Injection of the Arterial System of the Mouse

Abstract

Cannulation of the aorta of the mouse through an incision in the left ventricle has permitted the introduction of various injection media into the arterial tree. Heparinized mice, sacrificed by ether, were exsanguinated and injected with latex, latex-thorotrast or vinyl acetate. The apparatus consists of a special cannula made by combining a 1 inch segment of a 23 gauge hypodermic needle and fine polyethylene tubing (PE 50, intramedic). Nearly all of the vascular tree was injected with this technic. Latex-thorotrast injections have the decided advantage of permitting combined X-ray and histologic study of the material. The procedure was devised in the course of an attempt to evaluate the relationship between circulatory changes and experimentally produced bone absorption and new bone formation in mice.