The experimental protocol which delivered the results described in this article has been approved by the regional Ethics Committee for Laboratory Animal Experiments at the Medical University of Vienna and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMWFW-66.009/0023-WF/V/3b/2016). All experiments conform with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, published by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH Publication No. 85-23, revised 1996).
NOTE: 10−12-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats of 250−300 g body weight (BW) are used. As the following procedures and treatments are performed in a sterile environment of an operating room (OR), wear scrubs, gloves, facemasks and hoods when handling animals. Before entering the OR, ensure that hands are washed and disinfected. If the intention is to operate on several animals in a surgical session, either wash and disinfect, or autoclave the instruments in between operations. These hygienic guidelines are valid for all procedures presented in the protocol section.
1. Preoperative preparation and anaesthesia
2. Surgical procedure―induction of myocardial ischemia
3. Postoperative treatment and exclusion criteria
Examination | Observation | Score |
Body weight | stable | 0 |
10% loss | 4 | |
15% loss for 48 h | 7 | |
18% loss | 7 | |
normal (coat flat and shiny) | 0 | |
External appearance | piloerection | 1 |
haematoma | 2 | |
skin wounds/cuts/bite marks | 2 | |
severely reduced grooming | 4 | |
(orifices unclean/clotted or moist) | 7 | |
severe skin irritations or wounds | 7 | |
hunched posture >2 h | 7 | |
significant abdominal distension (ascites) | 7 | |
Verhalten | normal (sleeping, curious, social contacts, reaction when touched) | 0 |
unusual behaviour, e.g. impaired activity | 2 | |
self-isolation, pronounced hyperactivity or stereotypia | 4 | |
lethargia for <6 h | 4 | |
lethargia for 6 h to 8 h | 7 | |
apathia >8 h | 7 | |
stereotypia uninterrupted for >10 min. and still persisting after 2 h | 7 | |
signs of pain when touched | 7 | |
automutilation | 7 | |
Digestion | normal | 0 |
diarrhea (soft feces) | 3 | |
diarrhea for 72 h or watery | 7 | |
bloody stool | 7 |
Table 1: Checklist and exclusion criteria. This table contains the examinations that must be observed and the corresponding score. Accordingly, the post-operative treatment of the animal must be adapted, or a veterinarian must be consulted.
4. Echocardiography measurements
NOTE: Echocardiography is usually performed twice, prior to the induction of MI and before the organs are harvested.
5. Organ harvesting (without working heart)
6. Ex vivo hemodynamic measurements via a working heart system
NOTE: The general setup and the components of the apparatus has been previously described11. The following protocol describes the handling of the animal’s heart and the necessary steps to evaluate LV function.
The following results have been published by Pilz et al.6. With this precise surgical procedure, the cardioprotective effect of remote ischemic perconditioning (RIPerc) can be investigated. This is a potential new treatment for patients suffering from acute MI or MIR and subsequent ventricular remodeling, which in many cases leads to consecutive HF. Mimicking the pathophysiological changes of MI/MIR is an obligatory step in the evaluation of treatments as in vitro or ex vivo studies do not provide the physiological environment. In this protocol, the animals were subjected to 30 min of LAD occlusion followed by reperfusion (i.e., MIR).
To prove the reproducibility of the procedure, histological cuts and stains were performed (Figure 4A). It was clear that the fibrotic scar in MIR+RIPerc treated animals was comparable with the scar formation of the Sham animals while the comparison of fibrosis between Sham and MIR groups was significant (Figure 4B). Additionally, MIR+RIPerc treated animals showed significantly reduced fibrosis compared to MIR-treated animals. However, the representative histological images clarify the potency of this surgical procedure as the infarction is explicitly sustained in the MIR group (Figure 4A). Using in vivo echography, ejection fraction, LV end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters (LVEDD and LVESD) were measured and showed significantly reduced cardiac function due to MIR treatment while hemodynamic parameters were preserved by RIPerc (Figure 4C−F). Ex vivo hemodynamic data exhibited the effectiveness of the procedure as the MIR group showed significant decreases in LVSP, cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV) as well as external heart work (EHW) (Figure 5A−G).
A literature search about this surgical procedure reported no negative or unsatisfying comments and results when it was adequately performed. Nevertheless, pitfalls mentioned in the introduction and the discussion need to be prevented and training is mandatory to acquire a stable level of performance and to obtain comparable results.
Figure 1: Preoperative preparation and surgical procedure. (A) Intubation of the animal using a 14 G tube. (B) Supine positioning and disinfection of the surgical field. (C) Skin incision (2 mm parasternal on the left thorax at the level of the 3rd intercostal space). The incision must reach the anterior axillary line at the level of the 5th intercostal space. (D) Displace the muscles to make the ribs visible. (E) Opening of the thorax. (F) Permanent occlusion of LAD using 6−7 knots. (G) Transient occlusion of LAD using a tourniquet. (H) Closure of the chest after myocardial ischemia and reperfusion by placing three single-knot sutures around the ribs. (I) Proper closing of the thorax. Use a 10 mL syringe to remove any residual air from the thorax before fixing the last knot tightly. This is integral to prevent a pneumothorax. (J) Skin suture. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 2: Organ harvesting. (A) Open the chest with sub-xiphoidal cuts and extend them to both mid-axillary lines. Further cuts through the ribs are performed to facilitate lifting of the sternum. (B) Excision of the heart. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 3: Isolated heart apparatus. (A) Langendorff mode. The heart is mounted to the WH apparatus via cannulation of the aorta. (B) Working heart mode. The system can be switched to the WH model to evaluate cardiac function by cannulating the left atrium. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 4: Effect of remote ischemic conditioning on scar formation, left ventricular function and remodeling. (A) Histological LV slices harvested on day 14 post-myocardial reperfusion. (B) Quantified results of fibrosis in bar graphs. (C) Representative M-mode echocardiograms. (D) Ejection fraction (EF) quantified in bar graphs. (E) LV end-systolic diameter (LVESD) quantified in bar graphs. (F) LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) quantified in bar graphs. MIR, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion; RIPerc, remote ischemic perconditioning. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001. Reprinted from Pilz et al.6 with permission from Elsevier. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 5: Effect of RIPerc on LV hemodynamic function. (A) LV systolic pressure (LVSP), (B) cardiac output (CO), and (C) stroke volume (SV) results were obtained from the isolated working heart on day 14 post-myocardial reperfusion. (D) CO is depicted as a function of afterload; (F) external heart-work as function of afterload, quantified results in bar graph (E and G). Data is expressed as mean ± SEM and n = 4–7 per group. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001. MIR, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion; RIPerc, remote ischemic preconditioning; EHW, external heart work; SV, stroke volume; AUC, area under the curve. Reprinted from Pilz et al.6 with permission from Elsevier. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
ANAESTHESIA & ANALGESIA | |||
Isoflurane | Zoetis | TU061219 / 8-00487 | |
Ketamine | Dr. E. Gräub AG | 100 mg/kg of bodyweight | |
Piritramide | Hameln-Pharma Plus GmbH | 2 ampulles with 30 ml of Glucose 5% in 250ml water | |
Xylazine | Bayer | 4 mg/kg of bodyweight | |
INTUBATION | |||
Air | |||
Oxygen (pure) | |||
Ventilation machine | Hugo Sachs Electronics | UGO Basile S.R.L. | Respirator |
14-gauge tube | Dickinson and Company | BD Venflon | |
PREPARATION | |||
Anti-septic povidine iodine solution | Mundipharma | Betaisodona solution | |
Eye ointment | Fresenius Kabi Austria | Oleovital with Vitamin A + Dexpanthenol | |
Shaver | |||
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS | |||
Anatomical forceps | Martin | 12-272-15 | |
Anatomical forceps small | Martin | 24-386-16 | |
Anatomical forceps thin | Odelga | RU4042-15 | |
Cautery Fine Tip | High Temp | bvi-Accu-Temp | |
Cup (small, for liquids) | Martin | 56-231/11 | |
Mensur | MTI | 29-260/25 | |
Mosquito clamps | MTI | 05-055/12 | |
Needleholder short | Martin | 20-658-14 | |
Needleholder thin | Martin | ||
Round hook | BT-190 | ||
Scalpell size 3 | Swann Morton | No.10, 0301 | |
Scissors for tissue preparation | Aesculap | BC259R | |
Sharp scissors | MTI | 01-010/10 | |
Small retractor | Alm | AM.416.10 | |
Surcigal forceps | Martin | 12-321-13 | |
Surgical scissors | |||
SUTURES | |||
PermaHand Silk 4-0 | Johnson & Johnson Medical Products GmbH | K891H | |
Vicryl 4-0 | Johnson & Johnson Medical Products GmbH | JV2024 | single monofil suture |
Vicryl 6-0 | Johnson & Johnson Medical Products GmbH | V301G | polyethylene suture |
COMPUTER PROGRAMS & APPARATUS | |||
Labchart 7 Pro | ADInstruments | v7.3.2 | Labchart Software |
PowerLab System | ADInstruments | Powerlab 8/30 | |
EX VIVO HEMODYNAMICS | |||
Flowmeter Narcomatic RT-500 | Narco Bio-Systems | flow probe | |
Isolated heart apparatus | Hugo Sachs Electronics | ||
Labchart 7 Pro | ADInstruments GmbH | v7.3.2 | Labchart Software |
Millar SPR-407 | Millar Instruments Inc. | 840-4079 | high-fidelity MicroTip catheter |
Needle electrodes via Animal bio Amp | ADInstruments GmbH | MLA1203 | |
Physiological Pressure Transducer (MLT844) with Clip-on BP Domes | ADInstruments GmbH | MLT844 | |
PowerLab System | ADInstruments GmbH | Powerlab 8/30 |
Myocardial infarction (MI) remains the main contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, research on this topic is mandatory. An easily and highly reproducible MI induction procedure is required to obtain further insight and better understanding of the underlying pathological changes. This procedure can also be used to evaluate the effects or potency of new and promising treatments (as drugs or interventions) in acute MI, subsequent remodeling and heart failure (HF). After intubation and pre-operative preparation of the animal, an anesthetic protocol with isoflurane was performed, and the surgical procedure was conducted quickly. Using a minimally invasive approach, the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was located and occluded by a ligature. The occlusion can be performed acutely for subsequent reperfusion (ischemia/reperfusion injury). Alternatively, the vessel can be ligated permanently to investigate the development of chronic MI, remodeling or HF. Despite common pitfalls, the drop-out rates are minimal. Various treatments such as remote ischemic conditioning can be examined for their cardioprotective potential pre-, peri- and post-operatively. The post-operative recovery was quick as the anesthesia was precisely controlled and the duration of the operation was short. Post-operative analgesia was administered for three days. The minimally invasive procedure reduces the risk of infection and inflammation. Furthermore, it facilitates rapid recovery. The “working heart” measurements were performed ex vivo and enabled precise control of preload, afterload and flow. This procedure requires specific equipment and training for adequate performance. This manuscript provides a detailed step-by-step introduction for conducting these measurements.
Myocardial infarction (MI) remains the main contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, research on this topic is mandatory. An easily and highly reproducible MI induction procedure is required to obtain further insight and better understanding of the underlying pathological changes. This procedure can also be used to evaluate the effects or potency of new and promising treatments (as drugs or interventions) in acute MI, subsequent remodeling and heart failure (HF). After intubation and pre-operative preparation of the animal, an anesthetic protocol with isoflurane was performed, and the surgical procedure was conducted quickly. Using a minimally invasive approach, the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was located and occluded by a ligature. The occlusion can be performed acutely for subsequent reperfusion (ischemia/reperfusion injury). Alternatively, the vessel can be ligated permanently to investigate the development of chronic MI, remodeling or HF. Despite common pitfalls, the drop-out rates are minimal. Various treatments such as remote ischemic conditioning can be examined for their cardioprotective potential pre-, peri- and post-operatively. The post-operative recovery was quick as the anesthesia was precisely controlled and the duration of the operation was short. Post-operative analgesia was administered for three days. The minimally invasive procedure reduces the risk of infection and inflammation. Furthermore, it facilitates rapid recovery. The “working heart” measurements were performed ex vivo and enabled precise control of preload, afterload and flow. This procedure requires specific equipment and training for adequate performance. This manuscript provides a detailed step-by-step introduction for conducting these measurements.
Myocardial infarction (MI) remains the main contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, research on this topic is mandatory. An easily and highly reproducible MI induction procedure is required to obtain further insight and better understanding of the underlying pathological changes. This procedure can also be used to evaluate the effects or potency of new and promising treatments (as drugs or interventions) in acute MI, subsequent remodeling and heart failure (HF). After intubation and pre-operative preparation of the animal, an anesthetic protocol with isoflurane was performed, and the surgical procedure was conducted quickly. Using a minimally invasive approach, the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was located and occluded by a ligature. The occlusion can be performed acutely for subsequent reperfusion (ischemia/reperfusion injury). Alternatively, the vessel can be ligated permanently to investigate the development of chronic MI, remodeling or HF. Despite common pitfalls, the drop-out rates are minimal. Various treatments such as remote ischemic conditioning can be examined for their cardioprotective potential pre-, peri- and post-operatively. The post-operative recovery was quick as the anesthesia was precisely controlled and the duration of the operation was short. Post-operative analgesia was administered for three days. The minimally invasive procedure reduces the risk of infection and inflammation. Furthermore, it facilitates rapid recovery. The “working heart” measurements were performed ex vivo and enabled precise control of preload, afterload and flow. This procedure requires specific equipment and training for adequate performance. This manuscript provides a detailed step-by-step introduction for conducting these measurements.