Intravenous Delivery of Receptor Blockers to Reduce Brain Edema in a Mouse Model

Begin with an anesthetized mouse with a pre-implanted cannula. The exposed left jugular vein is connected to the heart through a primary vein.

The mouse’s middle cerebral artery was transiently occluded.

This increased arginine-vasopressin in the brain, which binds to vasopressin 1A receptors on the blood vessels and causes water influx into brain tissue, resulting in edema.

Ligate the jugular vein at two points. Make an incision between them, insert the catheter through the incision toward the heart, and secure it.

Close the skin incision.

Secure the catheter to the mouse’s back and connect it to a micro-infusion pump.

Apply an analgesic to prevent post-operative pain. Allow the mouse to awaken.

Administer a vasopressin 1A receptor blocker into the jugular vein.

This allows blocker molecules to circulate through the heart, reach the brain vessels, and enter the brain tissue.

The blockers bind to vasopressin 1A receptors, prevent water influx, and reduce brain edema.

Immediately after removing the common carotid artery suture, disinfect the back of the neck with a 10% povidone iodine scrub solution, and use a size 10 surgical scalpel blade to make a 1 centimeter incision. Then re-sterilize