Dissection of the Mouse Pancreas for Histological Analysis and Metabolic Profiling

Abstract

We have been investigating the pancreas specific transcription factor, 1a cre-recombinase; lox-stop-lox- Kristen rat sarcoma, glycine to aspartic acid at the 12 codon (Ptf1a;LSL-Kras) mouse strain as a model of human pancreatic cancer. The goal of our current studies is to identify novel metabolic biomarkers of pancreatic cancer progression. We have performed metabolic profiling of urine, feces, blood, and pancreas tissue extracts, as well as histological analyses of the pancreas to stage the cancer progression. The mouse pancreas is not a well-defined solid organ like in humans, but rather is a diffusely distributed soft tissue that is not easily identified by individuals unfamiliar with mouse internal anatomy or by individuals that have little or no experience performing mouse organ dissections. The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed step-wise visual demonstration to guide novices in the removal of the mouse pancreas by dissection. This article should be especially valuable to students and investigators new to research that requires harvesting of the mouse pancreas by dissection for metabolic profiling or histological analyses.

Spatial variations in gut permeability are linked to type 1 diabetes development in non-obese diabetic mice

“…D16-00100). Surgical procedures were carried out as previously described 22–27. All authors completed online and in-class animal training prior to animal work.…”

“…All dissections and intestinal histologies were performed as described previously 22–29. Details regarding the histological procedures can be found in online supplementary material.…”

Immunosuppressive effects of protein derivatives from Mucuna pruriens on a streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetes murine model

“…According to the methodology proposed by Veite‐Schmahl et al (), with brief modifications, animals were sacrificed and dissected to identify the pancreas. Anatomically, the organ was separated in to 3 regions, head, right lobe, and left lobe.…”

The Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer Atlas (MMPCA) for classification of pancreatic cancer lesions: A large histological investigation of the Ptf1aCre/+;LSL-KrasG12D/+ transgenic mouse model of pancreatic cancer

“…All authors and personnel involved were required to complete online and in class animal training prior to any work involving animals. All dissections were conducted as previously described [ 23 ]. The procedure began by placing the mouse into the anesthesia chamber, a glass jar with an isoflurane soaked pad and lid, for approximately one minute until the mouse was unconscious.…”

“…It has been previously reported that more than 80% of the ducts are expected to be normal at approximately 2.25 months, 68% of the ducts are expected to be normal from age 4–5 months, and 18% of the ducts are expected to be normal for mice in the age range from 7–10 months [ 6 ]. Mice were dissected following the procedures previously described [ 23 ]. Briefly, mice were euthanized once the targeted age was reached, and pancreata were collected from each mouse by dissection and placed into formalin overnight at room temperature.…”