ABSTRACT
A study was undertaken to determine whether large amounts of blood (antiserum) could be rapidly removed from rabbits over a two-month period using a simple suction technique. It was found that half a blood volume could be readily removed each week (over 900 ml/rabbit/54 days) without a single fatality. The rabbits efficiently replaced the essential components of their blood during the experimental period as shown by a study of their blood parameters. They moderately overcompensated in replacing some of their blood components after a 6-week rest period. The study demonstrates that rabbits are satisfactory (in lieu of larger animals) for supplying relatively large amounts of antisera.
Subject(s)
Bloodletting , Immune Sera , Anemia, Macrocytic/etiology , Animals , Growth , Hematocrit , Hemoglobins , Male , Rabbits , Time FactorsABSTRACT
A simple method for obtaining multiple, sizeable blood samples rapidly and sequentially from mice and rats without the use of anesthesia utilizing an adapted Liebig condenser jacket connected to a vacuum line is described. The method permits the removal and insertion of sample tubes during the procedure so that anticoagulated and clotted specimens can be obtained during a single bleeding.
