How are experiments conducted on mice? - briefly
Researchers house mice in controlled environments, apply treatments or genetic alterations, and record physiological or behavioral outcomes using standardized protocols. All procedures comply with institutional animal‑care regulations and undergo ethics‑committee review.
How are experiments conducted on mice? - in detail
Laboratory mouse studies begin with a written protocol reviewed by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or equivalent ethics board. The protocol must specify scientific justification, species, strain, sex, age, number of animals, and procedures that may cause pain or distress.
Animal acquisition follows the approved protocol. Mice are sourced from accredited breeders, identified by ear tags or microchips, and transferred to a controlled‑environment facility. Standard housing conditions include a temperature of 20‑26 °C, relative humidity of 30‑70 %, a 12‑hour light/dark cycle, and enrichment items such as nesting material and shelters.
Acclimatization lasts 5‑7 days, during which animals are monitored for health status and baseline behavior. Handling training for personnel ensures consistent technique and reduces stress‑induced variability.
Experimental design proceeds with random allocation of subjects to control and treatment groups. Blinding of investigators to group assignments is applied wherever feasible. Common methodological categories include:
- Pharmacological administration – subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, oral gavage, or intravenous injection of test compounds; dosage calculated per kilogram body weight.
- Surgical interventions – aseptic preparation, anesthesia (isoflurane or injectable agents), analgesia (buprenorphine, meloxicam), and postoperative monitoring.
- Behavioral testing – maze navigation, open‑field activity, nociception assays, each performed at defined time points.
- Imaging and physiological recordings – magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, telemetry for heart rate and blood pressure.
During the experimental phase, animals are observed at regular intervals for clinical signs, weight change, and welfare indicators. Humane endpoints are predefined; criteria such as >20 % body weight loss, severe ulceration, or loss of mobility trigger immediate intervention or euthanasia.
Euthanasia follows AVMA guidelines, employing methods like CO₂ inhalation or overdose of anesthetic agents, confirmed by secondary physical assessment. Post‑mortem tissue collection follows sterile technique, with samples preserved in appropriate fixatives or flash‑frozen for downstream analysis.
Data acquisition includes quantitative measurements (e.g., enzyme activity, hormone levels) and qualitative observations (e.g., behavioral scoring). Statistical analysis adheres to the experimental design, employing tests such as ANOVA, t‑test, or non‑parametric alternatives, with significance thresholds pre‑specified.
Finally, results are compiled into a comprehensive report, detailing methodology, animal welfare considerations, and findings, and are submitted for peer review or regulatory review as required. This systematic approach ensures reproducibility, ethical compliance, and scientific integrity in mouse‑based research.