Non‐invasive imaging of coronary arteries in living mice using high‐resolution echocardiography

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Abstract
Objective—In vivo mouse coronary artery circulation is still largely unknown. We demonstrate here in vivo coronary flow velocity profiles in anesthesized mice using a novel high‐resolution ultrasound technique. Methods—Seven 10‐week‐old C57/Bl6 mice were used for ultrasonographic examination under anesthesia. An Acuson Sequoia 512 echocardiograph with a Microson 15L8 transducer was used. Left coronary artery (LCA) anatomy was mapped in situ. Results—The proximal, mid LCA and its anterior (A‐LCA) and lateral (L‐LCA) branches could be visualized and coronary flow velocity was reproducibly recorded in all animals. Peak flow velocity was 31.3 ± 1.5 and 20.7 ± 2.3 cm/s in the mid LCA and L‐LCA branches, respectively. Mean flow velocity was 18.4 ± 0.7 and 13.8 ± 1.5 cm/s in the respective vessels. Both the peak and mean flow velocities were higher in the mid LCA than in the distal part of the L‐LCA (p = 0.006 and 0.01, respectively). Measurements of the velocity time integral show percentage systolic flow was 15.7 ± 1.6% and 10.2 ± 1.4% in the mid LCA and L‐LCA, respectively. Conclusion—Despite the extremely high heart rate in mice, there are striking similarities between murine and human coronary flow velocity profiles. The presented technique and findings confirm the relevance of the mouse as an animal model in cardiovascular research.