Abstract: Objective To compared 3 approaches to establishing Balb/c mouse models of hind-limb ischemia suitable for studies
of regenerative medicine. Methods Thirty eight-week-old male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups for
establishing models of hind-limb ischemia by both ligating and transecting the femoral artery proximal to the origin of the
deep femoral artery branch, ligating the femoral artery proximal to the origin of the deep femoral artery branch, or ligating the
femoral artery distal to the femoral artery trunk. The mice were continuously observed for 5 days after the operation, and
hind-limb blood perfusion was monitored by laser Doppler imaging on the second postoperative day. Results All the 3
surgical approaches caused blood flow block in the hind-limbs of the mice. In mice with ligation and transaction of the femoral
artery proximal to the origin of the deep femoral artery branch, dry gangrene occurred in the whole hind-limb. Dry gangrene
also occurred in the legs and paws of mice with ligation of the femoral artery proximal to the origin of the deep femoral artery
branch. In mice with femoral artery ligation distal to the origin of the deep femoral artery branch, the sole of the foot was dry
with scaling skin and necrosis of several digits; microscopically examination revealed a large quantity of necrotic muscles
accompanied by muscle regeneration. Conclusion Ligating the femoral artery distal to the origin of the deep femoral artery
branch can be optimal for establishing Balb/c mouse models of hind-limb ischemia.