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Updated: Feb 7, 2026
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Nasal Potential Difference to Quantify Trans-epithelial Ion Transport in Mice
Published on: July 4, 2018
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Nasal Potential Difference to Quantify Trans-epithelial Ion Transport in Mice
Mathilde Beka1, Teresinha Leal2
1Louvain Center for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|July 24, 2018
Summary
This study details a refined nasal potential difference test protocol for mice, crucial for cystic fibrosis (CF) research. The improved method accurately measures CFTR function in mice while minimizing mortality.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Medical Diagnostics
- Animal Models
Background:
- The nasal potential difference (NPD) test is a diagnostic tool for cystic fibrosis (CF) and related disorders.
- NPD is used as a biomarker for evaluating CF therapeutic strategies.
- Adapting NPD for mouse models presents challenges, including high mortality rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an optimized protocol for performing the NPD test in mice.
- To ensure reliable measurements of trans-epithelial ion transport in CF mouse models.
- To reduce test-related mortality in preclinical CF research.
Main Methods:
- Detailed anesthesia depth for catheterization and perfusion.
- Strategies to prevent broncho-aspiration during nasal perfusion.
- Post-test animal care including anesthetic reversal for full recovery.
Main Results:
- The protocol enables stable maintenance of nasal catheters for continuous perfusion in mice.
- Measures effectively prevent complications like broncho-aspiration.
- Representative data demonstrate the test's ability to differentiate between CF and wild-type mice.
Conclusions:
- The described protocol allows reliable assessment of trans-epithelial chloride and sodium transport in spontaneously breathing mice.
- The method supports serial testing in the same animal.
- This optimized protocol significantly reduces test-related mortality in mouse models.
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