A Cryoinjury Model to Study Myocardial Infarction in the Mouse

J Vis Exp. 2019 Sep 19:(151). doi: 10.3791/59958.

Abstract

The use of animal models is essential for developing new therapeutic strategies for acute coronary syndrome and its complications. In this article, we demonstrate a murine cryoinjury infarct model that generates precise infarct sizes with high reproducibility and replicability. In brief, after intubation and sternotomy of the animal, the heart is lifted from the thorax. The probe of a handheld liquid nitrogen delivery system is applied onto the myocardial wall to induce cryoinjury. Impaired ventricular function and electrical conduction can be monitored with echocardiography or optical mapping. Transmural myocardial remodeling of the infarcted area is characterized by collagen deposition and loss of cardiomyocytes. Compared to other models (e.g., LAD-ligation), this model utilizes a handheld liquid nitrogen delivery system to generate more uniform infarct sizes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cryosurgery / adverse effects*
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Echocardiography / methods
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology
  • Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology*
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / pathology
  • Reproducibility of Results