Thoracic Duct Lymph Drainage in the Mouse: A Technique for Producing Lymphocyte-Depleted Animals
- J.G Deaton
Abstract
A modified method of cannulating the thoracic duct of the mouse is described. Postoperatively, mice are encircled with a strip of waistband elastic and returned to their cages to drain lymph. Correlative studies with mice kept on an exercise wheel indicate lymphocyte depletion does occur when mice are returned to their cage during lymph drainage. Moreover, the mice survive much better than when restrained, and can be used in experiments as lymphocytedepleted animals.
Previous reports of tedmiques for thoracic duct cannulation in the rat (1, 2) and mouse (3-7) emphasized the collection of lymph. This can only be accomplished when the animal is restrained, which leads to a high postoperative mortality rate. During the course of experiments requiring lymphocyte-depleted mice, a method has been developed wherein the thoracic duct is cannulated and the mice are returned to their cages, where they drain lymph for periods up to 3 days, and can then be used in grafting or other experiments. A dilferent method of thoracic duct cannulation from the one in general usage (5-7) is described.
How to Cite:
Deaton, J., (1972) “Thoracic Duct Lymph Drainage in the Mouse: A Technique for Producing Lymphocyte-Depleted Animals”, Lymphology 5(3), 115-120.
Downloads:
Download PDF