Non-Terminal Blood Sampling Techniques in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

Guinea pigs possess several biological similarities to humans and are validated experimental animal models [1][2][3] . However, the use of guinea pigs currently represents a relatively narrow area of research and descriptive data on specific methodology is correspondingly scarce. The anatomical features of guinea pigs are slightly different from other rodent models, hence modulation of sampling techniques to accommodate for speciesspecific differences, e.g., compared to mice and rats, are necessary to obtain sufficient and high quality samples. As both long and short term in vivo studies often require repeated blood sampling the choice of technique should be well considered in order to reduce stress and discomfort in the animals but also to ensure survival as well as compliance with requirements of sample size and accessibility. Venous blood samples can be obtained at a number of sites in guinea pigs e.g., the saphenous and jugular veins, each technique containing both advantages and disadvantages 4,5 . Here, we present four different blood sampling techniques for either conscious or anaesthetized guinea pigs. The procedures are all non-terminal procedures provided that sample volumes and number of samples do not exceed guidelines for blood collection in laboratory animals 6 . All the described methods have been thoroughly tested and applied for repeated in vivo blood sampling in studies within our research facility. Video LinkThe video component of this article can be found at

High-fat but not sucrose intake is essential for induction of dyslipidemia and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in guinea pigs

“…All samples obtained at euthanasia were collected intra-cardially, whereas samples taken during the study period (baseline triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC)) were collected from the vena saphena [ 18 ]. Samples for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and free fatty acids (FFA) were collected in heparin and NaF-coated microvettes (Sarstedt, Nümbrecht, Germany), respectively.…”

l-dehydroascorbic acid can substitute l-ascorbic acid as dietary vitamin C source in guinea pigs

“…Ascorbate or DHA was supplied in the drinking water for three weeks as outlined above. Weekly blood sampling took place by puncture of Vena saphena lateralis [12] and blood was collected into K 3 EDTA BD Microtainer tubes [13] . Three weeks after the initiation of the experiment, the guinea pigs were preanaesthetized with Zoletil mix (Zoletil 50 vet® (125 mg Tiletamin and 125 mg zolazepam; Virbac, Carros, France) dispersed in xylazin (20 mg/ml, Rompun®, Bayer, Leverkusen, Germany) and butorphanol (10 mg/ml, Torbugesic®, ScanVet Animal Health, Fredensborg, Denmark)) and subsequently anaesthetized by isofluran inhalation (Isoba vet, MSD Animal Health, Netherlands).…”

Liraglutide Decreases Hepatic Inflammation and Injury in Advanced Lean Non‐Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

“…Blood samples for the analysis of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lipoprotein fractions (VLDL, LDL and HDL) were collected from the vena saphena in K 3 ‐EDTA microvettes (Sarstedt, Nümbrecht, Germany) prior to (‘week 0’) and 2 weeks after the initiation of the treatments, as previously described . At these time‐points, guinea pigs from each of the four groups were block‐randomized based on weight and plasma analysed for either lipids (n = 5) or ALT and AST (n = 5).…”