Total parenteral nutrition in the mouse: development of a technique

A method for total parenteral nutrition in the mouse was developed using commercially available supplies and equipment. The mouse's inferior vena cava was catheterized and the catheter was exteriorized from the tail. Mice (average body weight 22.5 g) were not tethered but instead were partially restrained by immobilizing the tail to protect the infusion tubing. A solution was formulated to contain 40% dextrose and 4.3% amino acids plus vitamins, electrolytes, and trace elements. It was administered via pump in graded fashion for the first 3 days to allow the mice to adapt, and then at a rate of 8 ml/day thereafter. This volume provided approximately 12 kcal and 54 mg nitrogen per day and was calculated to meet the needs of the mouse fed per os according to guidelines of the National Research Council. During the adaptation period mice lost weight but they were in positive N balance thereafter. At the end of 12 days body weight was not different than at the start, indicating the adequacy of nutrient input. Further, there were no differences in nitrogen balance or body weight in total parenteral nutrition fed mice in comparison with tail-restrained mice given the same solution per os. All mice appeared to tolerate the partial restraint without incidence and showed no untoward side effects. The rationale and validity of this technique is discussed in detail.