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Mouse Injection Guide (Subcutaneous, Instramuscular & Intraperitonael)

Mouse Injection Guide (Subcutaneous, Instramuscular & Intraperitonael)

In scientific research involving mice, the administration of substances via injection is a common practice. Whether delivering drugs, antibodies, or experimental compounds, precise injection techniques are crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable results. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to inject mice for scientific research, covering key aspects such as preparation, different types of injection techniques, execution, and post-injection care.  

Preparation:

Before performing any injections, it's essential to properly prepare both the mice and the injection materials. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparation:

Mouse Preparation:

  • Handle mice gently to minimize stress and ensure their well-being.
  • Verify the health status of mice before injection. Any signs of illness or abnormalities should be noted and addressed accordingly.
  • Provide appropriate anesthesia or analgesia if necessary, following institutional guidelines and ethical considerations.

Injection Materials:

  • Gather all necessary injection materials, including syringes, needles, and the substance to be injected.
  • Ensure that syringes and needles are sterile to prevent contamination and minimize the risk of infection.
  • Calculate the appropriate dosage of the substance based on the weight of the mouse and the experimental requirements.

Different Types of Injection Techniques:

Injection techniques vary depending on factors such as the site of injection, the properties of the substance, and the experimental objectives. Here are some common types of injection techniques used in scientific research with mice:

Intraperitoneal (IP) Injection:

  • IP injection involves delivering substances into the peritoneal cavity.
  • This technique is commonly used for delivering large volumes of substances or for studies requiring systemic distribution of the injected substance.
  • The injection site is located in the lower abdomen, slightly off-center to avoid puncturing internal organs.

Subcutaneous (SC) Injection:

  • SC injection involves delivering substances into the subcutaneous tissue, located just beneath the skin.
  • This technique is suitable for administering substances that require a slower absorption rate or for inducing localized effects.
  • The injection site is typically located on the back, between the shoulder blades or along the flank.

Intravenous (IV) Injection:

  • IV injection involves delivering substances directly into a vein, allowing for rapid systemic distribution.
  • This technique is commonly used for delivering drugs or experimental compounds that require immediate access to the bloodstream.
  • Care must be taken to ensure proper needle placement and avoid tissue damage or vascular injury.

Intramuscular (IM) Injection:

  • IM injection involves delivering substances directly into a muscle, allowing for systemic distribution and localized effects.
  • This technique is commonly used for delivering vaccines, drugs, or experimental compounds that require sustained release or targeted delivery.
  • The injection site is typically located in the thigh or hind limb muscles.

Intradefect Administration:

  • Intradefect administration involves delivering substances directly into a bone defect, typically for studies related to bone regeneration or orthopedic research.
  • This technique allows for precise delivery of substances to the site of interest, facilitating the study of bone healing processes and potential therapeutic interventions.

Intra-articular Administration:

  • Intra-articular administration involves delivering substances directly into a joint space, commonly used in studies related to arthritis, joint inflammation, or musculoskeletal disorders.
  • This technique allows for targeted delivery of substances to the affected joint, facilitating the study of disease mechanisms and potential treatment strategies.

Method of injecting:

Once preparation is complete, it's time to perform the injection. Proper technique is essential to minimize discomfort and ensure accurate delivery of the substance. Here are the key steps for performing injections in mice:

Restraint:

  • Proper restraint is crucial to prevent movement during the injection.
  • Use a suitable restraint device or technique that provides adequate immobilization without causing undue stress to the mouse.

Site Selection:

  • Choose the appropriate injection site based on the substance being administered and the experimental requirements.
  • Ensure proper identification and marking of the injection site to facilitate accurate needle placement.

Needle Insertion:

  • Hold the mouse securely and insert the needle at the chosen injection site.
  • Ensure that the needle is inserted at the correct angle and depth to avoid tissue damage or injury.
  • Use a quick, smooth motion to minimize discomfort and trauma to the mouse.

Injection:

  • Administer the substance slowly and steadily to ensure accurate delivery.
  • Avoid injecting too quickly, as this can cause tissue damage or leakage of the substance.
  • Monitor the mouse for any signs of distress during the injection process.

Conclusion:

Proper injection techniques are essential for the success of scientific research involving mice. By following the steps outlined in this guide, researchers can ensure accurate delivery of substances and minimize the risk of complications or adverse reactions in the mice. Additionally, providing appropriate post-injection care is crucial for the well-being of the animals and the reliability of experimental results. With careful preparation, technique, and post-injection care, researchers can conduct successful and ethically sound studies using mice as model organisms.  

References:

  1. D'Mello, S. R. (2015). Animal models of diabetes mellitus: A review. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2016.
  2. Henderson, A. J., Calvi, L. M., & Epstein, J. A. (2000). Intravenous injections in neonatal mice. Biotechniques, 28(4), 664-668.
  3. Hao, Y., Ma, D. H., & Hwang, W. Y. (2013). Intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a review of clinical outcomes and regulatory issues. Regenerative Medicine, 8(4), 481-491.
  4. Viswanathan, G. K., & Shetty, S. A. (2017). Subcutaneous drug delivery systems: Current trends and future challenges. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 20(1), 1-12.
  5. Matsumoto, Y., & Imai, Y. (2017). Intratumoral injection of docetaxel in mice with melanoma to induce tumor lysis and a systemic immune response. Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy, 66(6), 809-819.
  6. Kamba, A., & Daimon, T. (2015). Subcutaneous drug delivery and the role of the lymphatics. Drug Discovery Today: Technologies, 15, 90-97.

Written by Umang Tyagi

Umang Tyagi completed her Bachelor degree in Biotechnology from GGSIP University in Delhi, India and is currently pursuing a Research Masters in Medicine at University College Dublin.

4th Feb 2024 Umang Tyagi

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