Rodent thymectomy is a valuable technique in immunological research. Here, a protocol for complete thymectomy in adult rats using a mini-sternotomy along with non-invasive intubation and positive pressure ventilation to minimize perioperative morbidity and mortality is described.
This work was supported by AI101263 from the National Institutes of Health (T.V.B), and by a grant from The Hartwell Foundation (M.L.M). M.L.M. is a member of the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Materials
Name of Reagent/ Equipment
Company
Catalog Number
Comments/Description
2" 14-gauge angiocatheter
Operating microscope
Zeiss
Warming pad
Heart rate and blood oxygenation monitor for rodents with foot sensors
Harvard Apparatus
ST1 72-8010, ST1 72-8098 (Rat foot sensor)
Intubation apparatus (plastic with metal bar at the top)
See Figure 2
Small animal anesthesia system with induction box, isoflurane tank and O2 tank
Harvard Apparatus
ST1 72-6420
Small animal ventilator with tubing
CWE
12-02000 (ventilator)and 12-04000 (external valve assembly for mice/rats)
Rendell, V. R., Giamberardino, C., Li, J., Markert, M. L., Brennan, T. V. Complete Thymectomy in Adult Rats with Non-invasive Endotracheal Intubation. J. Vis. Exp. (94), e52152, doi:10.3791/52152 (2014).