Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
Direct Tracheal Instillation of Solutes into Mouse Lung
Published on: August 29, 2010
Direct Inoculation of Pathogenic Yeasts into Mouse Lung by Trans-tracheal Instillation
1Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. patricia.campisantos@dzne.de.
Abstract:
Pathogenic dimorphic fungi are endemic in certain regions and can cause from subclinical infections to systemic mycoses. These pathogens are associated with high mortality and morbidity rates and represent emerging infectious threats to human populations worldwide. Because most fungal pathogens cause lung infection or use the lung as a route to disseminate to other organs, mammalian pulmonary infection models are crucial tools in the advancement of medical mycology. Many different types of animal models of fungal infection have been developed, with murine models being hailed as the gold standard for studies of pathogenesis, to compare virulence between isolates, preclinical evaluation of vaccines and therapies, and host antifungal immune responses. The ability to control numerous variables in performing the model allows for mimicking human disease states and quantitatively monitoring the course of the disease. To model lung inflammation and injury, fungal infectious propagules can be inoculated via intranasal delivery, intratracheal, or aerosolization approaches. The protocol in this chapter details a method for intratracheal delivery of a fungal suspension, where fungal cells are administered directly into the lungs to initiate infection. The aim is to provide a comprehensive description of techniques required to perform mouse pulmonary infection, such that reproducible results are attained, allowing for the use of this in vivo approach for high-quality studies.
Insights
This study details a reproducible intratracheal fungal infection method in mice. This murine model is vital for studying fungal lung infections and developing new antifungal therapies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Pathogenic dimorphic fungi cause significant global health burdens, leading to systemic mycoses.
- Fungal lung infections are common, with lungs serving as a primary site for pathogenesis or dissemination.
- Mammalian pulmonary infection models are essential for advancing medical mycology research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a standardized intratracheal fungal inoculation method in mice.
- To establish a reproducible murine model for studying pulmonary fungal infections.
- To facilitate high-quality in vivo research on fungal pathogenesis and host response.
Main Methods:
- Detailed protocol for intratracheal delivery of fungal suspensions in mice.
- Focus on controlling variables for reproducible experimental conditions.
- Utilizing murine models as the gold standard for pathogenesis and therapeutic studies.
Main Results:
- The described method enables direct administration of fungal cells into the lungs.
- The protocol aims to achieve reproducible results for in vivo studies.
- The murine model allows for quantitative monitoring of disease progression.
Conclusions:
- A standardized intratracheal inoculation technique provides a reliable method for inducing pulmonary fungal infections in mice.
- This reproducible in vivo model is crucial for evaluating fungal virulence, host immune responses, and preclinical testing of antifungal agents.
- Advancements in medical mycology rely on robust animal models like the one detailed herein.
