Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
Monitoring of Systemic and Hepatic Hemodynamic Parameters in Mice
Published on: October 4, 2014
Repetitive low-volume blood sampling method as a feasible monitoring tool in a mouse model of sepsis
Katrin M Weixelbaumer1, Pierre Raeven, Heinz Redl
1Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology in the Trauma Research Center of AUVA, Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
Blood-based monitoring of immunoinflammatory and organ function fluctuations is essential in models of critical illness. This is challenging in diseased mice as repetitive blood collection may be harmful and/or affect end points. We studied the influence of daily sampling in acutely septic (days 1-5) mice upon survival and selected hematologic and organ function parameters. In addition, we tested the reliabilty of complete blood cell (CBC) count using resuspended blood cells. Female OF-1 and CD-1 mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and were subdivided into Daily and Day 5 groups. Blood was collected daily for 5 days in the Daily group and only on day 5 post-CLP in the Day 5 group. We tested 20 μL (both strains) and 35 μL (OF-1 mice) sampling volumes. The 35-μL volume simultaneously served to test the CBC reliabilty in resuspended versus unprocessed blood. Daily sampling did not affect the 14-day CLP mortality. Compared with the Day 5 group, daily 35-μL sampling in OF-1 mice decreased the red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration by 22% and 23% (P < 0.05). In neither strain did daily 20-μL sampling affect the red blood cell count, whereas there was a 9% hemoglobin decrease (P < 0.05) in OF-1 mice. Although alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose levels were comparable, urea significantly increased by 24% in the Daily group (20-μL volume, OF-1 mice). Interleukin 6, platelets, and white blood cell counts remained unaffected. There was an excellent correlation between regular and resuspended CBC for all cell types (r ≥ 0.9; slope, ≥0.9), except lymphocytes (r > 0.5; slope, >0.5). This method provides a feasible and safe translation of clinically relevant daily immunomonitoring to the mouse sepsis model.
Insights
Daily blood collection in septic mice is safe and reliable for immunoinflammatory monitoring. Small sample volumes (20 μL) minimize impact on hematologic parameters, ensuring accurate sepsis research.
Area of Science:
- Critical illness research
- Animal models of sepsis
- Immunoinflammatory monitoring
Background:
- Accurate monitoring of immunoinflammatory and organ function is crucial in critical illness models.
- Repetitive blood collection in diseased mice can be invasive and affect experimental outcomes.
- Developing minimally invasive methods for longitudinal monitoring in sepsis models is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of daily blood sampling on survival and key parameters in a mouse model of acute sepsis.
- To evaluate the reliability of complete blood cell counts using resuspended blood cells.
- To determine optimal blood collection volumes for safe and effective immunomonitoring in septic mice.
Main Methods:
- Female OF-1 and CD-1 mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce sepsis.
- Mice were divided into daily (1-5 days) and Day 5 sampling groups, with tested volumes of 20 μL and 35 μL.
- Hematologic parameters, organ function markers, and survival were analyzed; complete blood cell counts were validated using resuspended cells.
Main Results:
- Daily blood collection did not significantly affect 14-day survival post-CLP.
- Larger sample volumes (35 μL) in OF-1 mice led to decreased red blood cell count and hemoglobin.
- Smaller volumes (20 μL) showed minimal impact, with only a slight hemoglobin decrease in OF-1 mice; urea increased in the Daily group (20 μL).
- Complete blood cell counts correlated well between regular and resuspended samples (r ≥ 0.9), except for lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Daily blood sampling, particularly with 20 μL volumes, is a feasible and safe method for longitudinal immunoinflammatory monitoring in mouse sepsis models.
- The findings support the translation of clinically relevant daily monitoring to preclinical sepsis research.
- Resuspension of blood cells offers a reliable method for complete blood cell count analysis in this context.
