Improved Oviduct Transfer Surgery for Genetically Modified Rat Production

Rat embryo transfer surgeries are becoming more common with targeted nucleases increasing the demand for rat models. This protocol details pre-surgical preparation, improved surgical techniques for placing embryos into the oviduct, and post-surgical care of rats to parturition. Direct application of mouse oviduct transfer protocols results in limited success in the rat. By combining techniques from several widely used protocols in the field, increased yield of live pups born to healthy dams is possible. This protocol is distinct from previously published protocols by the use of a modified anesthesia protocol (Smith et al., 2004), use of analgesia, the addition of peritoneal sutures (Filipiak and Saunders, 2006), incision location and number of transfers per animal (Krinke et al., 2000).