scholarly journals Towards prevention of re-entrant arrhythmias: Injectable hydrogel electrodes enable direct capture of previously inaccessible cardiac tissues

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Rodriguez-Rivera ◽  
Allison Post ◽  
Mathews John ◽  
Skylar Buchan ◽  
Megan Wancura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Ionic Species ◽  
Scar Tissue ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Injectable Hydrogel ◽  
Coronary Veins ◽  
Cardiac Tissues ◽  
Surface Ecg

Re–entrant arrhythmias – the leading cause of sudden cardiac death – are caused by diseased and delayed myocardial conduction. Access to the coronary veins that cross the culprit scarred regions where re–entry originates provides improved pacing to prevent ventricular arrhythmias and circumvent the need for painful defibrillation, risky cardiac ablation, or toxic and often ineffective antiarrhythmic medications. To date, this goal has not been achieved due to the lack of pacing electrodes which are small or focal enough to navigate these tributaries. We have developed an injectable conductive hydrogel that can fill the epicardial coronary veins and their mid–myocardial tributaries. When connected to a standard pacing lead, these injected hydrogels can be converted into flexible electrodes that directly pace the previously inaccessible mid–myocardial tissue. In our two–component system, hydrogel precursor solutions can be injected through a dual lumen catheter in a minimally invasive deployment strategy to provide direct access to the diseased regions with relative precision and ease. Mixing of the two solutions upon injection into the vein activates redox–initiated crosslinking of the gel for rapid in situ cure without an external stimulus. An ex vivo porcine model was used to identify the requisite viscosity and cure rate for gel retention and homogeneity. Ionic species added to the hydrogel precursor solutions conferred conductivity above target myocardium values that was retained after implantation. Successful in vivo deployment demonstrated that the hydrogel electrode filled the anterior interventricular vein with extension into the septal (mid–myocardial) venous tributaries, far deeper than current technologies allow. In addition to successful capture and pacing of the porcine heart, analysis of surface ECG tracings revealed a novel pacing paradigm not observed in traditional single–point pacing: capture of extensive swaths of the native conduction system. This is the first report of an injectable electrode used to successfully pace the mid–myocardium and mimic physiologic conduction. As such, this injectable hydrogel electrode can be deployed to any region affected by prior myocardial infarction and consequent scar tissue to provide a reliable pacing modality that most closely resembles native conduction.

scholarly journals The MEMIC: An ex vivo system to model the complexity of the tumor microenvironment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Libuše Janská ◽  
Libi Anandi ◽  
Nell C. Kirchberger ◽  
Zoran S. Marinkovic ◽  
Logan T. Schachtner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Tumor Stroma ◽  
Stem Cell Differentiation ◽  
Blood Stream ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Ex Vivo Model

There is an urgent need for accurate, scalable, and cost-efficient experimental systems to model the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. Here, we detail how to fabricate and use the Metabolic Microenvironment Chamber (MEMIC) – a 3D-printed ex vivo model of intratumoral heterogeneity. A major driver of the cellular and molecular diversity in tumors is the accessibility to the blood stream that provides key resources such as oxygen and nutrients. While some tumor cells have direct access to these resources, many others must survive under progressively more ischemic environments as they reside further from the vasculature. The MEMIC is designed to simulate the differential access to nutrients and allows co-culturing different cell types, such as tumor and immune cells. This system is optimized for live imaging and other microscopy-based approaches, and it is a powerful tool to study tumor features such as the effect of nutrient scarcity on tumor-stroma interactions. Due to its adaptable design and full experimental control, the MEMIC provide insights into the tumor microenvironment that would be difficult to obtain via other methods. As a proof of principle, we show that cells sense gradual changes in metabolite concentration resulting in multicellular spatial patterns of signal activation and cell proliferation. To illustrate the ease of studying cell-cell interactions in the MEMIC, we show that ischemic macrophages reduce epithelial features in neighboring tumor cells. We propose the MEMIC as a complement to standard in vitro and in vivo experiments, diversifying the tools available to accurately model, perturb, and monitor the tumor microenvironment, as well as to understand how extracellular metabolites affect other processes such as wound healing and stem cell differentiation.

scholarly journals Multiple Consecutive Lavage Samplings Reveal Greater Burden of Disease and Provide Direct Access to the Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Biofilm in Experimental Otitis Media

2007 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 4158-4172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magali Leroy ◽  
Howard Cabral ◽  
Marisol Figueira ◽  
Valérie Bouchet ◽  
Heather Huot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Haemophilus Influenzae ◽  
Otitis Media ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Direct Analysis ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Nontypeable Haemophilus Influenzae ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Colonization

ABSTRACT The typically recovered quantity of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) bacteria in an ex vivo middle ear (ME) aspirate from the chinchilla model of experimental otitis media is insufficient for direct analysis of gene expression by microarray or of lipopolysaccharide glycoforms by mass spectrometry. This prompted us to investigate a strategy of multiple consecutive lavage samplings to increase ex vivo bacterial recovery. As multiple consecutive lavage samples significantly increased the total number of bacterial CFU collected during nasopharyngeal colonization or ME infection, this led us to evaluate whether bacteria sequentially acquired from consecutive lavages were similar. Comparative observation of complete ex vivo sample series by microscopy initially revealed ME inflammatory fluid consisting solely of planktonic-phase NTHi. In contrast, subsequent lavage samplings of the same infected ear revealed the existence of bacteria in two additional growth states, filamentous and biofilm encased. Gene expression analysis of such ex vivo samples was in accord with different bacterial growth phases in sequential lavage specimens. The existence of morphologically distinct NTHi subpopulations with varying levels of gene expression indicates that the pooling of specimens requires caution until methods for their separation are developed. This study based on multiple consecutive lavages is consistent with prior reports that NTHi forms a biofilm in vivo, describes the means to directly acquire ex vivo biofilm samples without sacrificing the animal, and has broad applicability for a study of mucosal infections. Moreover, this approach revealed that the actual burden of bacteria in experimental otitis media is significantly greater than was previously reported. Such findings may have direct implications for antibiotic treatment and vaccine development against NTHi.

scholarly journals An integrated set-up for ex vivo characterisation of biaxial murine artery biomechanics under pulsatile conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Myrthe M. van der Bruggen ◽  
Koen D. Reesink ◽  
Paul J. M. Spronck ◽  
Nicole Bitsch ◽  
Jeroen Hameleers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Carotid Arteries ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Dynamic Pressure ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Biomechanical Testing ◽  
Axial Stiffness ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Static Conditions

AbstractEx vivo characterisation of arterial biomechanics enables detailed discrimination of the various cellular and extracellular contributions to arterial stiffness. However, ex vivo biomechanical studies are commonly performed under quasi-static conditions, whereas dynamic biomechanical behaviour (as relevant in vivo) may differ substantially. Hence, we aim to (1) develop an integrated set-up for quasi-static and dynamic biaxial biomechanical testing, (2) quantify set-up reproducibility, and (3) illustrate the differences in measured arterial stiffness between quasi-static and dynamic conditions. Twenty-two mouse carotid arteries were mounted between glass micropipettes and kept fully vasodilated. While recording pressure, axial force (F), and inner diameter, arteries were exposed to (1) quasi-static pressure inflation from 0 to 200 mmHg; (2) 300 bpm dynamic pressure inflation (peaking at 80/120/160 mmHg); and (3) axial stretch (λz) variation at constant pressures of 10/60/100/140/200 mmHg. Measurements were performed in duplicate. Single-point pulse wave velocities (PWV; Bramwell-Hill) and axial stiffness coefficients (cax = dF/dλz) were calculated at the in vivo value of λz. Within-subject coefficients of variation were ~ 20%. Dynamic PWVs were consistently higher than quasi-static PWVs (p < 0.001); cax increased with increasing pressure. We demonstrated the feasibility of ex vivo biomechanical characterisation of biaxially-loaded murine carotid arteries under pulsatile conditions, and quantified reproducibility allowing for well-powered future study design.

The Use of Ultrasound Elastography to Assess Regional Variations in Tendon Strain

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Chernak ◽  
Darryl G. Thelen
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Scar Tissue ◽  
Tissue Mechanics ◽  
Ultrasound Elastography ◽  
Force Transmission ◽  
Musculoskeletal Tissue ◽  
Tendon Strain

Muscle-tendon loading patterns are complex, with computational models suggesting that both muscle and tendinous tissues undergo highly nonuniform deformation patterns [1]. Hence, musculoskeletal tissue injuries may alter both the morphology and mechanical interactions of muscle and tendon, potentially contributing to secondary pathologies. For example, the presence of residual scar tissue following acute strain injury likely alters force transmission across the muscle-tendon junction and contributes to re-injury risk [2]. While visual ultrasonic methods for assessing tendon strain have provided insight into overall tissue mechanics [3], no prior technique has demonstrated the ability to measure strain distributions in vivo. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the potential use of ultrasound elastography as a tool for measuring in vivo tendon strain patterns. We achieved this purpose by first developing and assessing an elastography-based approach in an ex vivo experimental setup, and then repeating the analysis on pilot ultrasonic data collected in vivo.

The Role of Polyphenols in the Modulation of Plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC)

2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Serafini ◽  
Giuseppa Morabito
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
The Body ◽  
Dietary Polyphenols ◽  
Enzymatic Antioxidant ◽  
Endogenous Antioxidant

Dietary polyphenols have been shown to scavenge free radicals, modulating cellular redox transcription factors in different in vitro and ex vivo models. Dietary intervention studies have shown that consumption of plant foods modulates plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC), a biomarker of the endogenous antioxidant network, in human subjects. However, the identification of the molecules responsible for this effect are yet to be obtained and evidences of an antioxidant in vivo action of polyphenols are conflicting. There is a clear discrepancy between polyphenols (PP) concentration in body fluids and the extent of increase of plasma NEAC. The low degree of absorption and the extensive metabolism of PP within the body have raised questions about their contribution to the endogenous antioxidant network. This work will discuss the role of polyphenols from galenic preparation, food extracts, and selected dietary sources as modulators of plasma NEAC in humans.

Antithrombotic Effects and Bleeding Time Prolongation with Synthetic Platelet GPIIb/llla Inhibitors in Animal Models of Platelet-Mediated Thrombosis

1994 ◽  
Vol 71 (01) ◽  
pp. 095-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Désiré Collen ◽  
Hua Rong Lu ◽  
Jean-Marie Stassen ◽  
Ingrid Vreys ◽  
Tsunehiro Yasuda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Bleeding Time ◽  
Bolus Injection ◽  
Cell Injury ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Femoral Vein ◽  
Thrombotic Occlusion ◽  
Antithrombotic Effects

SummaryCyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) containing synthetic peptides such as L-cysteine, N-(mercaptoacetyl)-D-tyrosyl-L-arginylglycyl-L-a-aspartyl-cyclic (1→5)-sulfide, 5-oxide (G4120) and acetyl-L-cysteinyl-L-asparaginyl-L-prolyl-L-arginyl-glycyl-L-α-aspartyl-[0-methyltyrosyl]-L-arginyl-L-cysteinamide, cyclic 1→9-sulfide (TP9201) bind with high affinity to the platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor.The relationship between antithrombotic effect, ex vivo platelet aggregation and bleeding time prolongation with both agents was studied in hamsters with a standardized femoral vein endothelial cell injury predisposing to platelet-rich mural thrombosis, and in dogs with a carotid arterial eversion graft inserted in the femoral artery. Intravenous administration of G4120 in hamsters inhibited in vivo thrombus formation with a 50% inhibitory bolus dose (ID50) of approximately 20 μg/kg, ex vivo ADP-induccd platelet aggregation with ID50 of 10 μg/kg, and bolus injection of 1 mg/kg prolonged the bleeding time from 38 ± 9 to 1,100 ± 330 s. Administration of TP9201 in hamsters inhibited in vivo thrombus formation with ID50 of 30 μg/kg, ex vivo platelet aggregation with an ID50 of 50 μg/kg and bolus injection of 1 mg/kg did not prolong the template bleeding time. In the dog eversion graft model, infusion of 100 μg/kg of G4120 over 60 min did not fully inhibit platelet-mediated thrombotic occlusion but was associated with inhibition of ADP-induccd ex vivo platelet aggregation and with prolongation of the template bleeding time from 1.3 ± 0.4 to 12 ± 2 min. Infusion of 300 μg/kg of TP9201 over 60 min completely prevented thrombotic occlusion, inhibited ex vivo platelet aggregation, but was not associated with prolongation of the template bleeding time.TP9201, unlike G4120, inhibits in vivo platelet-mediated thrombus formation without associated prolongation of the template bleeding time.

Significance of Platelet β-Adrenoceptors for Platelet Responses In Vivo and In Vitro

1992 ◽  
Vol 68 (06) ◽  
pp. 687-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
P T Larsson ◽  
N H Wallén ◽  
A Martinsson ◽  
N Egberg ◽  
P Hjemdahl
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Platelet Aggregability ◽  
Adrenoceptor Agonist ◽  
Dose Infusion ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor ◽  
Factor Antigen

SummaryThe significance of platelet β-adrenoceptors for platelet responses to adrenergic stimuli in vivo and in vitro was studied in healthy volunteers. Low dose infusion of the β-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline decreased platelet aggregability in vivo as measured by ex vivo filtragometry. Infusion of adrenaline, a mixed α- and β-adrenoceptor agonist, increased platelet aggregability in vivo markedly, as measured by ex vivo filtragometry and plasma β-thromboglobulin levels. Adrenaline levels were 3–4 nM in venous plasma during infusion. Both adrenaline and high dose isoprenaline elevated plasma von Willebrand factor antigen levels β-Blockade by propranolol did not alter our measures of platelet aggregability at rest or during adrenaline infusions, but inhibited adrenaline-induced increases in vWf:ag. In a model using filtragometry to assess platelet aggregability in whole blood in vitro, propranolol enhanced the proaggregatory actions of 5 nM, but not of 10 nM adrenaline. The present data suggest that β-adrenoceptor stimulation can inhibit platelet function in vivo but that effects of adrenaline at high physiological concentrations are dominated by an α-adrenoceptor mediated proaggregatory action.

In Vivo Effect of Suloctidil as an Antiplatelet Agent

1979 ◽  
Vol 41 (03) ◽  
pp. 465-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcia R Stelzer ◽  
Thomas S Burns ◽  
Robert N Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Antiplatelet Agent ◽  
Ratio Method ◽  
Platelet Aggregate ◽  
Permanent Effect ◽  
Platelet Aggregates ◽  
5 Ht Uptake ◽  
High Doses

SummaryThe relationship between the effects of suloctidil in vivo as an antiplatelet agent and in vitro as a modifier of platelet serotonin (5-HT) parameters was investigated. Suloctidil was found to be effective in reducing platelet aggregates formation in the retired breeder rat as determined using the platelet aggregate ratio method (PAR) with an ED50 of 16.1 mg/kg 24 hours post administration. In contrast to the hypothesis that 5-HT depletion is involved in the anti-aggregatory mechanism of suloctidil, no correlation was found between platelet 5- HT content and this antiplatelet activity. Reduction of platelet 5-HT content required multiple injections of high doses (100 mg/kg/day) of suloctidil. Suloctidil administration for 8 days at 100 mg/kg/day, which lowered platelet 5-HT content by 50%, resulted in no permanent effect on ex vivo platelet 5-HT uptake or thrombin-induced release, nor alteration in the plasma 5-HT level. However, these platelets exhibited a short-lived, significant increase in percent leakage of 5-HT after 30 minutes of incubation. Therefore, suloctidil treatment at high doses may with time result in platelet 5-HT depletion, however this effect is probably not related to the primary anti-aggregatory activity of the drug.

Studies on the Haemostatic Defect in a Complicated Syndrome

1995 ◽  
Vol 74 (05) ◽  
pp. 1244-1251 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Stormorken ◽  
H Holmsen ◽  
R Sund ◽  
K S Sakariassen ◽  
T Hovig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Bleeding Tendency ◽  
Clot Retraction ◽  
Abnormal Finding ◽  
Shear Rates ◽  
Perfusion Chamber ◽  
Coagulant Activity ◽  
5 Ht Uptake ◽  
And Storage

SummaryThe Stormorken syndrome is a multifacetted syndrome including a bleeding tendency. No deviations were found in the coagulation- or fibrinolytic systems. Platelet number was low normal, and size abnormal, whereas EM findings were unremarkable. Survival time was half normal. Clot retraction was initially rapid, but clearly decreased, whereas prothrombin consumption was also initially rapid, but complete. Membrane GP’s were normal, so was AA metabolism, PI-cycle, granule storage and secretion, and c-AMP function, whereas 5-HT uptake and storage was decreased. Optical platelet aggregation was low normal with all physiological agonists. The only clearly abnormal finding was that coagulant activity was present on non stimulated platelets at the same level as kaolin-stimulated normal platelets. This indicated a platelet abnormality which should lead to a thrombogenic, not to a haemorrhagic trait. This paradox may have its origin in rheology, because when challenged with in vivo shear rates in an ex vivo perfusion chamber, platelet cohesion was abnormally low. Further studies to better delineate the membrane abnormality are underway.

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