Development of a feeding box for mice with controllable oxygen concentration

Abstract

AIM: To develop a new murine case with automatically controlled oxygen concentration for generating a mouse disease model of human retinopathy of prematurity(ROP).METHODS:An oxygen analyzer, an electromagnetic valve, and some of polymethyl methacrylate plates were purchased commercially and used for building up the device. A transparent sealed glass box was built with the organic glass and an adhesive. An opening was arranged in front of box for easy insertion and removal of the cage. A vent was arranged on the side. The KY-2F digital display oxygen controller and solenoid valve were placed on the top of the glass box. The oxygen probe and the air supply pipe through the solenoid valve were put into the box from the top of the glass box, Oxygen controller and solenoid valve were connected. Retina sheets and HE histologically staining were used to evaluate the animal model.RESULTS: Retina with non-perfusion area and neovascularization were observed in the C57BL/6J mice 17th days after birth from the group in the case with controlled oxygen. Retina with HE staining showed that the neovascularization has penetrated over internal limiting membrane.CONCLUSION:The presented methodology here for generating mouse case with controlled oxygen is easy to do and apply, the model can truly mimic ROP histologically.

Keywords

• retinopathy of prematurity
• animal model
• neovascularization