IMPROVED TECHNIQUE FOR CANNULATION OF THE MURINE THORACIC-DUCT - A VALUABLE TOOL FOR THE DISSECTION OF IMMUNE-RESPONSES

Several experimental approaches have been used in the past for the can nulation of the thoracic duct in mice. Most, however, are characterize d by a modest reproducibility and a low lymph yield. Here, we describe a cannulation technique modified with respect to the anesthesia, the use of a silicone cannula and a simple and efficient intraabdominal fi xation of the drain. Surgery averaged 45 min with an intra- and postop erative mortality rate of zero. Postoperatively, mice were given acces s to an exercise wheel allowing increased mobility and consequently a good lymph flow, thus maintaining the function of the cannula. The mic e yielded a mean of 29.3 ml/24 h (range 8-40 ml) thoracic duct lymph, which contained a mean of 2.2 x 10(6) lymphocytes/ml during the first 23 h, decreasing to 0.1 x 10(6) lymphocytes/ml on the 2nd day after ca nnulation. Patency of the cannulae was 100% after 3 days. Interestingl y, we have detected strain dependent differences in the anatomy of the thoracic duct in the mouse and these need to be considered when cannu lation procedures are attempted.