Technical Report: Gingival Vein Punction: A New Simple Technique for Drug Administration or Blood Sampling in Rats and Mice

Abstract

Blood collection or intravenous injection of substances in rats and mice are necessary for a wide variety of scientific studies. To date, several methods have been developed to access different vessels, according to the different research purpose. However, animal behavioural responses like stress, pain or traumatic injury during some procedures may influence subsequent results. In this technical report we demonstrate the advantages of using the labialis mandibularis vein route that, in addition, seems to prevent unnecessary animal suffering.