Protocol for dorsal ovariectomy and elastase-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm in rats

Figures

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  Figure 1. Surgical instruments required for both dorsal ovariectomy and elastase-induced AAA procedures From left to right: hemostatic forceps, needle holder, surgical scissors, two curved forceps, two Micro-Adson Forceps, retractor, skin scissors.

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  Figure 2. Surgical instruments and materials required for dorsal ovariectomy and AAA induction The image shows the complete set of sterile supplies including sutures, cotton-tipped applicators, surgical drapes, gloves, and other essential items needed for the procedures.

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  Figure 3. Surgical setup for rat procedures The image shows the complete operating station with surgical microscope, heating pad, nose cone, anesthesia tube, electronic infusion pump, and temperature control unit to maintain proper body temperature and anesthesia depth during surgery.

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  Figure 4. Dorsal ovariectomy procedure illustrated in sequential steps (A) Positioning for the dorsal approach showing the surgical incision site 1.5 cm lateral to the vertebral column (a), 3.5 cm distal to the rib cage (b), and 1 cm length of incision (c). (B) Exposed muscle layer after skin incision. (C) Isolation of the ovary following muscle layer dissection. (D) Exteriorized ovary and oviduct before ligation. (E) Excision of the ovary and preservation in Histochoice fixative (5 mL in a labeled specimen container) for histological analysis. (F) Closure of the surgical site with sutures to ensure proper wound healing.

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  Figure 5. Histological confirmation of successful ovariectomy Representative H&E staining of excised ovarian tissue showing normal ovarian architecture with follicles at various developmental stages and ovarian stroma, confirming complete tissue removal. Scale bar 500 μm.

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  Figure 6. Elastase-induced AAA induction procedure 42 days post-ovariectomy (A) Ventral midline incision exposing the abdominal cavity with visible mesenteric fat. (B) Isolated infrarenal abdominal aorta following careful dissection. (C) PPE infusion setup with catheter inserted through the aortotomy, connected to a syringe containing PPE mounted on an electronic infusion pump to deliver elastase into the isolated aortic segment for AAA formation. (D) Closure of the ventral incision with continuous suture pattern following completion of the procedure.

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  Figure 7. Post-AAA induction assessment and tissue harvesting (A) Healed dorsal ovariectomy incisions at 7 days post-AAA induction. (B) Transabdominal ultrasound imaging setup for non-invasive monitoring of AAA progression. The ultrasound image shows successful AAA formation with color Doppler flow visualization. The yellow plus (+) signs indicate ultrasound measurement calipers for diameter assessment. (C) Exposed AAA at day 14 post-induction showing a clear aneurysmal dilation with measurement scale bar (5.52 mm) confirming successful AAA development. (D) Representative ex vivo aortic segment harvested at day 14 post-AAA induction, preserved in Histochoice fixative, showing the infrarenal aorta with visible anatomical landmarks. Scale bar 5 mm.