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Mouse embryo yield and viability after euthanasia by CO2 inhalation or cervical dislocation.

Robert L Howell1, Catherine L Donegan, Carl A Pinkert

  • 1University of Rochester Medical Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Aging and Developmental Biology, and the University of Rochester Transgenic Facility, Rochester, New York 14642-8645, USA.

Comparative Medicine
|December 6, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Euthanasia method does not impact viable embryo yield in mice. Both carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation and cervical dislocation resulted in comparable embryo yields, supporting humane practices in research.

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Area of Science:

  • Animal models in research
  • Transgenic mouse production
  • Laboratory animal welfare

Background:

  • Efficient transgenic mouse production relies on maximizing viable embryo yield.
  • Cervical dislocation is sometimes favored over CO2 inhalation for euthanasia due to perceived higher viable ova yield, though evidence is limited.
  • Established guidelines from AVMA, CCAC, and IACUC support CO2 as a humane euthanasia method.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the relative yields of viable embryos from mice euthanized by 100% CO2 inhalation versus cervical dislocation.
  • To provide empirical data to inform euthanasia method selection in transgenic mouse research.

Main Methods:

  • Comparison of embryo yields between two euthanasia methods: 100% CO2 inhalation and cervical dislocation.

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  • Inclusion of common inbred and hybrid mouse strains (C57BL/6, FVB/N, B6SJLF1) representative of genetic engineering studies.
  • Statistical analysis to determine significant differences in embryo yields between the two methods.

    • Main Results:

    • No statistically significant difference was observed in the yields of viable embryos between mice euthanized by CO2 inhalation and cervical dislocation (P = 0.534).
    • Embryo yields were comparable across commonly used mouse strains, including C57BL/6, FVB/N, and B6SJLF1.

    Conclusions:

    • The method of euthanasia (CO2 inhalation vs. cervical dislocation) does not significantly affect viable embryo yield in mice.
    • Euthanasia method selection for transgenic mouse production can be based on factors other than embryo yield, prioritizing humane practices.
    • This study validates the use of CO2 as a humane and effective euthanasia method without compromising embryo recovery for research purposes.