How do you inject glucose into a rat? - briefly
Use a sterile 27–30 G needle to deliver 0.5–1 mL of sterile glucose solution (commonly 5 % w/v) into the rat either intraperitoneally or via a tail‑vein catheter while the animal is under brief anesthesia.
How do you inject glucose into a rat? - in detail
Administering a glucose solution to a laboratory rat requires precise preparation, aseptic technique, and careful handling of the animal.
First, assemble all necessary items: sterile 0.9 % saline, D‑glucose powder, calibrated balance, sterile glass or plastic vials, 1 mL syringes, 27‑30 G needles, isoflurane vaporizer or injectable anesthetic, warming pad, disinfectant (70 % ethanol), and a restraining device.
Prepare the solution by weighing the appropriate amount of D‑glucose to achieve the desired concentration (commonly 20 % w/v). Dissolve the powder in sterile saline, stir until fully dissolved, and filter through a 0.22 µm membrane. Verify the final volume and label the vial with concentration, date, and batch number. Store at 4 °C if not used immediately; allow the solution to equilibrate to room temperature before injection.
Anesthetize the rat using a short‑acting inhalant (e.g., 2–3 % isoflurane in oxygen) or an intraperitoneal injection of ketamine/xylazine (dose calculated per body weight). Confirm the loss of righting reflex and lack of pedal withdrawal before proceeding.
Select the injection site based on the intended route:
- Intraperitoneal (IP): Locate the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, avoiding the liver and intestines.
- Intravenous (IV) via tail vein: Warm the tail on a heating pad for 1–2 minutes, identify a visible vein, and apply a gentle tourniquet if needed.
- Subcutaneous (SC): Pinch a loose area of dorsal skin, typically between the shoulder blades.
Disinfect the chosen site with ethanol, allow it to dry, and draw the calculated volume of glucose solution into the syringe. Typical dosing ranges from 0.5 to 2 mL kg⁻¹, depending on experimental design; adjust the volume accordingly.
Insert the needle at a 45‑to‑90‑degree angle (IP or SC) or a shallow angle (IV) and inject steadily. Withdraw the needle, apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze to prevent leakage, and release any restraints.
Monitor the animal during recovery: observe respiration, mobility, and signs of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Return the rat to a pre‑warmed cage, provide access to water and food, and record the administered dose, route, and time.
Maintain detailed logs of all materials, concentrations, and procedural steps to ensure reproducibility and compliance with institutional animal care guidelines.