Here we describe and compare two positions for obtaining the apical four-chamber view in mice. These positions enable the quantification of the right ventricular function, provide comparable results, and can be used interchangeably.
Diastolic dysfunction is a prominent feature of right ventricular (RV) remodeling associated with conditions of pressure overload. However, the RV diastolic function is rarely quantified in experimental studies. This might be due to technical difficulties in the visualization of the RV in the apical four-chamber view in rodents. Here we describe two positions facilitating the visualization of the apical four-chamber view in mice to assess the RV diastolic function.
The apical four-chamber view is enabled by tilting the mouse fixation platform to the left and caudally (LeCa) or to the right and cranially (RiCr). Both positions provide images of comparable quality. The results of the RV diastolic function obtained from two positions are not significantly different. Both positions are comparably easy to perform. This protocol can be incorporated into published protocols and enables detailed investigations of the RV function.
Diastolic dysfunction is a prominent feature of right ventricular (RV) remodeling1 and is associated with pressure-overload conditions2. Echocardiography (EchoCG) can be used for the characterization of RV diastolic dysfunction3,4. Despite recent developments in small animal echocardiography, measurements of diastolic parameters are rarely reported. In contrast, measurements of the systolic function are widely used for the characterization of transgenic mice5, as well as for the evaluation of a treatment response6.
This can be partly explained by the difficulties in the measurement of diastolic parameters from the apical four-chamber view. Visualization of the heart in this position can be facilitated by tilting the fixation platform LeCa or RiCr. Even if these manipulations are used, echocardiographers do not report them in their manuscripts4,7. Therefore, it remains unclear whether these manipulations provide comparable results. Moreover, this also precludes a development of standardized nomenclature of this position for mice.
The aim of this study was to describe two positions for apical four-chamber view visualization and compare their results. To determine the differences between the two positions, we have utilized the mouse pulmonary artery banding (PAB) model, in which a tantalum clip leads to a partial occlusion of the pulmonary artery. This occlusion results in right ventricle remodeling and dysfunction. Full details of the PAB operation can be found in previously published work3. Sham-operated mice, where the clip was placed next to the pulmonary artery, were used for comparison. EchoCG investigations were performed three weeks post-operation using the imaging system with a 30 MHz scan head (see Table of Materials for both). Nomenclature for the description of the positions and orientations between the mouse and the ultrasound beam is used as described by Zhou et al.7.
The study was performed according to national regulations for animal experimentation and EU Directive 2010/63. Prepare equipment as described previously by Brittain et al.8.
1. Mouse Preparation
2. Image Acquisition
The apical four-chamber view is difficult to obtain in mice. Therefore, manipulations of the platform position can help to visualize the heart by changing its position in the thorax. The tilting of the platform to the left and to the right improved the acoustic window and provided images of comparable quality in B-mode (Figure 1). After obtaining the correct positions, measurements in PW-, M-, and TDI-modes provided images of comparable quality (Figure 2). The measurement of diastolic parameters was performed on sham- and PAB-operated mice (Table 1). Both positions (RiCr and LeCa) gave similar results in the diastolic parameters (Table 2). Furthermore, the EchoCG investigations in both positions revealed similar differences between the sham and PAB groups (Table 2, Dunnet's test). Correlation analysis revealed a good agreement between values obtained from these two facilitated positions (Figure 3). As small groups of animals were used for this study, non-parametric tests have been applied9,10. Intra-observer variability for some analyzed parameters has been published previously3.
Figure 1: Representative images of the apical four-chamber view. The apical four-chamber view is enabled by tilting the mouse fixation platform to the left and caudally (LeCa) or to the right and cranially (RiCr). LA = left atrium; LV = left ventricle; RA = right atrium; RV = right ventricle. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 2: Representative images of the TAPSE, TDI, and transtricuspid flow measurements obtained from two facilitated apical four-chamber view positions. TAPSE = tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion; E' = early peak of right ventricular relaxation velocity; A' = late peak of right ventricular relaxation velocity; S' = velocity of the right ventricular contraction; E = early peak of diastolic tricuspid inflow; A = late peak of diastolic tricuspid inflow. Note the change in the transtricuspid blood flow profile at the inspiration (Insp). Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 3: Correlation analysis of data obtained from two facilitated apical positions. Correlation analysis was performed using non-parametric Spearman's test. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Table 1: Characterization of the operated groups three weeks after the operation. RVFW = right ventricular free wall thickness; VTI = velocity-time interval.
Table 2: Comparison of the results obtained from the apical four-chamber view facilitated by the left caudal or right cranial platform tilt. EchoCG-derived RV functional parameters are shown. As every mouse was investigated in both positions, the signed rank Wilcoxon test was used for intra-group comparisons. § p > 0.05 between RiCr and LeCa. The Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunnet's post hoc test, was used for multiple group comparisons. The results of two selected intergroup comparisons are presented in the table. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01. PAB = pulmonary artery banding; LeCa = left caudal tilt; RiCR = right cranial tilt; E = early peak of diastolic tricuspid inflow; A = late peak of diastolic tricuspid inflow; TAPSE = tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion; e' = early peak of right ventricular relaxation velocity; a' = late peak of right ventricular relaxation velocity; S' = velocity of the right ventricular contraction; HR = heart rate; bpm = beats per minute.
The echocardiographic RV function and dimension assessment from parasternal positions have been well described. In contrast, the apical position in mouse echocardiography has been neglected partly due to technical difficulties. Using a horizontal platform position, it is difficult to obtain a sufficient acoustic window for four-chamber view imaging. To facilitate the imaging of this position, the platform can be tilted to the left, a manipulation similar to the left-sided positioning of patients. This should result in a leftward and more superior positioning of the heart, thereby improving the acoustic window. Therefore, LeCa is our standardized position for apical visualization. However, in approximately 30%–35% of mice, the image quality in this position can be insufficient. Here, imaging in the RiCr position can be helpful.
From these positions, transtricuspid blood flow velocities (E and A) and tissue Doppler velocities (E' and A') can be measured, providing information about the RV diastolic function. We observed a good correlation between TDI parameters obtained from the two positions. Less satisfactory was the correlation of E. In general, the visualization of the transtricuspidal blood flow profile was the most challenging part of the protocol presented here and exhibited the highest variability. The measurement of TAPSE and S' by tissue Doppler provided an estimate of the RV systolic function. However, in the light of recent findings, the physiological meaning of TAPSE is not clear11. We do not routinely measure the RV fractional area of contraction from the apical position because, in the conditions of pressure overload, the lateral part of the enlarged RV is partly covered by the sternum and not completely visible from this position3. Thus, the visualization of the apical position in mice enables the measurement of the parameters routinely used in the clinic and, thereby, delivers more information, which allows a more complete functional characterization.
Strain, strain rate analysis, and speckle tracking echocardiography are novel modalities of cardiac ultrasound12. Its high sensitivity can detect cardiac dysfunction at initial stages13 and has the power to predict mortality14; therefore, its application is also warranted in experimental studies. Unfortunately, in mice, the RV free wall is partly hidden behind the sternum's shadow, which might hinder the analysis of strain. Furthermore, stain analysis requires good image quality and visualization of the entire free wall.
The cardiovascular system responds quickly to changes in the posture by activating baroreceptor mechanisms15. Therefore, it could be expected that the cranial tilt of the platform would cause reflectory changes in the measured cardiac parameters. Indeed, both the head-up and the head-down tilt position caused a transient change in the heart rate and cardiac electric axis in mice16. While a 90° head-up tilt causes an increased heart rate, a 90° head-down tilt caused transient and statistically insignificant bradycardia. In contrast, we recommend tilting the mouse only by 10°–15° in either direction. These mild changes in posture did not cause any measurable hemodynamic perturbances.
LV diastolic function in mice is another understudied area. Although not tested in this study, the protocol presented here should be able to be used for the quantification of the LV diastolic function.
Theoretical and practical limitations of the small animal EchoCG have been described in detail elsewhere8. In this protocol, measurements are performed at heart rates of 400–440 bpm. At this range of heart rate, measurements of the E and A velocity peaks, as well as of TDI indexes, are feasible. At higher heart rates, peaks merge, making quantification impossible. Since the physiological heart rate for mice is 500–600 bpm, the heart rate used in this protocol is rather low. Nevertheless, the measurements at this heart rate range appear reliable and enable distinguishing between physiologic and dysfunctional phenotypes3.
We described a protocol for two positions facilitating the assessment of RV functional parameters from four-chamber views in mice. The positions provide comparable results and can be used interchangeably.
The authors have nothing to disclose.
The study was funded by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research.
RMV-707B scan head 30 MHz | Visual Sonics | P/N 11459 | mouse scan head |
VisualSonics Vevo 770® High-Resolution Imaging System | Visual Sonics | 770-230 | ultrasound machine |
Veet depilation creme for sensitive skin | Veet | 07768307 | |
Surgical tape Durapore 3M | 3M Deutschland GmbH | 1538-1 | for fixation |
Askina Brauncel cellulose swabs | B.Braun | 9051015 | |
Aquasonic ultrasound gel | Parker Laboratories Inc. | BT025-0037L | |
Electrode Gel | GE medical systems information technologies Inc. | 2034731-002 | apply to extremities for countinous ECG and heart rate monitoring |
Thermasonic gel warmer | Parker Laboratories Inc. | 82-04-20 | to reduce heat loss warm up the ultrasound gel before use |