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Updated: Mar 13, 2026
A Non-invasive and Technically Non-intensive Method for Induction and Phenotyping of Experimental Bacterial Pneumonia in Mice
Published on: September 28, 2016
A Non-invasive and Technically Non-intensive Method for Induction and Phenotyping of Experimental Bacterial Pneumonia
Jennifer H Madenspacher1, Michael B Fessler2
1Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health.
Abstract:
Although community-acquired pneumonia remains a major public health problem, murine models of bacterial pneumonia have recently facilitated significant preclinical advances in our understanding of the underlying cellular and molecular pathogenesis. In vivo mouse models capture the integrated physiology and resilience of the host defense response in a manner not revealed by alternative, simplified ex vivo approaches. Several methods have been described in the literature for intrapulmonary inoculation of bacteria in mice, including aerosolization, intranasal delivery, peroral endotracheal cannulation under 'blind' and visualized conditions, and transcutaneous endotracheal cannulation. All methods have relative merits and limitations. Herein, we describe in detail a non-invasive, technically non-intensive, inexpensive, and rapid method for intratracheal delivery of bacteria that involves aspiration (i.e., inhalation) by the mouse of an infectious inoculum pipetted into the oropharynx while under general anesthesia. This method can be used for pulmonary delivery of a wide variety of non-caustic biological and chemical agents, and is relatively easy to learn, even for laboratories with minimal prior experience with pulmonary procedures. In addition to describing the aspiration pneumonia method, we also provide step-by-step procedures for assaying the subsequent in vivo pulmonary innate immune response of the mouse, in particular, methods for quantifying bacterial clearance and the cellular immune response of the infected airway. This integrated and simple approach to pneumonia assessment allows for rapid and robust evaluation of the effect of genetic and environmental manipulations upon pulmonary innate immunity.
Insights
A new, simple aspiration method allows for rapid intratracheal bacterial delivery in mice. This technique aids in studying community-acquired pneumonia pathogenesis and evaluating host immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Community-acquired pneumonia is a significant public health concern.
- Murine models are crucial for understanding pneumonia pathogenesis and host defense.
- Existing intrapulmonary inoculation methods have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel, non-invasive, and rapid method for intratracheal bacterial delivery in mice.
- To detail procedures for assessing the in vivo pulmonary innate immune response.
- To provide a simplified approach for evaluating genetic and environmental effects on pneumonia.
Main Methods:
- A non-invasive aspiration method for intratracheal bacterial delivery under general anesthesia.
- Quantification of bacterial clearance in the lungs.
- Assessment of cellular immune responses in the infected airway.
Main Results:
- The described aspiration method is technically simple, inexpensive, and rapid.
- It allows for pulmonary delivery of various non-caustic agents.
- The integrated approach enables robust evaluation of host immune responses.
Conclusions:
- This simplified murine model facilitates preclinical advances in pneumonia research.
- The method is accessible to laboratories with limited experience in pulmonary procedures.
- It offers a valuable tool for rapid and comprehensive pneumonia assessment.
