AJP - Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vol 250, Issue 3 331-E337, Copyright © 1986 by American Physiological Society
A method for large volume blood sampling and transfusion in rats
H. R. Berthoud, W. B. Laughton and T. L. Powley
A new protocol that makes it feasible to withdraw large volumes of whole
blood from an individual rat within 1 h or less is described. This method
involves the use of indwelling catheters for withdrawal of blood from the
inferior vena cava with concurrent isovolemic replacement of whole blood
into the superior vena cava. Simultaneity of the transfusion and
withdrawal, strict equality of volumes, and a smooth exchange of blood are
assured by the use of separate channels of the same multiple-channel
peristaltic pump for withdrawal and replacement. Validation experiments
using both anesthetized and unanesthetized rats indicate that several
responses remain essentially undisturbed during large volume blood
sampling; these parameters include blood pressure, heart rate, hematocrit,
plasma hormones including insulin and glucagon, plasma glucose levels, and
feeding behavior. Considerations of technical and physiological limitations
of the protocol, including choice of catheters and catheter placement,
pump, sampling parameters, and obtaining donor blood, are discussed.
