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New technique for chest opening in mice: U‐sternotomy
Author(s) -
Schrepfer Sonja,
Deuse Tobias,
Reichenspurner Hermann
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.10114
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery
In cardiac xenotransplantation, transfections with recombinant adeno‐associated viruses could be a promising way of modulating the cardiomyocyte genome. Proteins like TRAIL, hDAF, Il‐10, Il‐4, and β‐galactosidase may be expressed on cardiomyocyte surfaces in order to prevent cellular rejection processes. However, after intracoronary perfusion with transfecting viruses, it takes up to 4 weeks before expression of the transgene can be detected. Mouse models have been established to create reliable transfection protocols. Currently, the major problem involves performing the intraaortic injection in mice without causing a lethal pneumothorax. Here we describe a new technique for chest opening to safely reach the mouse ascending aorta without opening the pleural space. This U‐sternotomy reduces the risk of animal death and therefore the amount of quite expensive virus solutions needed. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 23:274–275 2003