Intravenous catheterization
Under isoflurane aesthesia, SERT+/+ and
SERT-/- rats, weighing between 300 and 450 g, received
a micro Renathane catheter into the right external jugular vein (for
details, see: (Wee et al., 2007). The tubing (0.037” o.d. x 0.023”
i.d., Braintree Scientific Inc., USA) was guided subcutaneously to a
stainless-steel cannula (22G, Plastics One Inc., USA) at the back of the
rat. After surgery, rats were given Flunixin (analgesic drug: 2.5
mg/ml/kg, s.c.) and Cefazolin (antibiotic drug: 15 mg/ml/kg) daily for
respectively 3 and 7 days. After surgery, rats were singly housed to
prevent damage to the cannula due to cage mates. These rats received a
wooden block and nest material as cage enrichment, but not a shelter to
prevent collisions with the cannula. The body weight of the animals was
monitored daily and full recovery of bodyweight happened within 3 to 5
days. During recovery, no unexpected changes in animal behavior (e.g. no
self-grooming, no water intake) were observed. Catheter patency was
maintained by daily flushing with 0.2 ml heparinized saline. In case of
obstruction of the catheter, the animal was removed from the study.