Surgical lymphangiogenesis models using the Prox1-tdTomato mouse.

<p>(A-H) Axillary lymphadenectomy model: Fluorescent light enables the researchers to easily locate the axillary lymph node (A-D). From a different set of mice, the left-side axillary lymph nodes were removed, while the right-side nodes were left intact. To enhance lymphatic growth in the surgical site, 9-cis RA was treated for the first 5 days after surgery. After 4 weeks, lymphatic vessels were visualized in the left <i>vs</i>. right side of the armpit of the mice with asterisks indicating the original locations of the lymph nodes (E,F). Images in the boxed areas (E, F) are shown in panels G and H. (I-Q) Lymph node transplantation model: the axillary lymph node in Prox1-tdTomato mice (recipient) was replaced with the matching lymph node from Prox1-EGFP mice (donor), followed by administration of 9-cis RA for 4 weeks. Panels O, P and Q are enlarged images of the boxed areas in panels K, M and N, respectively. (R-U) Tail lymphedema model: representative images of the circumcised tails at post-operational days 1 and 15 are shown (R,T). At both days, the circumcised tail skins were prepared inside-out to visualize dermal lymphatic vessels (S,U). Asterisks mark the wounded area and black dotted lines indicate the wound border. Note the numerous newly formed lymphatics invading into the healed area (S).