Myocardial infarction in the C57BL/6J mouse: a quantifiable and highly reproducible experimental model.
BACKGROUND
The laboratory mouse is a powerful tool in cardiovascular research. In this report, we describe a method for a reproducible mouse myocardial infarction model that would allow subsequent comparative and quantitative studies on molecular and pathophysiological variables.


METHODS
(A) The distribution of the major coronary arteries including the septal artery in the left ventricle of the C57BL/6J mice (n=20) was mapped by perfusion of latex dye or fluorescent beads through the aorta. (B) The territory of myocardial infarction after the ligation of the most proximal aspect of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was quantified. (C) The consistency in the histological changes parallel to the infarction at different time points was analyzed.


RESULTS
(A) The coronary artery tree of the mouse is different from human and, particularly, in regard to the blood supply of the septum. (B) Contrary to previous belief, the septal coronary artery in the mouse is variable in origin. (C) A constant ligation of the LAD immediately below the left auricular level ensures a statistically significant reproducible infarct size. (D) The ischemic changes can be monitored at a histological level in a way similar to what is described in the human.


CONCLUSIONS
We illustrate a method for maximal reproducibility of experimental acute myocardial infarction in the mouse model, due to a consistent loss of perfusion in the lower half of the left ventricle. This will allow the study of molecular and physiological variables in a controlled and quantifiable experimental model environment.
Salto-Tellez
Manuel
M
Department of Pathology, National University of Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road 119074, Singapore. patmst@nus.edu.sg
Yung Lim
Sing
S
El-Oakley
Reida Menshawe
RM
Tang
Tiffany Pooi Ling
TP
ALmsherqi
Zakaria Ali Moh
ZA
Lim
Sai-Kiang
SK
D000818:Animals; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000293:injuries; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000473:pathology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results