Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Animal Test Models for Implant-Associated
Inflammation and Infections
Bushra Rais, Muhammad Imran Rahim, Stefan Lienenklaus, Siegfried Weiss,
Christian Tolle, Jan-Marten Seitz, Henning Menzel, Hansjörg Hauser and
Peter Paul Müller
Abstract
To evaluate the biocompatibility and inflammatory potential of prospec-
tive implant materials a mouse model was established using in vivo imaging to
monitor inflammatory responses to individual implants over time. Various inflam-
mation associated products and processes were assayed such as reactive oxygen
radicals, proteases produced by immune cells, cell stimulatory signaling molecules
and interferon gene activation. These were detected either by biochemical activation
of fluorescent molecules or by transgenic animals expressing luciferase to monitor
inflammatory interferon-
induction. The results showed that inflamma-
tory signals can be detected by in vivo imaging after subcutaneous implantation of
biocompatible or immune stimulatory implants. However, there were specific dif-
ferences depending upon the assay system. The response to inflammatory proteases
and cell growth signaling molecules appeared delocalized and was difficult to assign
to one of several implants in individual animals. On the other hand, the interferon
response was locally focused and was highly specific for pathogens whereas no sig-
nal was detected in response to wounding or to biocompatible implant materials. In
conclusion, of the various detection systems investigated, the transgenic interferon
mouse model could be applied to monitor bacterial implant infections and will be
useful to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial implant coatings.
β
(IFN-
β
)
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Keywords
Implant material
Infection
Inflammation
In vivo imaging
Mouse
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model
Wound healing
Fluorescence
Bioluminescence
