A device for the sustained release of nicotine in the mouse

Abstract

A subcutaneously-implantable reservoir for the sustained release of nicotine in mice is described. The device, dubbed INR m to differentiate it from an earlier Implantable Nicotine Reservoir for Rats (INR r), is a small glass cup sealed with Silastic Sr polymer. Three per 24 hours. When implanted into mature CD-1 female mice, the largest device produces blood nicotine levels of 445 ng/ml, which remain relatively stable for at least 19 days. These blood nicotine levels produce no weight loss and minimal body temperature reduction over the time period of testing. INR m S , like the INR r, are nontoxic, reproducible, inexpensive, and adaptable for behavioral, pharmacological, and toxicological studies of nicotine in mice.