Name: subclavian vein puncture as an alternative method of blood sample collection in rats
Uploaded: 2018-11-18T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Subclavian Vein Puncture As an Alternative Method of Blood Sample Collection in Rats at JoVE.com

None declared.

This study was approved by the Central South University Ethics Committee for Animal Research from the Second Xiangya Hospital (Changsha, China). The manuscript was prepared according to ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) guidelines9.
1. Material and Animal Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Prepare required materials: adhesive tape, epilating agent, 75% ethanol, blood collection tube, 2.5 mL syringe connected with needle (24 G, 0.6 mm x 25 mm), hair shaver,...

<ol>
	<li>Parasuraman, S., Raveendran, R., Kesavan, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Blood+sample+collection+in+small+laboratory+animals.">Blood sample collection in small laboratory animals.</a> Journal of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapeutics. 1 (2), 87-93 (2010).</li><li>Korfmacher, W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Utility+of+capillary+microsampling+for+rat+pharmacokinetic+studies:+Comparison+of+tail-vein+bleed+to+jugular+vein+cannula+sampling.">Utility of capillary microsampling for rat pharmacokinetic studies: Comparison of tail-vein bleed to jugular vein cannula sampling.</a> Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods. 76, 7-14 (2015).</li><li>Feng, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Catheterization+of+the+carotid+artery+and+jugular+vein+to+perform+hemodynamic+measures,+infusions+and+blood+sampling+in+a+conscious+rat+model.">Catheterization of the carotid artery and jugular vein to perform hemodynamic measures, infusions and blood sampling in a conscious rat model.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. 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J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Determining+Glucose+Metabolism+Kinetics+Using+18F-FDG+Micro-PET/CT.">Determining Glucose Metabolism Kinetics Using 18F-FDG Micro-PET/CT.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (123), (2017).</li><li>Beeton, C., Garcia, A., Chandy, K. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Drawing+blood+from+rats+through+the+saphenous+vein+and+by+cardiac+puncture.">Drawing blood from rats through the saphenous vein and by cardiac puncture.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. 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L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Microscopic+magnetic+resonance+imaging+of+the+thoracic+venous+system+in+rats+with+congenital+diaphragmatic+hernia.">Microscopic magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic venous system in rats with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.</a> Pediatric Surgery International. 27 (2), 175-180 (2011).</li><li>Tsukamoto, A., Serizawa, K., Sato, R., Yamazaki, J., Inomata, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Vital+signs+monitoring+during+injectable+and+inhalant+anesthesia+in+mice.">Vital signs monitoring during injectable and inhalant anesthesia in mice.</a> Experimental Animals. 64 (1), 57-64 (2015).</li></ol>

Here, we introduce an alternative method for blood extraction from the subclavian vein and we show that this method is feasible, safe, and applicable for blood sampling in rats. This method is derived from the subclavian vein puncture in pacemaker lead implantation for patients11. The subclavian vein is located just posterior and caudal to the clavicle and is a continuation of the axillary vein. It runs from the outer border of the first rib to the medial border of anterior scalene muscle<sup clas...

Blood collection is essential in animal research. The target veins for blood collection include the retro-orbital plexus, the jugular vein, the saphenous vein, tail blood vessels, and the carotid artery1,2,3,4. Sometimes, blood could be obtained from the abdominal aorta, vena cava or even the heart5,6,7. On such occasions, the animals must be sacrificed and cannot be used for subsequent observation; thus, these methods are used less in daily experimental work. Blood collection from the tail vein of rats is popular and less stressful compared to the above mentioned methods8.
However, blood collection from the tail vein is sometimes limited by an unsatisfactory success rate. Occasionally, it is also difficult to obtain enough blood volume by this method. As the subclavian vein is large enough and is located just under the clavicle bone, subclavian vein puncture can be an alternative method for blood sampling if routine blood collection methods are unsuccessful. Here, we introduce a method of blood collection by means of subclavian vein puncture in rats.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>rats</td>
			<td>Hunan SJA Laboratory Animal Co., Ltd (Changsha, Hunan Province, China)&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>stastical software</td>
			<td>SPSS Statistics 17</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>epilating agent</td>
			<td>France Yi Sha Cosmetics Co.,Ltd(Guangzhou, Guangdong Province ,China)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2.5 mL syringe</td>
			<td>Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Co.,Ltd(Weihai,Shandong Province ,China)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>hair shaver</td>
			<td>Shanghai FLYCO Electric Co., Ltd(Shanghai,China)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>adhesive tape</td>
			<td>3M Deutschland GmbH(EdisonstraBe 6,59157 Kamen, Germany)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pentobarbital sodium</td>
			<td>Merck</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>75% ethanol</td>
			<td>Department of Pharmacy,The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South Univesity</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>blood collection tube</td>
			<td>Hubei Jinxing Technology&#38;Development Co.,Ltd (Wuhan Hubei Province,China) (2ml)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>electronic scale</td>
			<td>Dongguan Shengheng Electronics Co.,Ltd (Dongguan,Guangdng Province,China)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>canvas gloves</td>
			<td>for anethesia</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>hepain</td>
			<td>Nanjing Xinbai Pharmaceutical&#160; Co.,Limited (Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China) (2mL, 12500 IU)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>physical saline</td>
			<td>Hunan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd(Yueyang ,Hunan Province,China) (100ml)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

subclavian vein puncture as an alternative method of blood sample collection in rats

Blood collection with enough blood volume is essential in animal experiments. Blood collection from the tail vein of rats is popular and less stressful compared to other more aggressive methods such as retro-orbital plexus sample collection. However, this blood collection method is sometimes limited by an unsatisfactory success rate. Here, we introduce a method for blood collection through the subclavian vein puncture. The subclavian vein is located just under the clavicle and this vein is large enough to fulfill the volume requirements of blood collection. Our results show that this method is safe and applicable for blood collection sampling with the required blood volume. Blood collection through the subclavian vein puncture could serve as an alternative blood collection method in case of failed tail vein blood sampling in rats.

A total of 20 SD rats (male n=10, female n=10) were used here.&#160;Blood collectionwas performed by skilled operators, who have performed more than 20 blood samplings from the subclavian vein in rats, and by the beginner operators, who have no subclavian vein puncture experience in rats or other animals. Before operations, beginners watched at least 3 procedures done by skilled operators.
Blood sampling succeeded in 17 rats thr...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Subclavian Vein Puncture As an Alternative Method of Blood Sample Collection in Rats at JoVE.com

Subclavian Vein Puncture As an Alternative Method of Blood Sample Collection in Rats

Here, we present a protocol to collect blood samples from the rat subclavian vein.

Blood collection with enough blood volume is essential in animal experiments. Blood collection from the tail vein of rats is popular and less stressful ...

Subclavian Vein Puncture as an Alternative Method of Blood Sample Collection in Rats. After general anesthesia, place rats in supine position and sterilize infraclavicular space with 75%ethanol. Identify superior sternal fossa before puncture.Locate the puncture site, caudal to the outer one-third region of the clavicle in the same side. The direction of the needle was positioned towards the superior sternal fossa and should almost parallel to the clavicle, just posterior to it. After blood collection, press the puncture site for one to two minutes, to stop bleeding.Blood collection with sufficient volume is always needed in animal experiments. Blood collection from rats'tail vein is popular and less stressful than some aggressive methods such as retro orbital plexus sample collection. However, this method is limited by the success rate.Here, we introduce our method for blood collection with desired blood volume from the subclavian vein. Our results show that this method is safe and practical, and might be considered in case blood sampling from tail vein is failed. To start, prepare adhesive tape, epilating agent, 75%ethanol, blood collection tube, two point five milliliter syringe, hair shaver, electronic scale, heparin, and physiological saline.House rats under standard conditions, with free access to food and drinking water, kept in 530 square centimeter cages with wood shaving bedding. Induce general anesthesia in all animals through intraperitoneal injection before puncture. Place the rat in supine position, fix the hind limbs in a comfortable position, and fix the upper limbs parallel to the body, just beside the trunk.Clean both sides of the infraclavicular space to remove the fur and any visible dirt. Wipe the neck and thoracic skin with 75%ethanol, and keep the area clean and dry with gauze. Both sides of the subclavian vein are suitable for puncture, and here, we choose the right side for puncture.Identify the location and the direction of the right clavicle with the operator's left thumb, and locate the superior sternal fossa gently with the index finger. Rinse our syringe with 10 unit-per-milliliter heparin solution. Locate the puncture site, point five millimeters caudal to the outer one-third region of the right clavicle.Move the syringe gently into the skin of the puncture site. Once the needle enters the infraclavicular skin, apply an active pressure through the operator's right hand. The direction of the needle is positioned towards the superior sternal fossa, and should almost parallel to the clavicle, just posterior to it.Usually, the subclavian vein could be reached by inserting the needle for about two millimeters in this direction. Once the needle enters the vein, blood will enter the syringe under an active pressure. Then active pressure must be maintained until proper volume of blood is drawn.After blood collection, remove the puncture needle, and press the puncture site for one to two minutes to stop bleeding. Pay attention:the pressure must be very gentle to prevent choke. Transfer the blood sample into an anti-coagulated vacuum tube with EDTA and centrifuge at 1600G for 10 minutes to collect plasma.Aspirate the supernatent to re-clean tube and store at minus 18 Celsius degrees. To compare the success rate between the skilled operators and the beginners, 20 SD rats were divided into two groups randomly. The results show that through the right subclavian vein, nine rats in the skilled group and eight rats in the beginner group succeeded, respectively.Then blood collection from the remaining three rats succeeded through the left side. The success rate had no significant difference between these two groups. The time course was slightly different in these two groups.No severe complications, such as pneumothorax, hemopneumothorax, and hemorrhage occurred during or after the operation. All animals survived after the blood sampling. To demonstrate the difficulties of learning the puncture procedure, we further compared the number of withdrawals between the skilled and the beginner groups.As shown in Table Two, the average number of withdrawals in skilled group is slightly less than the beginners, but there is no statistical significance. In conclusion, our results show that the subclavian vein puncture strategy for blood collection is safe and feasible in rats. This method is valuable, especially on occasions when large amount blood is needed.This method might be an optimal alternative if the conventional blood sampling fails.

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Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections

Sublingual route has been widely used to deliver small molecules into the bloodstream and to modulate the immune response at different sites. It has been shown to effectively induce humoral and cellular responses at systemic and mucosal sites, namely the lungs and urogenital tract. Sublingual vaccination can promote protection against infections at the lower and upper respiratory tract; it can also promote tolerance to allergens and ameliorate asthma symptoms. Modulation of lung&#8217;s immune response by sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is safer than direct administration of formulations by intranasal route because it does not require delivery of potentially harmful molecules directly into the airways. In contrast to intranasal delivery, side effects involving brain toxicity or facial paralysis are not promoted by SLIT. The immune mechanisms underlying SLIT remain elusive and its use for the treatment of acute lung infections has not yet been explored. Thus, development of appropriate animal models of SLIT is needed to further explore its potential advantages. 
This work shows how to perform sublingual administration of therapeutic agents in mice to evaluate their ability to protect against acute pneumococcal pneumonia. Technical aspects of mouse handling during sublingual inoculation, precise identification of sublingual mucosa, draining lymph nodes and isolation of tissues, bronchoalveolar lavage and lungs are illustrated. Protocols for single cell suspension preparation for FACS analysis are described in detail. Other downstream applications for the analysis of the immune response are discussed. Technical aspects of the preparation of Streptococcus pneumoniae inoculum and intranasal challenge of mice are also explained.
SLIT is a simple technique that allows screening of candidate molecules to modulate lungs&#8217; immune response. Parameters affecting the success of SLIT are related to molecular size, susceptibility to degradation and stability of highly concentrated formulations.

The present work illustrates the convenience of using sublingual immunotherapy to boost the innate immune response in the lungs and confer protection against acute pneumococcal pneumonia in mouse.

Sublingual route has been widely used to deliver small molecules into the bloodstream and to modulate the immune response at different sites. It has been ...

Repeated Blood Collection from Tail Vein of Non-Anesthetized Rats with a Vacuum Blood Collection System

Blood can be collected from rats in a number of sampling locations. For instance, the tail vein is a superior location for blood sampling. However, the tail vein is thin so that it is sometimes hard to puncture. In addition, the tail vein has low blood flow and requires a long sampling time to get sufficient blood. The present report describes a simple blood sampling method, the vacuum blood collection method, which is usually used to obtain blood samples from patients, here used for non-anesthetized rats. The 22 G butterfly needle tip was inserted into one of the lateral tail veins approximately 2-3 cm from the tip of the tail at an angle of approximately 20&#176;, and blood was collected in the vacuum collection tube by inserting the rubber end of the butterfly needle into the vacuum blood collection tube. The present experimental results show that the success rate was 95% in the experimental group and 90% in the beginner group. The success rate and puncture times were similar between two groups. The sampling duration was significantly shorter in the experimental group compared to beginner group. In conclusion, this vacuum blood collection method for sequential blood sampling from the tail vein of non- anesthetized rats is feasible and easy-to-learn, which might serve as a reliable alternative to other conventionally used blood sampling techniques for rats.

Here, we describe a simple tail vein blood sampling method in non-anesthetized rats using a vacuum extraction tube system. This method reduces the risk of direct exposure to blood and simplifies taking multiple samples from a single venipuncture.

Blood can be collected from rats in a number of sampling locations. For instance, the tail vein is a superior location for blood sampling. However, the ...

Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions

Platelet inventory management based on screening microparticle content in platelet concentrates is a new quality improvement initiative for hospital blood banks. Cells fragment off microparticles (MP) when they are stressed. Blood and blood components may contain cellular fragments from a variety of cells, most notably from activated platelets. When performing their roles as innate immune cells and major players in coagulation and hemostasis, platelets change shape and generate microparticles. With dynamic light scattering (DLS)-based microparticle detection, it is possible to differentiate activated (high microparticle) from non-activated (low microparticle) platelets in transfusions, and optimize the use of this scarce blood product. Previous research suggests that providing non-activated platelets for prophylactic use in hematology-oncology patients could reduce their risk of becoming refractory and improve patient care. The goal of this screening method is to routinely differentiate activated from non-activated platelets. The method described here outlines the steps to be performed for routine platelet inventory management in a hospital blood bank: obtaining a sample from a platelet transfusion, loading the sample into the capillary for DLS measurement, performing the DLS test to identify microparticles, and using the reported microparticle content to identify activated platelets.

Platelet inventory management based on screening microparticle content in platelet concentrates is a new quality improvement initiative in hospital blood banks. The goal is to differentiate activated from non-activated platelets to optimize the use of platelets. Providing non-activated platelets to hematology-oncology patients might reduce their high risk to become refractory.

Platelet inventory management based on screening microparticle content in platelet concentrates is a new quality improvement initiative for hospital blood ...

Puncture-Induced Iris Neovascularization as a Mouse Model of Rubeosis Iridis

We describe a model of puncture-induced iris neovascularization as a general model for noninvasive evaluation of angiogenesis. The model is also relevant for targeting neovascular glaucoma, a sight-threatening complication of diabetic retinopathy. This method is based on the induction of iris vascular response by a series of self-sealing uveal punctures on BALB/c mice and takes advantage of the postpartum maturation of mouse ocular vasculature. Mouse pups undergo uveal punctures from postnatal day 12.5, when the pups naturally open their eyes, until postnatal day 24.5. Due to the transparency of the cornea, iris vasculature can be analyzed easily through time by noninvasive in vivo methods. Furthermore, the semitransparent iris of BALB/c mice can be flatmounted for detailed immunohistologic analysis with minimal non-specific background staining. In this model, angiogenesis is mainly driven by the inflammatory and plasminogen activating systems. The puncture-induced model is the first to induce iris neovascularization in small rodents, and has the advantage of allowing direct noninvasive in vivo analysis of the angiogenic process. Moreover, the model can be combined with angiogenic modulating substances, which highlights its potential in the study of angiogenesis with an in vivo perspective.

Iris neovascularization, a common complication of ischemic retinal disease, may lead to sight-threatening neovascular glaucoma. Here, we describe a murine protocol for inducing experimental iris neovascularization that may be used for noninvasive evaluation of angiogenesis-modulating substances.

We describe a model of puncture-induced iris neovascularization as a general model for noninvasive evaluation of angiogenesis. The model is also relevant ...

Blood Collection Through Subclavian Vein Puncture in Mice

The mouse is the foremost mammalian model for studying human disease and human health. However, blood sample collection from mice is challenging in research work. Tail blood collection is a popular method when a small amount of blood sample is needed. Orbital artery could be considered if a large amount of blood is needed but this blood collection method has ethical issues. Formerly, we demonstrated the feasibility and safety of blood sample collection through subclavian vein puncture in rats, and here we investigate whether this method could be used in mice. We report that this method is safe and practical for blood collection in mice. Blood collection through the subclavian vein puncture in mice can be a convenient method in daily research works.

Here, we present a protocol to take blood samples from the subclavian vein of mice.

The mouse is the foremost mammalian model for studying human disease and human health. However, blood sample collection from mice is challenging in ...

The Rigid Tube as an Alternative in Controlling the Problematic Airway

The unexpected problematic airway represents a large proportion of anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. The retromolar or paraglossal approach is an alternative to the majority of the rigid instruments used for tracheal intubation, which follow the midline to access the glottis. This single-center, prospective case-series study offers an option to conventional laryngoscopy in case of a poor glottic view, introducing an instrument (the rigid tube for laryngoscopy) that uses the retromolar approach to accomplish tracheal intubation. If after anesthesia induction, the modified Cormack-Lehane glottis view grade &#62;2b, the intubation is carried further with the rigid tube. The tube follows the direction of the thyroid cartilage while advancing from the labial commissure, displacing the tongue to the contralateral side. Adjusting the position of the larynx with the nondominant hand by gently pushing the thyroid cartilage and following an imaginary line towards it while advancing it improves the time needed for proper glottis visualization. Once the epiglottis is in sight, the practitioner progresses slowly, lifting the epiglottis and aiming the tip of the tube more anteriorly. When the glottis appears in the visual field, the intubating tube introducer is placed in the trachea, and a lubricated cuffed intubating tube is advanced over the introducer after the rigid tube is extracted. This tool was tested on 30 patients with an unsatisfactory glottic view when using the Macintosh laryngoscope and obtained excellent results with respect to intubation time and complications. The reduced visual field is the main limitation of this method, which requires a training period for reasonable expertise. This simple, robust, and cheap instrument could be a rescue option in case of a difficult airway.

Presented here is a protocol of tracheal intubation over an intubating tube introducer using a rigid tube for laryngoscopy with an attached light source. The main characteristics of this maneuver are the retromolar approach and the use of the thyroid cartilage as a landmark while advancing the rigid tube.

The unexpected problematic airway represents a large proportion of anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. The retromolar or paraglossal approach is ...

Microsurgical Skills of Establishing Permanent Jugular Vein Cannulation in Rats for Serial Blood Sampling of Orally Administered Drug

Blood sampling in small laboratory animals is necessary for pharmaceutical lead optimization but can cause great harm and stress to experimental animals, which could potentially affect results. The jugular vein cannulation (JVC) in rats is a widely used model for repeated blood collection but requires adequate training of surgery skills and animal care. This article details the microsurgical procedures for establishing and maintaining a permanent JVC rat model with specific focus on the placement and sealing of the jugular cannula. The importance of monitoring physiological (e.g., body weight, food, and water intake) and hematological parameters, was highlighted with results presented for 6 days post-surgery during the rat&#39;s recovery. The drug-plasma concentration-time profile of orally administered natural phenol ellagic acid was determined in the JVC rat model.

Detailed microsurgical techniques are demonstrated to establish a longer-term jugular vein cannulation rat model for sequential blood collection in the same animal. Physiological and hematological parameters have been monitored during the rat's recovery phase. This model has been applied to study pharmacokinetics of orally administered polyphenol without inducing animal stress.

Blood sampling in small laboratory animals is necessary for pharmaceutical lead optimization but can cause great harm and stress to experimental animals, ...

Repetitive Blood Sampling from the Subclavian Vein of Conscious Rat

Rats are widely used in pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies that need to collect a certain amount of blood at specific time points to detect drug exposure. The rat blood sampling method determines the quality of the plasma and further affects the precision of the test results. The subclavian vein blood collection method described in this protocol collects blood samples repeatedly in the conscious state of animals to meet the needs of PK and TK tests. The skills of restraint handling and appropriate procedure of needle incision ensure the success rate of blood collection. It is easy to operate while ensuring the quality of plasma and at the same time catering to animal welfare. However, this method requires skilled operation, and an improper one may cause animal weakness, pain, lameness, and even mortality. The current method has been used in the testing facility for a 4-week oral toxicity study in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with TK. The maximum amount of blood collected within 24 h did not exceed 20% of the animal's total blood. The animals' body weight was more than 200 g for males and females. The data showed that the animals' bodyweight increased steadily every week, and the clinical observation was normal after repetitive sample collection.

The present protocol describes a simple and efficient method for collecting blood from the subclavian vein in rats. It enables rapid, timely, and easily identifiable sampling without anesthesia and obtains high-quality blood through repetitive sample collection.

Rats are widely used in pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies that need to collect a certain amount of blood at specific time points to ...

Comparative Study of Blood Collection Techniques in Rats

Modified Tail Vein and Penile Vein Puncture for Blood Sampling in the Rat Model

Blood samples are required in most experimental animal designs to assess various hematological parameters. This paper presents two procedures for blood collection in rats: the lateral tail vein puncture and the dorsal penile vein puncture, which offer significant advantages over other previously described techniques. This study shows that these two procedures allow for fast sampling (under 10 min) and yield sufficient blood volumes for most assays (202 &#956;L &#177; 67.7 &#956;L). The dorsal penile vein puncture must be done under anesthesia, whereas the lateral tail vein puncture can be done on a conscious, restrained animal.
Alternating these two techniques, therefore, enables blood draw in any situation. While it is always recommended for an operator to be assisted during a procedure to ensure animal welfare, these techniques require only a single operator, unlike most blood sampling methods that require two. Moreover, whereas these previously described methods (e.g., jugular stick, subclavian vein blood draw) require extensive prior training to avoid harm to or death of the animal, tail vein and dorsal penile vein puncture are rarely fatal. For all these reasons, and according to the context (e.g., for studies including male rats, during the perioperative or immediate postoperative period, for animals with thin tail veins), both techniques can be used alternately to enable repeated blood draws.

Author Spotlight: Context Dependent Blood Collection Methods in Rats 

Here, we present a protocol to offer rapid, easy, and reliable blood collection alternatives for the rat model. We describe three different blood sampling methods according to the context: tail vein puncture under anesthesia or on a conscious animal, and dorsal penile vein puncture under anesthesia.

Blood samples are required in most experimental animal designs to assess various hematological parameters. This paper presents two procedures for blood ...

Tail Vein Puncture Without Anesthesia

To begin, secure the rat in a plastic restraining cone, enclose the large end of the cone around the base of the tail. Ensure that the animal is comfortable and breathing is unrestricted throughout the procedure. Dip the tail in warm water for about one minute to dilate the vein, and dry the tail with a paper towel.In the restrainer, position the animal facing down with the tail lying on a heating pad. To select the appropriate tail vein for sampling, rotate the entire animal to the right or left side. Use the terminal third of the tail for blood vessel puncturing since the vessels become more superficial in this zone.Wipe the tail with 70%ethanol wipes at the puncture site and place it on the edge of the heating pad, creating an angle in the terminal third of the tail. This brings the vein to the surface and creates more space for taking the sample. For blood sampling, move the plunger back and forth in the syringe several times to smoothen the withdrawal and then pull on the plunger to create negative pressure in the syringe.Secure the tail flat on the heating pad using the non-dominant index and middle finger. Place the middle finger proximally and the index finger distally with the puncture site between these two fingers. Slide the insulin syringe against the index finger with the eye of the needle pointing upward until it is inserted into the vein.This creates an angle of 35 degrees between the needle and the tail. Once the needle has entered the vein, blood will flow into the syringe. Slowly withdraw the plunger of the syringe at a steady rate to collect the desired volume.Remove the syringe from the tail and allow a blood drop to form on the puncture side of the tail. Aspirate this blood to collect a few more microliters of blood, in case of a non-sterile procedure. Apply pressure to the puncture site to stop the bleeding and wipe the area with a new alcohol wipe.After removing the rat from the cone, return it to its cage. The success rates with the tail vein puncture methods were compared with the success rate of the penile vein puncture method under anesthesia. Interestingly, under anesthesia, the tail vein became very unreliable and had a success rate of only 25%The success rates showed almost similar results for the tail vein puncture in conscious rats and the penile vein puncture under anesthesia.The blood sampling was performed in less than six minutes in the tail vein puncture without anesthesia, and the penile vein puncture method under anesthesia, whereas the tail vein puncture method under anesthesia took more than eight minutes due to multiple failures.