Cardiovascular phenotyping in mice.

Progress in molecular genetics has changed cardiovascular research. The mouse has turned out to be an invaluable model for mammalian genetic modifications to mimic and analyse cardiovascular pathology. Through the introduction of transgene and gene targeting technology, regulatory systems can be studied at the molecular level. Recent technical developments have down-sized the equipment for physiological measurements to the mouse level. Micro-surgery has developed to the level where most manipulations previously performed in larger animals can now be applied to mice. However, different investigators report considerable differences in values for physiological parameters. Whether these differences are related to the variation in mouse strains or experimental procedures remains to be established, but awareness of the variation can be relevant for prospective mouse investigators. In the present review, the physiological measurements performed in mice to date are discussed and complemented with results from genetically manipulated animals. In addition the various surgical procedures and their practical application are illustrated.