Catheter Based Intravenous Injection of Experimental Agents: A Technique for Delivering Experimental Agents Intravenously Through Jugular Vein in Mouse Model

To begin, transport the mouse to the imaging room. Switch on the microscope and computer and set up the required parameters. Once the mouse is completely anesthetized, place the mouse on a heated plate warmed to 37 degrees Celsius for all following manipulations.

Shave the head and throat of the mouse, and apply the gel to the eyes to prevent dryness. Place the mouse on its back and fix the interior legs with surgical tape to stretch the throat. After disinfecting the throat, make a 0.7 to 1 centimeter incision over the right or left jugular vein using scissors, and stretch the adjacent connective tissue to expose the external jugular vein and top of the pectoral muscle.

Fill the catheter with warm, sterile physiological saline. Penetrate the catheter through the pectoral muscle, and then insert the catheter into the vein. Gently remove the needle.

Connect the syringe with the fluorescent tracers, and inject the dead volume of the catheter. Place a drop of surgical glue to stabilize the catheter. Carefully return the mouse to a prone position.