Mouse Body Temperature Measurement Using Infrared Thermometer During Passive Systemic Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Evaluation

Yu Kawakami; Rachel Sielski; Toshiaki Kawakami

doi:10.3791/58391

Mouse Body Temperature Measurement Using Infrared Thermometer During Passive Systemic Anaphylaxis...

JoVE Journal
Immunology and Infection

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JoVE Journal Immunology and Infection

Mouse Body Temperature Measurement Using Infrared Thermometer During Passive Systemic Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Evaluation

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04:34 min

September 14, 2018

DOI: 10.3791/58391-v

Yu Kawakami¹, Rachel Sielski¹, Toshiaki Kawakami¹

¹Division of Cell Biology,La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology

Overview

This article presents a new method for measuring body temperature differences in mouse models of passive systemic anaphylaxis and food allergy using an infrared thermometer. The technique is non-invasive and has been successfully replicated in previous studies.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Allergy
Immunology

Background

Body temperature changes can be indicative of allergic reactions.
Traditional methods of measuring temperature may involve stress and anesthesia.
Non-invasive techniques are preferred for ethical reasons.

Purpose of Study

To introduce a cost-effective and humane method for measuring mouse body temperature.
To facilitate research on phenotypes associated with body temperature changes during allergic reactions.

Methods Used

Use of an infrared thermometer for temperature measurement.
Measurement technique that minimizes stress on the animal.
Confirmation of sedation through respiratory rate or immobility.
Specific positioning of the thermometer for accurate readings.

Main Results

The method allows for accurate temperature readings without anesthesia.
Reduces stress and pain for the mice during the measurement process.
Enables visualization of behavioral phenotypes related to temperature changes.

Conclusions

This technique is a significant advancement in allergy and immunology research.
It provides a reliable alternative to traditional temperature measurement methods.
Future studies can benefit from this non-invasive approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is passive systemic anaphylaxis?

Passive systemic anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that occurs when an individual is exposed to an allergen after previously sensitizing their immune system.

Why is measuring body temperature important in allergy research?

Body temperature can indicate physiological changes during allergic reactions, helping researchers understand the severity and nature of the response.

How does this method compare to traditional temperature measurement?

This method is non-invasive, reduces stress on the animal, and does not require anesthesia, making it more ethical and practical for research.

What are the advantages of using an infrared thermometer?

Infrared thermometers are inexpensive, easy to use, and provide quick and accurate temperature readings without physical contact.

Can this method be used in other types of research?

Yes, the non-invasive nature of this method makes it applicable in various fields of animal research where temperature monitoring is necessary.

Here we present a new method to accurately measure body temperature differences in passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA) and food allergy mouse models using an infrared thermometer. This procedure has been accurately duplicated in previous PSA results.

This methodology helps address key questions in the field of allergy and immunology, specifically those that are regarding phenotypes that may be associated with body temperature changes. The main advantages of this technique are that it is inexpensive, non-invasive, and does not require anesthesia. The implications of this technique allow researchers to reduce the stress and pain of mice during temperature measurement while eliminating the effects of anesthesia, and/or to visualize behavioral phenotypes.

To measure the mouse body temperature after anesthesia, confirm sedation by respiratory rate or immobility and grasp the mouse by the nape of the neck with an index finger and thumb and the tail with a pinky finger. While holding the mouse parallel to the lab bench surface, place an infrared thermometer sensor below the lower abdomen with the outer flat surface of the thermometer two to five millimeters away from the surface of the abdomen between the two upper nipples. Then depress the trigger of the thermometer to measure the temperature of the animal, taking care to keep the mouse and the thermometer steady.

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