Search

Objectives This study aimed to generate mutant mice containing the Acvrl1 gene flanked with LoxP sequences to allow conditional deletion of Acvrl1 by the LoxP/Cre system. Such mice may facilitate the development of brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM) models. Methods The CRISPR/Cas9 technique was used to edit Acvrl1 . Two single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) with recognition sites on intron 3 and 8 and a donor vector that was homologous with the targeted gene and contained two LoxP sequences were designed and constructed. The in vitro -synthesized sgRNA, Cas9 mRNA and donor vectors were injected into mouse zygotes, which were then transferred into pseudopregnant mice. Neonatal mutant mice were identified by genotyping and sequencing. Results Two mice with a floxed Acvrl1 allele were generated at a success rate of 8.7%. The target mice, which were healthy and fertile, were obtained through interbreeding. Conclusion CRISPR/Cas9 is a reliable gene-editing tool, and is able to efficiently modify Acvrl1 and create the target mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Intraoperative ultrasonography is widely used in neurosurgery for the management of intracerebral hematoma and brain tumor. However, the clinical value of this method in the surgery of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has not been reported. In this study, the application of intraoperative ultrasonography for AVM surgery was evaluated prospectively. Methods This prospective clinical study comprised 41 patients who underwent microsurgical resection of cerebral AVMs at our institute. After routine craniotomy, ultrasonographic imaging with color Doppler ultrasonography and real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic angiography if necessary were applied as navigated images on the monitor during the operation. Results Ultrasonographic imaging made it easier to understand the vascular architecture during the operation. Color Doppler flow imaging clearly delineated the shape and margin of the AVMs. Intraoperative real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic angiography enabled the surgeons to categorically identify AVM feeders both on the surface and deep in the tissue. Conclusions Microneurosurgery with intraoperative ultrasonographic image guidance was a safe, effective, and reliable method for identifying the afferent and efferent vessels and for confirming the complete resection of AVMs. These benefits of image-guided microsurgery were mostly apparent for deep-seated AVMs that were not visible on the surface of the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an important cause of hemorrhagic stroke. The etiology is largely unknown and the therapeutics are controversial. A review of AVM-associated animal models may be helpful in order to understand the up-to-date knowledge and promote further research about the disease. We searched PubMed till December 31, 2014, with the term “arteriovenous malformation,” limiting results to animals and English language. Publications that described creations of AVM animal models or investigated AVM-related mechanisms and treatments using these models were reviewed. More than 100 articles fulfilling our inclusion criteria were identified, and from them eight different types of the original models were summarized. The backgrounds and procedures of these models, their applications, and research findings were demonstrated. Animal models are useful in studying the pathogenesis of AVM formation, growth, and rupture, as well as in developing and testing new treatments. Creations of preferable models are expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]