ldlr-/- mice with a mutant form of VEGF-C (VEGF-C 152s), a selective VEGFR-3 agonist, successfully delayed atherosclerotic plaque onset when mice were subsequently fed a high-fat diet. However, the specific mechanisms by which LDLR protects against lymphatic function impairment is unknown. Methods and results: We have thus injected wild-type and Pcsk9-/- mice with an adeno-associated virus type 1 expressing a shRNA for silencing Ldlr in vivo. We herein report that lymphatic contractility is reduced upon Ldlr dowregulation in wild-type mice only. Our in vitro experiments reveal that a decrease in LDLR expression at the mRNA level reduces the chromosome duplication phase and the protein expression of VEGFR-3, a membrane-bound key lymphatic marker. Furthermore, it also significantly reduced the levels of 18 lipid subclasses, including key constituents of lipid rafts as well as the transcription of several genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and cellular and metabolic processes. Exogenous PCSK9 only reduces lymphatic endothelial-LDLR at the protein level and does not affect lymphatic endothelial cell integrity. This puts forward that PCSK9 may act upon lymphatic muscle cells to mediate its effect on lymphatic contraction capacity in vivo. Conclusion: Our results suggest that treatments that specifically palliate the down regulation of LDLR mRNA in lymphatic endothelial cells preserve the integrity of the lymphatic endothelium and sustain lymphatic function, a prerequisite player in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Vachon
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ali Smaani
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nolwenn Tessier
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gabriel Jean
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annie Demers
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Andreea Milasan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nadine Ardo
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Stéphanie Jarry
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louis Villeneuve
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Vincent Finherty
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Matthieu Ruiz
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Metabolomics platform, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Gaétan Mayer
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Martel
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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9
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Abstract
Lymphedema is a common, complex, and inexplicably underappreciated human disease. Despite a history of relative neglect by health care providers and by governmental health care agencies, the last decade has seen an explosive growth of insights into, and approaches to, the problem of human lymphedema. The current review highlights the significant advances that have occurred in the investigative and clinical approaches to lymphedema, particularly over the last decade. This review summarizes the progress that has been attained in the realms of genetics, lymphatic imaging, and lymphatic surgery. Newer molecular insights are explored, along with their relationship to future molecular therapeutics. Growing insights into the relationships among lymphedema, obesity, and other comorbidities are important to consider in current and future responses to patients with lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley G Rockson
- Allan and Tina Neill Professor of Lymphatic Research and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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10
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Mukherjee A, Nepiyushchikh Z, Michalaki E, Dixon JB. Lymphatic injury alters the contractility and mechanosensitivity of collecting lymphatics to intermittent pneumatic compression. J Physiol 2021; 599:2699-2721. [PMID: 33644884 DOI: 10.1113/jp281206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS We present the first in vivo evidence that lymphatic contraction can entrain with an external oscillatory mechanical stimulus. Lymphatic injury can alter collecting lymphatic contractility, but not much is known about how its mechanosensitivity to external pressure is affected, which is crucial given the current pressure application methods for treating lymphoedema. We show that oscillatory pressure waves (OPW), akin to intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy, optimally entrain lymphatic contractility and modulate function depending on the frequency and propagation speed of the OPW. We show that the OPW-induced entrainment and contractile function in the intact collecting lymphatics are enhanced 28 days after a contralateral lymphatic ligation surgery. The results show that IPC efficacy can be improved through proper selection of OPW parameters, and that collecting lymphatics adapt their function and mechanosensitivity after a contralateral injury, switching their behaviour to a pump-like configuration that may be more suited to the altered microenvironment. ABSTRACT Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is commonly used to control the swelling due to lymphoedema, possibly modulating the collecting lymphatic function. Lymphoedema causes lymphatic contractile dysfunction, but the consequent alterations in the mechanosensitivity of lymphatics to IPC is not known. In the present work, the spatiotemporally varying oscillatory pressure waves (OPW) generated during IPC were simulated to study the modulation of lymphatic function by OPW under physiological and pathological conditions. OPW with three temporal frequencies and three propagation speeds were applied to rat tail collecting lymphatics. The entrainment of the lymphatics to OPW was significantly higher at a frequency of 0.05 Hz compared with 0.1 Hz and 0.2 Hz (P = 0.0054 and P = 0.014, respectively), but did not depend on the OPW propagation speed. Lymphatic function was significantly higher at a frequency of 0.05 Hz and propagation speed of 2.55 mm/s (P = 0.015). Exogenous nitric oxide was not found to alter OPW-induced entrainment. A contralateral lymphatic ligation surgery was performed to simulate partial lymphatic injury in rat tails. The intact vessels showed a significant increase in entrainment to OPW, 28 days after ligation (compared with sham) (P = 0.016), with a similar increase in lymphatic transport function (P = 0.0029). The results suggest an enhanced mechanosensitivity of the lymphatics, along with a transition to a pump-like behaviour, in response to a lymphatic injury. These results enhance our fundamental understanding of how lymphatic mechanosensitivity assists the coordination of lymphatic contractility and how this might be leveraged in IPC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Mukherjee
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Zhanna Nepiyushchikh
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, USA
| | - Eleftheria Michalaki
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, USA
| | - J Brandon Dixon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, USA
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11
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Polomska AK, Proulx ST. Imaging technology of the lymphatic system. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 170:294-311. [PMID: 32891679 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic system plays critical roles in tissue fluid homeostasis and immunity and has been implicated in the development of many different pathologies, ranging from lymphedema, the spread of cancer to chronic inflammation. In this review, we first summarize the state-of-the-art of lymphatic imaging in the clinic and the advantages and disadvantages of these existing techniques. We then detail recent progress on imaging technology, including advancements in tracer design and injection methods, that have allowed visualization of lymphatic vessels with excellent spatial and temporal resolution in preclinical models. Finally, we describe the different approaches to quantifying lymphatic function that are being developed and discuss some emerging topics for lymphatic imaging in the clinic. Continued advancements in lymphatic imaging technology will be critical for the optimization of diagnostic methods for lymphatic disorders and the evaluation of novel therapies targeting the lymphatic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Polomska
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vladimir-Prelog Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Steven T Proulx
- University of Bern, Theodor Kocher Institute, Freiestrasse 1, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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12
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Bachmann SB, Gsponer D, Montoya-Zegarra JA, Schneider M, Scholkmann F, Tacconi C, Noerrelykke SF, Proulx ST, Detmar M. A Distinct Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in Modulating the Function of Lymphatic Vessels under Physiological and Tumor-Draining Conditions. Cell Rep 2020; 27:3305-3314.e13. [PMID: 31189113 PMCID: PMC6581737 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels (LVs) are important in the regulation of tissue fluid homeostasis and the pathogenesis of tumor progression. We investigated the innervation of LVs and the response to agonists and antagonists of the autonomic nervous system in vivo. While skin-draining collecting LVs express muscarinic, α1- and β2-adrenergic receptors on lymphatic endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, intestinal lacteals express only β-adrenergic receptors and muscarinic receptors on their smooth muscle cells. Quantitative in vivo near-infrared imaging of the exposed flank-collecting LV revealed that muscarinic and α1-adrenergic agonists increased LV contractility, whereas activation of β2-adrenergic receptors inhibited contractility and initiated nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilation. Tumor-draining LVs were expanded and showed a higher innervation density and contractility that was reduced by treatment with atropine, phentolamine, and, most potently, isoproterenol. These findings likely have clinical implications given the impact of lymphatic fluid drainage on intratumoral fluid pressure and thus drug delivery. Murine lymphatic vessels are innervated in an organ-specific manner α1-adrenergic and muscarinic agents enhance lymphatic contractility in vivo β2-adrenergic agents reduce lymphatic contractility Tumor-draining lymphatic vessels have increased innervation and contractility
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia B Bachmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Denise Gsponer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Martin Schneider
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Felix Scholkmann
- Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carlotta Tacconi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon F Noerrelykke
- ScopeM, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Steven T Proulx
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
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13
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To KHT, Gui P, Li M, Zawieja SD, Castorena-Gonzalez JA, Davis MJ. T-type, but not L-type, voltage-gated calcium channels are dispensable for lymphatic pacemaking and spontaneous contractions. Sci Rep 2020; 10:70. [PMID: 31919478 PMCID: PMC6952455 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56953-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The spontaneous contractions of collecting lymphatic vessels provide an essential propulsive force to return lymph centrally. These contractions are driven by an intrinsic electrical pacemaker, working through an unknown underlying ionic mechanism that becomes compromised in some forms of lymphedema. In previous studies, T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) were implicated in this pacemaking mechanism, based on the effects of the reputedly selective T-type VGCC inhibitors mibefradil and Ni2+. Our goal was to test this idea in a more definitive way using genetic knock out mice. First, we demonstrated through both PCR and immunostaining that mouse lymphatic muscle cells expressed Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 and produced functional T-type VGCC currents when patch clamped. We then employed genetic deletion strategies to selectively test the roles of each T-type VGCC isoform in the regulation of lymphatic pacemaking. Surprisingly, global deletion of either, or both, isoform(s) was without significant effect on either the frequency, amplitude, or fractional pump flow of lymphatic collectors from two different regions of the mouse, studied ex vivo. Further, both WT and Cav3.1-/-; 3.2-/- double knock-out lymphatic vessels responded similarly to mibefradil and Ni2+, which substantially reduced contraction amplitudes and slightly increased frequencies at almost all pressures in both strains: a pattern consistent with inhibition of L-type rather than T-type VGCCs. Neither T-type VGCC isoform was required for ACh-induced inhibition of contraction, a mechanism by which those channels in smooth muscle are thought to be targets of endothelium-derived nitric oxide. Sharp intracellular electrode measurements in lymphatic smooth muscle revealed only subtle, but not significant, differences in the resting membrane potential and action potential characteristics between vessels from wild-type and Cav3.1-/-; 3.2-/- double knock-out mice. In contrast, smooth-muscle specific deletion of the L-type VGCC, Cav1.2, completely abolished all lymphatic spontaneous contractions. Collectively our results suggest that, although T-type VGCCs are expressed in mouse lymphatic smooth muscle, they do not play a significant role in modulating the frequency of the ionic pacemaker or the amplitude of spontaneous contractions. We conclude that the effects of mibefradil and Ni2+ in other lymphatic preparations are largely or completely explained by off-target effects on L-type VGCCs, which are essential for controlling both the frequency and strength of spontaneous contractions.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Calcium Channel Blockers/pharmacology
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/chemistry
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/genetics
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/metabolism
- Calcium Channels, T-Type/deficiency
- Calcium Channels, T-Type/genetics
- Calcium Channels, T-Type/metabolism
- Lymphatic Vessels/physiology
- Male
- Membrane Potentials/drug effects
- Mibefradil/pharmacology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle Contraction/drug effects
- Muscle Contraction/physiology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Nickel/pharmacology
- Pacemaker, Artificial
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim H T To
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, 65212, USA
| | - Peichun Gui
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, 65212, USA
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, 65212, USA
| | - Scott D Zawieja
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, 65212, USA
| | - Jorge A Castorena-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, 65212, USA
| | - Michael J Davis
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, 65212, USA.
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14
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Nelson TS, Nepiyushchikh Z, Hooks JST, Razavi MS, Lewis T, Clement CC, Thoresen M, Cribb MT, Ross MK, Gleason RL, Santambrogio L, Peroni JF, Dixon JB. Lymphatic remodelling in response to lymphatic injury in the hind limbs of sheep. Nat Biomed Eng 2019; 4:649-661. [PMID: 31873209 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-019-0493-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Contractile activity in the lymphatic vasculature is essential for maintaining fluid balance within organs and tissues. However, the mechanisms by which collecting lymphatics adapt to changes in fluid load and how these adaptations influence lymphatic contractile activity are unknown. Here we report a model of lymphatic injury based on the ligation of one of two parallel lymphatic vessels in the hind limb of sheep and the evaluation of structural and functional changes in the intact, remodelling lymphatic vessel over a 42-day period. We show that the remodelled lymphatic vessel displayed increasing intrinsic contractile frequency, force generation and vessel compliance, as well as decreasing flow-mediated contractile inhibition via the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide synthase. A computational model of a chain of lymphatic contractile segments incorporating these adaptations predicted increases in the flow-generation capacity of the remodelled vessel at the expense of normal mitochondrial function and elevated oxidative stress within the lymphatic muscle. Our findings may inform interventions for mitigating lymphatic muscle fatigue in patients with dysfunctional lymphatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler S Nelson
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zhanna Nepiyushchikh
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joshua S T Hooks
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mohammad S Razavi
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tristan Lewis
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Cristina C Clement
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Merrilee Thoresen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Matthew T Cribb
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mindy K Ross
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rudolph L Gleason
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Laura Santambrogio
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - John F Peroni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - J Brandon Dixon
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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15
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A novel mouse tail lymphedema model for observing lymphatic pump failure during lymphedema development. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10405. [PMID: 31320677 PMCID: PMC6639358 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46797-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that many forms of secondary lymphedema in humans are driven by a progressive loss of lymphatic pump function after an initial risk-inducing event. However, the link between pump failure and disease progression has remained elusive due to experimental challenges in the clinical setting and a lack of adequate animal models. Using a novel surgical model of lymphatic injury, we track the adaptation and functional decline of the lymphatic network in response to surgery. This model mimics the histological hallmarks of the typical mouse tail lymphedema model while leaving an intact collecting vessel for analysis of functional changes during disease progression. Lymphatic function in the intact collecting vessel negatively correlated with swelling, while a loss of pumping pressure generation remained even after resolution of swelling. By using this model to study the role of obesity in lymphedema development, we show that obesity exacerbates acquired lymphatic pump failure following lymphatic injury, suggesting one mechanism through which obesity may worsen lymphedema. This lymphatic injury model will allow for future studies investigating the molecular mechanisms leading to lymphedema development.
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16
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Bachmann SB, Proulx ST, He Y, Ries M, Detmar M. Differential effects of anaesthesia on the contractility of lymphatic vessels
in vivo. J Physiol 2019; 597:2841-2852. [DOI: 10.1113/jp277254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samia B. Bachmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Steven T. Proulx
- Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Yuliang He
- Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Miriam Ries
- Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich Switzerland
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17
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Milasan A, Smaani A, Martel C. Early rescue of lymphatic function limits atherosclerosis progression in Ldlr -/- mice. Atherosclerosis 2019; 283:106-119. [PMID: 30851674 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2019.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Our previous data showed that lymphatic function impairment occurs before the onset of atherosclerosis in mice and is precociously associated with a defect in the propelling capacity of the collecting lymphatic vessels. Concomitantly, we found that lymphatic transport can be restored in mice by systemic injections of a mutant form of VEGF-C (VEGF-C 152s), a growth factor known to increase mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessel pumping through a VEGFR-3-dependent mechanism in rats. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether and how early modulation of collecting lymphatic vessel function could restrain atherosclerosis onset and limit its progression. METHODS Before the administration of a pro-atherosclerotic regimen, Ldlr-/- mice at 6 weeks of age were injected intraperitoneally with VEGF-C 152s or PBS every other day for 4 weeks, fed on high fat diet (HFD) for an additional 8 weeks to promote plaque progression, and switched back on chow diet for 4 more weeks to stabilize the lesion. RESULTS Early treatment with VEGF-C first improved lymphatic molecular transport in 6-week-old Ldlr-/- mice and subsequently limited plaque formation and macrophage accumulation, while improving inflammatory cell migration through the lymphatics in HFD-fed mice. The contraction frequency of the collecting lymphatic vessels was significantly increased following treatment throughout the whole atherosclerotic process and resulted in enhanced plaque stabilization. This early and maintained rescue of the lymphatic dysfunction was associated with an upregulation of VEGFR3 and FOXC2 expression on lymphatic endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that early treatments that specifically target the lymphatic contraction capacity prior to lesion formation might be a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Milasan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ali Smaani
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Catherine Martel
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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18
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Blatter C, Meijer EF, Padera TP, Vakoc BJ. Simultaneous measurements of lymphatic vessel contraction, flow and valve dynamics in multiple lymphangions using optical coherence tomography. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2018; 11:e201700017. [PMID: 28700145 PMCID: PMC5766440 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201700017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Lymphatic dysfunction is involved in many diseases including lymphedema, hypertension, autoimmune responses, graft rejection, atherosclerosis, microbial infections, cancer and cancer metastasis. Expanding our knowledge of lymphatic system function can lead to a better understanding of these disease processes and improve treatment options. Here, optical coherence tomography (OCT) methods were used to reveal intraluminal valve dynamics in 3 dimensions, and measure lymph flow and vessel contraction simultaneously in 3 neighboring lymphangions of the afferent collecting lymphatic vessels to the popliteal lymph node in mice. Flow measurements were based on Doppler OCT techniques in combination with exogenous lymph labeling by Intralipid. Through these imaging methods, it is possible to study lymphatic function and pumping more comprehensively. These capabilities can lead to a better understanding of the regulation and dysregulation of lymphatic vessels in health and disease. The image depicts the dynamic measurements of lymphatic valves, lymphatic vessels cross-sectional area and lymph velocity simultaneously measured in vivo with optical coherence tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Blatter
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Eelco F.J. Meijer
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Timothy P. Padera
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Vakoc
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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19
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Zawieja SD, Castorena-Gonzalez JA, Dixon B, Davis MJ. Experimental Models Used to Assess Lymphatic Contractile Function. Lymphat Res Biol 2018; 15:331-342. [PMID: 29252142 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2017.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen a renewed interest in studies of the lymphatic system. This review addresses the differences between in vivo and ex vivo methods for visualization and functional studies of lymphatic networks, with an emphasis on studies of collecting lymphatic vessels. We begin with a brief summary of the historical uses of both approaches. For the purpose of detailed comparisons, we subdivide in vivo methods into those visualizing lymphatic networks through the intact skin and those using surgically opened skin. We subdivide ex vivo methods into isobaric studies (using a pressure myograph) or isometric studies (using a wire myograph). For all four categories, we compile a comprehensive list of the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of each preparation, with the goal of informing the research community as to the appropriate kinds of experiments best suited, and ill suited, for each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D Zawieja
- 1 Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri , Columbia, Missouri
| | | | - Brandon Dixon
- 2 George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michael J Davis
- 1 Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri , Columbia, Missouri
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20
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Badash I, Gould DJ, Patel KM. Supermicrosurgery: History, Applications, Training and the Future. Front Surg 2018; 5:23. [PMID: 29740586 PMCID: PMC5931174 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2018.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Supermicrosurgery, a technique of dissection and anastomosis of small vessels ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 mm, has revolutionized the fields of lymphedema treatment and soft tissue reconstruction. The technique offers several distinct benefits to microsurgeons, including the ability to manipulate small vessels that were previously inaccessible, and to minimize donor-site morbidity by dissecting short pedicles in a suprafascial plane. Thus, supermicrosurgery has become increasingly popular in recent years, and its applications have greatly expanded since it was first introduced 20 years ago. While supermicrosurgery was originally developed for procedures involving salvage of the digit tip, the technique is now routinely used in a wide variety of microsurgical cases, including lymphovenous anastomoses, vascularized lymph node transfers and perforator-to-perforator anastomoses. With continued experimentation, standardization of supermicrosurgical training, and high quality studies focusing on the outcomes of these novel procedures, supermicrosurgery can become a routine and valuable component of every microsurgeon's practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ido Badash
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel J Gould
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ketan M Patel
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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21
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Bouta EM, Blatter C, Ruggieri TA, Meijer EF, Munn LL, Vakoc BJ, Padera TP. Lymphatic function measurements influenced by contrast agent volume and body position. JCI Insight 2018; 3:96591. [PMID: 29367467 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.96591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Several imaging modalities have been used to assess lymphatic function, including fluorescence microscopy, near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, and Doppler optical coherence tomography (DOCT). They vary in how the mouse is positioned, the invasiveness of the experimental setup, and the volume of contrast agent injected. Here, we present how each of these experimental parameters affects functional measurements of collecting lymphatic vessels. First, fluorescence microscopy showed that supine mice have a statistically lower contraction frequency compared with mice sitting upright. To assess the effect of different injection volumes on these endpoints, mice were injected with 4, 10, or 20 μl of dye. The lowest frequencies were observed after 20-μl injections. Interestingly, lymph-flow DOCT revealed that although there was lower contraction frequency in mice injected with 20 μl versus 4 μl, mice showed a higher volumetric flow with a 20-μl injection. This indicates that contraction frequency alone is not sufficient to understand lymphatic transport. Finally, NIRF revealed that removing the skin reduced contraction frequency. Therefore, this study reveals how sensitive these techniques are to mouse position, removal of skin, and dye volume. Care should be taken when comparing results obtained under different experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Echoe M Bouta
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, and.,Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cedric Blatter
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas A Ruggieri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eelco Fj Meijer
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, and.,Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lance L Munn
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, and.,Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin J Vakoc
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Timothy P Padera
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, and.,Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Zawieja SD, Castorena-Gonzalez JA, Scallan JP, Davis MJ. Differences in L-type Ca 2+ channel activity partially underlie the regional dichotomy in pumping behavior by murine peripheral and visceral lymphatic vessels. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 314:H991-H1010. [PMID: 29351458 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00499.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We identified a regional dichotomy in murine lymphatic contractile function with regard to vessel location within the periphery or visceral cavity. All vessels isolated from peripheral regions [cervical, popliteal, inguinal, axillary, and internodal inguinal axillary (Ing-Ax)] developed robust contractions with maximal ejection fractions (EFs) of 50-80% in our ex vivo isobaric myograph experiments. Conversely, vessels isolated from the visceral cavity (mesenteric, thoracic duct, and iliac) demonstrated maximal EFs of ≤10%. Using pressure myography, sharp electrode membrane potential recordings, and Ca2+ imaging, we assessed the role of L-type Ca2+ channels in this contractile dichotomy. Ing-Ax membrane potential revealed a ~2-s action potential (AP) cycle (resting -35 mV, spike -5 mV, and plateau -11 mV) with a plateau phase that was significantly lengthened by the L-type Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K8644 (BayK; 100 nM). APs recorded from mesenteric vessels, however, displayed a slower upstroke and an elongated time over threshold. BayK (100 nM) increased the mesenteric AP upstroke velocity and plateau duration but also significantly hyperpolarized the vessel. Contractions of vessels from both regions were preceded by Ca2+ flashes, detected with a smooth muscle-specific endogenous Ca2+ reporter, that typically were coordinated over the length of the vessel. Similar to the membrane potential recordings, Ca2+ flashes in mesenteric vessels were weaker and had a slower rise time but were longer lasting than those in Ing-Ax vessels. BayK (100 nM) significantly increased the Ca2+ transient amplitude and duration in both vessels and decreased time to peak Ca2+ in mesenteric vessels. However, a higher concentration (1 μM) of BayK was required to produce even a modest increase in EF in visceral lymphatics, which remained at <20%. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Lymphatic collecting vessels isolated from murine peripheral tissues, but not from the visceral cavities, display robust contractile behavior similar to lymphatic vessels from other animal models and humans. These differences are partially explained by L-type Ca2+ channel activity as revealed by the first measurements of murine lymphatic action potentials and contraction-associated Ca2+ transients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D Zawieja
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri , Columbia, Missouri
| | | | - Joshua P Scallan
- Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida , Tampa, Florida
| | - Michael J Davis
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri , Columbia, Missouri
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23
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Bachmann SB, Detmar M, Proulx ST. Visualization and Measurement of Lymphatic Function In Vivo. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1846:197-211. [PMID: 30242761 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8712-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
An increased research focus on the lymphatic system has necessitated the development of reliable in vivo assessments of lymphatic function in rodent models. Here, we provide three protocols for assays based upon near-infrared fluorescence imaging that were developed in our laboratory that can visualize and quantify different aspects of lymphatic function in mice. The first, a protocol for the tracking of the clearance of an injected intradermal bolus of a pegylated tracer, provides a measurement of lymphatic function in a specific region of the skin. The second assay allows noninvasive imaging of the contractility of collecting lymphatic vessels of the lower limb after injection of the pegylated tracer into the paw skin. This assay also enables real-time visualization of the routing of lymphatic flow from the paw to draining lymph nodes. The final protocol describes invasive imaging of the contractility and valve function of a collecting lymphatic vessel connecting the inguinal and axillary lymph nodes. This assay allows compounds to be added directly on the collecting lymphatic vessel and responses in contraction frequency and amplitude to be measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia B Bachmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Steven T Proulx
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Ma Q, Ineichen BV, Detmar M, Proulx ST. Outflow of cerebrospinal fluid is predominantly through lymphatic vessels and is reduced in aged mice. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1434. [PMID: 29127332 PMCID: PMC5681558 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01484-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 393] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been commonly accepted to drain through arachnoid projections from the subarachnoid space to the dural venous sinuses. However, a lymphatic component to CSF outflow has long been known. Here, we utilize lymphatic-reporter mice and high-resolution stereomicroscopy to characterize the anatomical routes and dynamics of outflow of CSF. After infusion into a lateral ventricle, tracers spread into the paravascular spaces of the pia mater and cortex of the brain. Tracers also rapidly reach lymph nodes using perineural routes through foramina in the skull. Using noninvasive imaging techniques that can quantify the transport of tracers to the blood and lymph nodes, we find that lymphatic vessels are the major outflow pathway for both large and small molecular tracers in mice. A significant decline in CSF lymphatic outflow is found in aged compared to young mice, suggesting that the lymphatic system may represent a target for age-associated neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoli Ma
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Steven T Proulx
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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25
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Hägerling R, Drees D, Scherzinger A, Dierkes C, Martin-Almedina S, Butz S, Gordon K, Schäfers M, Hinrichs K, Ostergaard P, Vestweber D, Goerge T, Mansour S, Jiang X, Mortimer PS, Kiefer F. VIPAR, a quantitative approach to 3D histopathology applied to lymphatic malformations. JCI Insight 2017; 2:93424. [PMID: 28814672 PMCID: PMC5621876 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.93424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of investigatory and diagnostic tools has been a major contributing factor to the failure to mechanistically understand lymphedema and other lymphatic disorders in order to develop effective drug and surgical therapies. One difficulty has been understanding the true changes in lymph vessel pathology from standard 2D tissue sections. METHODS VIPAR (volume information-based histopathological analysis by 3D reconstruction and data extraction), a light-sheet microscopy-based approach for the analysis of tissue biopsies, is based on digital reconstruction and visualization of microscopic image stacks. VIPAR allows semiautomated segmentation of the vasculature and subsequent nonbiased extraction of characteristic vessel shape and connectivity parameters. We applied VIPAR to analyze biopsies from healthy lymphedematous and lymphangiomatous skin. RESULTS Digital 3D reconstruction provided a directly visually interpretable, comprehensive representation of the lymphatic and blood vessels in the analyzed tissue volumes. The most conspicuous features were disrupted lymphatic vessels in lymphedematous skin and a hyperplasia (4.36-fold lymphatic vessel volume increase) in the lymphangiomatous skin. Both abnormalities were detected by the connectivity analysis based on extracted vessel shape and structure data. The quantitative evaluation of extracted data revealed a significant reduction of lymphatic segment length (51.3% and 54.2%) and straightness (89.2% and 83.7%) for lymphedematous and lymphangiomatous skin, respectively. Blood vessel length was significantly increased in the lymphangiomatous sample (239.3%). CONCLUSION VIPAR is a volume-based tissue reconstruction data extraction and analysis approach that successfully distinguished healthy from lymphedematous and lymphangiomatous skin. Its application is not limited to the vascular systems or skin. FUNDING Max Planck Society, DFG (SFB 656), and Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence EXC 1003.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Hägerling
- Mammalian Cell Signaling Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Dominik Drees
- Pattern Recognition and Image Analysis Group, Department of Computer Science, and
| | - Aaron Scherzinger
- Pattern Recognition and Image Analysis Group, Department of Computer Science, and
- Visualization and Computer Graphics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Cathrin Dierkes
- Mammalian Cell Signaling Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Silvia Martin-Almedina
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Butz
- Department Vascular Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Kristiana Gordon
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Schäfers
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- DFG Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence 1003, Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Hinrichs
- Visualization and Computer Graphics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- DFG Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence 1003, Münster, Germany
| | - Pia Ostergaard
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dietmar Vestweber
- Department Vascular Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Goerge
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sahar Mansour
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaoyi Jiang
- Pattern Recognition and Image Analysis Group, Department of Computer Science, and
- DFG Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence 1003, Münster, Germany
| | - Peter S. Mortimer
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Friedemann Kiefer
- Mammalian Cell Signaling Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- DFG Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence 1003, Münster, Germany
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26
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Razavi MS, Nelson TS, Nepiyushchikh Z, Gleason RL, Dixon JB. The relationship between lymphangion chain length and maximum pressure generation established through in vivo imaging and computational modeling. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2017; 313:H1249-H1260. [PMID: 28778909 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00003.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsic contraction of collecting lymphatic vessels serves as a pumping system to propel lymph against hydrostatic pressure gradients as it returns interstitial fluid to the venous circulation. In the present study, we proposed and validated that the maximum opposing outflow pressure along a chain of lymphangions at which flow can be achieved increases with the length of chain. Using minimally invasive near-infrared imaging to measure the effective pumping pressure at various locations in the rat tail, we demonstrated increases in pumping pressure along the length of the tail. Computational simulations based on a microstructurally motivated model of a chain of lymphangions informed from biaxial testing of isolated vessels was used to provide insights into the pumping mechanisms responsible for the pressure increases observed in vivo. These models suggest that the number of lymphangions in the chain and smooth muscle cell force generation play a significant role in determining the maximum outflow pressure, whereas the frequency of contraction has no effect. In vivo administration of nitric oxide attenuated lymphatic contraction, subsequently lowering the effective pumping pressure. Computational simulations suggest that the reduction in contractile strength of smooth muscle cells in the presence of nitric oxide can account for the reductions in outflow pressure observed along the lymphangion chain in vivo. Thus, combining modeling with multiple measurements of lymphatic pumping pressure provides a method for approximating intrinsic lymphatic muscle activity noninvasively in vivo while also providing insights into factors that determine the extent that a lymphangion chain can transport fluid against an adverse pressure gradient. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we report the first minimally invasive in vivo measurements of the relationship between lymphangion chain length and lymphatic pumping pressure. We also provide the first in vivo validation of lumped parameter models of lymphangion chains previously developed through data obtained from isolated vessel testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S Razavi
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia.,The Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tyler S Nelson
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia.,The Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zhanna Nepiyushchikh
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia.,The Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rudolph L Gleason
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia.,The Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia.,The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - J Brandon Dixon
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia.,The Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia.,The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
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27
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Gousopoulos E, Karaman S, Proulx ST, Leu K, Buschle D, Detmar M. High-Fat Diet in the Absence of Obesity Does Not Aggravate Surgically Induced Lymphoedema in Mice. Eur Surg Res 2017; 58:180-192. [PMID: 28301852 DOI: 10.1159/000461579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphoedema represents the cardinal manifestation of lymphatic dysfunction and is associated with expansion of the adipose tissue in the affected limb. In mice, high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity was associated with impaired collecting lymphatic vessel function, and adiposity aggravated surgery-induced lymphoedema in a mouse model. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether adiposity is necessary to impair lymphatic function or whether increased lipid exposure alone might be sufficient in a surgical lymphoedema model. METHODS To investigate the role of increased lipid exposure in lymphoedema development we used a well-established mouse tail lymphoedema model. Female mice were subjected to a short-term (6 weeks) HFD, without development of obesity, before surgical induction of lymphedema. Lymphoedema was followed over a period of 6 weeks measuring oedema, evaluating tissue histology and lymphatic vascular function. RESULTS HFD increased baseline angiogenesis and average lymphatic vessel size in comparison to the chow control group. Upon induction of lymphedema, HFD-treated mice did not exhibit aggravated oedema and no morphological differences were observed in the blood and lymphatic vasculature. Importantly, the levels of fibro-adipose tissue deposition were comparable between the 2 groups and lymphatic vessel function was not impaired as a result of the HFD. Although the net immune cell infiltration was comparable, the HFD group displayed an increased infiltration of macrophages, which exhibited an M2 polarization phenotype. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that increased adiposity rather than dietary influences determines predisposition to or severity of lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Epameinondas Gousopoulos
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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28
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Srinivasan S, Su M, Ravishankar S, Moore J, Head P, Dixon JB, Vannberg F. TLR-exosomes exhibit distinct kinetics and effector function. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41623. [PMID: 28290538 PMCID: PMC5349571 DOI: 10.1038/srep41623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system is vital to rapidly responding to pathogens and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a critical component of this response. Nanovesicular exosomes play a role in immunity, but to date their exact contribution to the dissemination of the TLR response is unknown. Here we show that exosomes from TLR stimulated cells can largely recapitulate TLR activation in distal cells in vitro. We can abrogate the action-at-a-distance signaling of exosomes by UV irradiation, demonstrating that RNA is crucial for their effector function. We are the first to show that exosomes derived from poly(I:C) stimulated cells induce in vivo macrophage M1-like polarization within murine lymph nodes. These poly(I:C) exosomes demonstrate enhanced trafficking to the node and preferentially recruit neutrophils as compared to control exosomes. This work definitively establishes the differential effector function for exosomes in communicating the TLR activation state of the cell of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Srinivasan
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Michelle Su
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - James Moore
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - PamelaSara Head
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Brandon Dixon
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology, USA.,Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA
| | - Fredrik Vannberg
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
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29
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Proulx ST, Ma Q, Andina D, Leroux JC, Detmar M. Quantitative measurement of lymphatic function in mice by noninvasive near-infrared imaging of a peripheral vein. JCI Insight 2017; 2:e90861. [PMID: 28097238 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.90861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Optical imaging methods have been developed to measure lymphatic function in skin; however, the lymphatic system of many organs is not accessible to this technology. Since lymphatic transport of macromolecules from any organ proceeds to the blood circulation, we aimed to develop a method that can measure lymphatic function by monitoring the fluorescence in a superficial vein of an interstitially injected tracer. We selected a 40-kDa PEGylated near-infrared dye conjugate, as it showed lymphatic system-specific uptake and extended circulation in blood. Lymphatic transport to blood from subcutaneous tissue required a transit time before signal enhancement was seen in blood followed by a steady rise in signal over time. Increased lymphatic transport was apparent in awake mice compared with those under continuous anesthesia. The methods were validated in K14-VEGFR-3-Fc and K14-VEGF-C transgenic mice with loss and gain of lymphatic function, respectively. Reduced lymphatic transport to blood was also found in aged mice. The technique was also able to measure lymphatic transport from the peritoneal cavity, a location not suitable for optical imaging. The method is a promising, simple approach for assessment of lymphatic function and for monitoring of therapeutic regimens in mouse models of disease and may have potential for clinical translation.
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