Maya Ellison
Plastic tubes are used for oral gavage in mice and rats. They are flexible, disposable, and made from medical-grade polypropylene. The use of plastic tubes in mice is a topic of discussion, with some sources suggesting that mice may bite the tube, leading to potential harm. Additionally, there are concerns about the environmental impact of plastic tubes, as well as the potential for mice to chew through plastic pipes. On the other hand, plastic tubes have been found to cause less inflammation and necrosis in mice compared to metal tubes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic tubes used for | Oral gavage in mice |
| Plastic tubes are | Flexible |
| Plastic tubes are safer for mice than metal tubes because | Metal tubes can cause esophageal inflammation and necrosis in mice |
| Plastic tubes are | Disposable and meant for single use |
| Plastic tubes have | A plastic hub that securely attaches to a syringe |
| Plastic tubes have | A long flexible tube of varying lengths and widths |
| Plastic tubes have | A soft, rounded, bulbous tip that delivers material into the animal |
| Plastic tubes are made from | Medical-grade polypropylene |
| Plastic tubes are | Faster and easier to train new hires with |
| Plastic tubes are | Bite-proof |
| Plastic pipes | Can be chewed through by mice |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic tubes are safer than metal tubes for oral gavage in mice
Oral gavage is a common experimental procedure in which a fluid is delivered directly into the stomach of a mouse, typically delivering a more precise dose than voluntary consumption. There are two types of dosing needles: reusable stainless steel and disposable flexible plastic.
While stainless steel needles are tried and true, with many researchers favouring them due to their durability and bite-proof nature, they come with several challenges. Notably, cleaning and sterilisation between uses can be tedious and time-consuming, especially for larger studies. If cleaning procedures are not properly validated, compound carryover can occur.
On the other hand, flexible plastic feeding tubes are disposable and meant for single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilisation. This not only reduces the risk of carryover contaminants but also saves time and effort. Additionally, the elastomer tip on plastic tubes minimises the chance of inadvertent placement in the trachea, a common dosing problem.
The benefits of plastic tubes are further supported by studies. A 2023 study at Bristol Myers Squibb found that out of ten mice, only one dosed with plastic tubes showed signs of inflammation, while all ten mice dosed with metal tubes exhibited esophageal inflammation and necrosis. Similarly, a 2016 Vanderbilt study revealed that 15% of mice dosed daily with metal tubes lost more than 10% of their body weight, with autopsies showing esophageal trauma. These studies indicate that metal tubes may not only harm animal welfare but also the integrity of data due to potential systematic inflammation.
Therefore, it is clear that plastic tubes are safer than metal tubes for oral gavage in mice, benefiting both the animals and researchers through improved welfare, reduced contamination risk, and increased efficiency.
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Plastic tubes are bite-proof
Plastic tubes are not inherently bite-proof, and mice can and will bite through them. This is a common issue encountered when switching from stainless steel to plastic tubes. If a mouse is biting a plastic tube, it is a sign of stress, and the procedure should be paused.
To prevent mice from biting through plastic tubes, some manufacturers offer plastic tubes with metal bite guards. However, these can increase the thickness of the tube, potentially causing bleeding around the oral external cavity. Bite guards also add to the cost of the tubes.
An alternative to plastic tubes is to use traditional stainless steel feeding tubes, which are bite-proof. These tubes are inserted straight down the oesophagus between the teeth, and if the mouse bites down on the tube, no damage is done to the tube. However, stainless steel tubes have their own drawbacks. They require tedious and time-consuming cleaning, especially for larger studies, and cleaning procedures must be validated to avoid compound crossover.
Another option for preventing bites is to use a bite guard as an added safety measure. This can provide peace of mind, especially for those who are nervous about the rare instance of biting. However, it is generally recommended to stick to the feeding tube as it was originally manufactured.
In summary, while plastic tubes are not bite-proof, there are measures that can be taken to prevent mice from biting through them, including the use of bite guards or switching to stainless steel tubes. The choice between plastic and stainless steel tubes depends on various factors, including animal welfare, ease of use, and cost.
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Plastic tubes are easier to train new hires with
Plastic tubes are not only safer for mice but also make it easier to train new hires. Unlike stainless steel feeding tubes, plastic feeding tubes are flexible and are made from medical-grade polypropylene, the same material used in plastic syringes. They have a plastic hub that securely attaches to a syringe and a long flexible tube of varying lengths and widths that ends in a soft, rounded, bulbous tip that gently delivers the material into the animal.
The elastomer tip of the plastic feeding tubes minimizes the chance of inadvertent placement in the trachea, a common dosing problem. They are also disposable and meant for single use. A 2023 study at Bristol Myers Squibb found that 10 out of 10 mice dosed with metal tubes exhibited esophageal inflammation and necrosis, while only 1 out of 10 mice dosed with plastic tubes showed any signs of inflammation. A 2016 Vanderbilt study found that 15% of mice dosed daily with metal tubes lost more than 10% of their body weight; autopsies showed esophageal trauma.
The use of plastic feeding tubes is not only beneficial for the mice but also for the trainers. Training new hires with plastic feeding tubes is faster and easier. When using stainless steel feeding tubes, trainers have to ensure that new hires are taught to scruff the rodent and then insert the tube to the right or left of the midline to reduce the chance of the mouse or rat biting the tube. If the tube is bitten off completely, the animal may have to be euthanized. Plastic feeding tubes reduce the risk of this happening and make the training process smoother and less scary for new hires.
Additionally, cleaning and sterilizing stainless steel tubes can be tedious and time-consuming, especially for larger studies. With plastic feeding tubes, there is no need for this time-consuming process, making them more convenient for new hires to work with. Overall, plastic tubes are a recommended animal welfare refinement that also simplifies the training process for new hires.
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Plastic pipe insulation can be protected from mice with anti-rodent electrical insulation tape
Plastic pipe insulation can be an attractive target for mice and other rodents. They can chew through plastic and cause extensive damage, leading to costly repairs and replacements. To protect your pipe insulation from rodent damage, one effective solution is to use anti-rodent electrical insulation tape.
This specialized tape is designed to repel rodents and prevent them from chewing through your pipes. It is embedded with capsules containing Capsaicin or Capsicum, which are compounds that rodents find extremely unpleasant and repulsive. By wrapping this tape around your pipe insulation, you create a long-term deterrent that keeps mice and rats at bay.
The tape is easy to use and highly effective in protecting your pipe insulation from rodent damage. It can be applied to various surfaces, including cables, wires, plastics, washing machine pipes, plumbing pipes, and gas pipes. The standard dimensions of this tape are 19mm in width and 20 meters in length, and it has a shelf life of up to 30 years.
In addition to using anti-rodent electrical insulation tape, there are other preventive measures you can take to make your home or space less attractive to rodents. For example, you can seal any cracks, holes, or crevices that might serve as entry points for rodents. You can also try natural repellents, such as spreading peppermint oil and eucalyptus leaves or placing small pouches of cayenne pepper in areas where you suspect rodent activity.
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Plastic pipes are not immune to being chewed by mice
Mice can be persistent and cause significant damage to plastic pipes over time. In some cases, they may target specific pipes repeatedly, leading to frequent repairs and replacements. While plastic pipes are convenient and cost-effective, they can be vulnerable to rodent damage, especially if they are already weak or worn out.
To prevent mice from chewing on plastic pipes, several methods can be employed. One approach is to use anti-rodent electrical insulation tape, which contains Capsaicin, a natural repellent for rodents. Another option is to wrap pipes with mesh screens made of stainless steel or iron wire mesh, creating a physical barrier that rodents cannot chew through. Additionally, sealing small gaps in walls with metal wool and caulk can help keep rodents out.
Some homeowners have also found success in deterring mice by using ultrasonic devices, owning cats, or using traditional mouse traps with peanut or hazelnut bait. Keeping the house clean and sealing entry points, such as cracks, holes, and crevices, can also help prevent rodent infestations. While plastic pipes are convenient and widely used, taking proactive measures to protect them from rodents is essential to avoid costly repairs and potential water damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic tubes are generally safer for mice than metal tubes. A 2023 study at Bristol Myers Squibb found that metal tubes caused esophageal inflammation and necrosis in mice, while plastic tubes showed minimal signs of inflammation. Plastic tubes are also recommended for animal welfare as they reduce the chance of incorrect placement in the trachea.
Metal tubes have been associated with adverse health effects in mice, including esophageal inflammation and trauma, and weight loss. Autopsies of mice dosed with metal tubes revealed esophageal trauma.
Plastic tubes, also known as flexible plastic feeding needles, are made from medical-grade polypropylene, the same material used in plastic syringes.
After scruffing the mouse, insert the plastic feeding tube to the right or left of midline to reduce the chance of the mouse biting it. Monitor the mouse for normal breathing after dosing and always empty the syringe before removing the tube.
Plastic tubes are disposable, single-use, and easier to train new technicians with. They also reduce the risk of incorrect placement in the trachea, a common dosing problem.
