Mouse Applications

Overview:

The House Mouse (Mus musculus) is a small mammal and a rodent. Laboratory mice belong to strains of House Mice where most of these laboratory mice are hybrids of different subspecies, most commonly of Mus musculus domesticus and Mus musculus musculus. They come in a variety of coat colours including agouti, black and albino.

Laboratory mice are:

  • A primary mammalian model organism like rats
  • The most commonly used animal research model
  • Some of the most important model organisms in biology, psychology and medicine
  • Available in hundreds of established inbred, outbred and transgenic strains


The benefits of using mice in laboratory research include:

  • They are mammals, and thus share a high degree of homology with humans
  • The mouse genome has been sequenced and virtually all mouse genes have human homologs
  • The mouse genome can be easily manipulated in many ways
  • Mice can reproduce quickly
  • Several generations of mice can be observed in a relatively short period of time
  • Mice are small, inexpensive and easily maintained
  • Some mice can become docile if raised from birth and given sufficient human contact

 

Method:

Biopotential Recordings

Measurements of biopotentials such as ECG, EMG and EEG in mice can be made using the ML136 Animal Bio Amp, which is specifically configured for this application. In addition, other ADInstruments bio amplifiers certified safe for humans may also be used on mice. Multiple-Channel Bio Amps are also available for recording three or more biopotentials from a single subject. ADInstruments also provide a range of lead wires and electrodes for use with these bio amplifiers including:

Non-Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP)

ADInstruments provides a NIBP system for the measurement of blood pressure in conscious mice. This ML125/M NIBP System (for Mice) consists of a pulse transducer and inflatable tail pressure cuff specifically configured for use with mice (tail diameters ≤ 6mm). This system integrates with any PowerLab data acquisition system and records both the cuff pressure and pulse transducer signal from the tail artery.

The NIBP system occludes the tail blood supply by inflating the cuff and the pressure is slowly released. A sensitive pulse transducer then detects the return of blood flow in the tail. This system provides an intermittent determination of systolic blood pressure (once per cuff inflation cycle) the same way as a human arm cuff determination. ADInstruments also provides appropriate Rodent Restrainers for use with mice.

Intra-Arterial Blood Pressure and Cardiac Catheterization

The most accurate method for measuring blood pressure in small animals is by using indwelling catheters and pressure sensing transducers. ADInstruments supply a number of blood pressure transducers that are connected to any PowerLab data acquisition system via an ADInstruments ML221 Bridge Amp.

In vivo catheterization of the left ventricle in the closed-chest mouse is also a common technique used for evaluating cardiac performance. Due to the small size and frequency-response in mouse hearts ADInstruments offer a range of Millar Mikro-Tip Catheters which integrate easily with any ADInstruments Bridge Amps and PowerLab data acquisition system. The Millar Mikro-Tip SPR-1000 is recommended for in vivo catherization in mice because it is an ultra miniature (1.0F, 0.33mm), highly accurate, reusable pressure catheter that provides greater flexibility with minimal obstruction of vessels or valves. ADInstruments also offers Mouse Pressure-Volume Systems (MPVS) configured for measuring pressure and volume in the left ventricle to determine of cardiac function in mice.

For a review in evaluating cardiovascular function as well as other physiological parameters in the mouse see: J N Lorenz. A practical guide to evaluating cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary function in mice. American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 282, R1565-R1582, 2002.

Blood Flow

Laser Doppler systems may be used to measure of blood flow in mice. This method is ideal for use in the mouse as the method detects changes in the smallest of blood vessels, where most other techniques are of little use. For example surface probes can sit on the brain for cerebral perfusion measurements, or needle probes can be inserted for the determination of blood flow in specific organs/tissues.

Other applications include:

  • Evaluation of vasoactive drugs on microcirculation
  • Monitoring of peripheral circulation
  • Monitoring of exposed animal tissue microcirculation


Transit-time ultrasound systems can also provide continuous measurements of blood flow in mice. An indwelling probe can be positioned around the aorta or pulmonary artery for direct determination of flow rate. It incorporates two transmitters/sensors and a reflector plate that allows them to provide calibrated measurements of blood flow rate in milliliters per minute.

Cardiac Output

Cardiac output of mice can be measured using the thermodilution method. This method involves the injection of a cooled bolus solution (usually saline) of a known volume and temperature into the right side of the heart and measuring the change in temperature within the circulation. The resultant temperature change in the blood ejected from the heart is measured with a temperature probe placed in the aorta or carotid artery. A curve (temperature versus time) is recorded and cardiac output is determined by calculating the area under this curve.

Isolated Heart Preparation

Mice hearts are also isolated in studies relating to cardiac function. The heart is maintained at constant temperature and heart function is sustained through coronary system perfusion with oxygenated physiological buffer. Cardiac parameters measured include LVP, Max and Min dP/dt, LVEDP, cardiac electrical activity, heart rate, coronary perfusion pressure and many others.

There are many models of isolated heart preparations including:

  • Langendorff and Working Heart
  • Constant pressure and Constant flow
  • Recirculating and non-recirculating


Additional information is available in the Radnoti Isolated Perfused Heart (255 KB) and Intraventricular Pressure Measurement in a Langendorff Preparation (92 KB) technique notes.

Microvascular Function

Mice have also been in used in studies of smooth muscle function in small arteries, veins and other tubular tissues, such as bronchi and ureter. Vessel myograph systems  can be used to record tension in microvessels (> 60 µm).

Software:

LabChart
LabChart software (for Windows and Macintosh) combines the familiar simplicity of a traditional strip chart recorder with the powerful analysis features of a digital acquisition system. LabChart software and a PowerLab data acquisition unit provide data integrity, easy selection of hardware settings, powerful online and offline analysis, procedure automation, seamless extraction of experimental data and flexible display options. Acquisition and analysis capabilities can be further increased with LabChart Extensions and LabChart Modules. LabChart Modules are available as part of LabChart Pro and LabChart Extensions are free for download from the website for existing LabChart users.

ECG Analysis Module (Windows)
The MLS360/7 ECG Analysis Module provides a comprehensive set of tools that automatically detects and reports values of ECG recordings. The software can be used with ECG recordings taken from humans and many species of animals from pigs through to mice.

It provides

  • Real-time analysis and data extraction of ECG parameters
    • PQRST amplitudes
    • Time intervals such as RR, PR, JT, QT and QTc
  • Analysis of ECG parameters in real-time or offline
  • Automated detection and averaging of ECG cycles
  • Automated tabulation and data extraction of ECG parameters
  • Automated real-time or offline ECG Plots
    • Graphical QT vs RR, QT vs Time & RR vs Time plots
    • Waterfall plot

Blood Pressure Module (Windows)
The MLS370/7 Blood Pressure Module for Windows provides easy data extraction and analysis of cardiovascular parameters from arterial or ventricular pressure signals.

It provides:

  • Real-time analysis and data extraction of pressure parameters
    • Max and min pressures
    • Max and min dP/dt
  • Analysis of blood and cardiac pressure in real-time or offline
  • Automated detection of pressure cycles
  • Automated tabulation and data extraction of pressure parameters
  • Analysis View
    • Averaging of pressure waveforms
    • Automated pressure parameter labeling

Cardiac Output Module (Windows)
The MLS340/7 Cardiac Output Module provides easy extraction and calculation of cardiac output from small animals recorded in LabChart, using the thermodilution technique.

It provides:

  • Automatic calculation of cardiac output in mL/min from a thermodilution curve
  • Automatic calculation of baseline temperature and baseline slope correction
  • Automatic calculation of the area under the curve
  • Automated extraction of exportable parameters in a spreadsheet format


Dose Response Module (Windows)
The MLS390/7 Dose Response Module provides easy analysis of dose response type data (response to stimulation by chemical, electrical or physical agonists) recorded in LabChart from various studies including:

  • Muscle contraction
  • Enzyme activity
  • Hormone secretion
  • Heart rate
  • Blood pressure
  • Membrane potential


This module provides:

  • Real-time or offline analysis
  • Automated or manual modes of analysis
  • Fast analysis of raw data to dose response parameters
    • Fast comment detection and conversion to dose response markers
    • Easy options for calculating different response parameters
    • Instant single or multiple dose response curves (Hill-curves) generation
    • Instant calculation of EC50 and Hill slopes  
  • Export options to other software applications for further analysis


Peak Analysis Module (Windows)
The MLS380/7 Peak Analysis Module provides automatic detection and analysis of multiple, but not overlapping, signal peaks in acquired waveforms. It can be applied to a wide range of waveforms including recorded signals from:

  • Isolated tissue studies
  • Hemodynamic measurements
  • Amperometry
  • Cardiac physiology
  • Neurophysiology
  • Current measurements.


It provides:

  • Real-time or offline analysis
  • Fast parameter extraction and analysis from single or multiple peaks
  • Automatic peak detection of an entire channel or a selection within a channel
  • Detection of positive or negative peaks
  • Several analysis presets suitable for general and specific types of waveforms
    • Evoked Response, Population Spike, Synaptic, Action Potential and Cardiac Action Potential
  • Instant tabulation of extracted parameters that can be exported to other applications
    • Height, width, area of the peak and time to peak


DMT Normalization Module (Windows and Macintosh)
The MLS065/7 DMT Normalization Module is designed for use with PowerLab data acquisition units, LabChart software and DMT Wire Myographs, and calculates the optimal pretension conditions for microvascular or any small tubular tissue research.

It provides:

  • Allows real-time and offline data recording and analysis
    • Tension
    • Stimulation amplitude
    • Temperature
    • Flow
  • Easy method of determining optimal microvascular pretension when using DMT myographs


Scope
Scope software, supplied with PowerLab systems, provides powerful display, recording and analysis features to transform your computer into a two-channel storage oscilloscope, XY plotter or Power Spectrum (FFT) analyser. Scope is used commonly to measure any high-frequency signal that is time-locked to a stimulus such as action potentials and evoked responses. For analyzing Evoked Potentials, the Scope Software is recommended because it provides signal averaging functions that are necessary to extract the evoked response from background noise.

This software:

  • Provides the ability to record, display and analyze any high frequency signal that is time-locked to a stimulus
  • Synchronizes sweeps with recorded or built-in stimulation patterns
  • Provides a range of real-time and offline analysis features
  • Generates stimuli of differing intensities and waveform structures (i.e. single-pulse, multiple pulse, simple ramps) and control an external stimulator using the analog output on the front of the PowerLab.


GLP and 21 CFR Part 11
For those researchers working within a laboratory requiring GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance the GLP Client and GLP Server are available for use with LabChart (Windows only) and PowerLab data acquisition systems. For more information, visit the Good Laboratory Practice application page or contact your nearest ADInstruments representative.

Hardware:

Biopotential Recording Hardware
ML136 Animal Bio Amp

ML138 Octal Bio Amp

  • A differential amplifier that consists of eight electrically isolated differential input AC amplifiers
  • A shared ground connection across all eight inputs.
  • Supplied with two packets of MLA0310 Lead Wires (1.8 m, 10 snap on)


Accessories
Leads that directly connect to the Animal Bio Amp


Non-Invasive Blood Pressure Hardware
NIBP System

Mouse Restrainers


Intra-Arterial Blood Pressure Equipment
Signal Conditioners


Blood Pressure Transducers


Mikro-Tip Pressure and Pressure-Volume Systems


Mikro-Tip Pressure Catheters


Mikro-Tip Pressure- Volume Catheters


Blood Flow Hardware

Laser Doppler Blood Flowmetry

  • ML191 Blood FlowMeter - single-channel laser Doppler flow meter and supplied with MSP140AR Adhesive Rings for Surface Probes


Probes


Transit-Time Ultrasound Blood/Fluid Flow Systems


Cardiac Output Hardware


Isolated Heart Preparation Hardware

Systems


Vessel and Muscle Myographs Hardware

Systems


Myographs

 

Neutralization of IL-18 attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial dysfunction
C D Raeburn; C A Dinarello; M A Zimmerman; C M Calkins; B J Pomerantz; R C McIntyre Jr; A H Harken and X Meng, American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology, H650-H657, 2002

In vivo and in vitro analysis of cardiac troponin I phosphorylation
S Sakthivel, N L Finley, P R Rosevear, J N Lorenz, J Gulick, S Kim, P van Buren, L A Martin and J Robbins, Journal of Biological Chemistry, 703-714, 2004

Citations Database


The material on this page is provided in good faith and believed accurate at the time of writing. No responsibility will be taken, or liability accepted, for damages arising from the use of information herein. Readers are urged to check with respective manufacturers the accuracy of all product related information.

Research Solutions
Education Solutions
Pharma Solutions
Citations Database
Top Solutions:
Site Feedback
X

Site Feedback

http://www.adinstruments.com/solutions/research/Exercise-Physiology/Mouse-Applications/

* Denotes a required field
* Name
* E-Mail
* Operating System
* Web Browser

* Comments