mous hepatocyte isolation - (Apr/22/2007 )

Hi, I wonder anyone knows whether I can euthanize mouse with CO2 before isolation? Does this affect the viability? Thank you very much.

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It should be fine, but it depends on how oxygen-deprived the rest of your isolation protocol is. The best method is to euthanize with CO2 and then rapidly cannulate the portal vein and perfuse with warm oxygenated buffer.

You don't want the mouse to sit around after euthanization. As soon as the mouse is dead (fails to respond to a foot pinch), open it up and cannulate. Putting the catheter into the portal vein will be much easier if the vein has not collapsed, and especially if the heart is still beating occasionally.

What is your isolation protocol? Perfusion or mincing?

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