# Protocol for assessing myogenic tone and perfusion pressure in isolated mouse kidneys

## TL;DR

This paper provides a detailed protocol for measuring vascular function in isolated mouse kidneys, focusing on myogenic tone and perfusion pressure.

## Contribution

A new protocol for high-throughput assessment of vascular responses in isolated mouse kidneys using perfusion pressure measurements.

## Key findings

- Describes a method for parallel recording of vascular responses in four kidneys.
- Includes detailed steps from kidney isolation to data collection for consistent results.
- Enables assessment of vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive responses in a physiologically relevant context.

## Abstract

The isolated perfused kidney is a classic ex vivo preparation for studying renal physiology in general and vascular function. Here, we present a protocol for assessing myogenic tone in isolated mouse kidneys as well as vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive responses, expressed as perfusion pressure. We describe steps for pre-operative preparation, kidney and renal artery isolation, and connection of renal artery with glass cannula. We then detail how to measure pressure changes in perfused kidneys and the myogenic tone.

For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Cui et al.1

•Accessing vascular smooth muscle function in a physiologically relevant context•Recording of four kidneys in parallel for high-throughput data acquisition•Detailed procedures from kidney isolation to data collection

Accessing vascular smooth muscle function in a physiologically relevant context

Recording of four kidneys in parallel for high-throughput data acquisition

Detailed procedures from kidney isolation to data collection

Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

The isolated perfused kidney is a classic ex vivo preparation for studying renal physiology in general and vascular function. Here, we present a protocol for assessing myogenic tone in isolated mouse kidneys as well as vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive responses, expressed as perfusion pressure. We describe steps for pre-operative preparation, kidney and renal artery isolation, and connection of renal artery with glass cannula. We then detail how to measure pressure changes in perfused kidneys and the myogenic tone.