A Mouse Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pneumonia.

ABSTRACT

The rapid innate immune response to respiratory infection is essential to prevent the systemic dissemination of pathogens. This chapter outlines an experimental mouse model of respiratory infection by gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and analyses of leukocyte trafficking in the lungs. The reader will learn two methods to induce respiratory infection in mice that differ in whether the initial bolus is targeted within a specific lobe of the lung. We then describe a technique based on tissue digestion and flow cytometry that allows the investigator to distinguish leukocytes within different compartments of the lung, and discuss the advantages and limitations to such an approach.