Work

Protocol for in vivo assessment of glucose metabolism in mouse models

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Metabolic disturbances are common in motor neuron disease (MND), and elucidating their mechanisms may reveal therapies. Here, we present a protocol to assess glucose homeostasis in mice, including glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, and glucagon challenge tests. We describe steps for fasting, intraperitoneal injections, and serial blood glucose measurements. The protocol also includes plasma collection for catecholamine analysis using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging and immunofluorescence of pancreatic hormones, enabling comprehensive metabolic profiling in aged and neurodegenerative mouse models. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to McDonald et al. 1 and McDonald et al. 2 • Procedures for conducting glucose, insulin, and glucagon tolerance/challenge tests in mice • Instructions for fasting, intraperitoneal injections, and serial blood glucose measurements • Steps for catecholamine profiling from sub-microliter plasma using MALDI-MS imaging • Methods for visualizing pancreatic hormones via immunofluorescence of islet cells Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. Metabolic disturbances are common in motor neuron disease (MND), and elucidating their mechanisms may reveal therapies. Here, we present a protocol to assess glucose homeostasis in mice, including glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, and glucagon challenge tests. We describe steps for fasting, intraperitoneal injections, and serial blood glucose measurements. The protocol also includes plasma collection for catecholamine analysis using MALDI mass spectrometry imaging and immunofluorescence of pancreatic hormones, enabling comprehensive metabolic profiling in aged and neurodegenerative mouse models.

Source: STAR Protocols

DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2025.104192

Authors: Titaya Lerskiatiphanich, Cedric S. Cui, John D. Lee

Institution: The University of Queensland

Language: English

Topic: Pancreatic function and diabetes

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,550