A device for the sustained release of nicotine in the mouse

A subcutaneously-implantable reservoir for the sustained release of nicotine in mice is described. The device, dubbed INRm to differentiate it from an earlier Implantable Nicotine Reservoir for Rats (INRr), is a small glass cup sealed with Silastic polymer. Three sizes are described, which release 0.75-2.05 mg of nicotine per 24 hours. When implanted into mature CD-1 female mice, the largest device produces blood nicotine levels of 445 ng/ml, which remain relatively stable for at least 19 days. These blood nicotine levels produce no weight loss and minimal body temperature reduction over the time period of testing. INRms, like the INRr, are nontoxic, reproducible, inexpensive, and adaptable for behavioral, pharmacological, and toxicological studies of nicotine in mice.