2006A0073/2000A0045 - Autonomic, Spinal and Supraspinal Transmitter Changes with Chronic Pain
Robert Stephens
Pain Code - 3E

The 2000 protocol was approved to use 640 rats and with amendments the number of rats used increased by 1,046. rats.

In 2006, the PI changes the species being used to mice with no explanation provided as to why rats are being used. 652 mice were approved for use by IACUC.

An amendment approved in October 2006 will add 475 mice. The anim,als are requested to perform experiments examining the mitigation of visceral pain in transgenic mice.

These people must be on a budget because they are making their own restraint devices.

Restraint devices will be constructed from a plastic 60-ml syringe with the plunger removed. The needle attachment posrt was sawed off and the remaining tube was cut at the 40-ml mark. In addition, an opening was made in the top of the tube for access to the EMG recording electrodes and subcutaneous catheter. The internal diameter of these tubes is ~25 mm, which holds a 15 to 28 g mouse.

After placing the mouse in the tube, the open end was secured with a gauze square and paper tape. The tube was then placed in a dark-colored fabric sheath (to reduce ambient light) containing a small window for access to the EMG electrodes and catheter. The behavior of mice before, during, and after distension can be easily monitored by partial retraction of the fabric.

Distension ballons are prepared to use in the experiments.

To facilitate insertion and protect the delicate ballon from damage, the balloon and tubing will be covered by a 6-cm long sheath.

Mice are briefly anesthetized ... and the sheath was llubricated with Surgilube and inserted intra-anally until the silk tie was 5mm inside the rectum (total insertion distance, 25 mm). The sheath was removed and the tubing was taped to the base of the tail to prevent displacement. Mice will be placed in restraint devices while still sedated and will be allowed to recover/acclimate for a minimum of 30 min before testing.