Comparison of two techniques for endothacheal intubation in mice

Abstract

Objective To explore a safe and efficient method for endotracheal intubation in mice.Methods 60 BALB/c mice were random divided into 2 groups, direct intubation under direct vision group, ( n = 30) and direct intubation under light by transillumination group ( n = 30).After successful tracheal intubation at the first judgment, mouse received a tracheal instillation of 3 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide.Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was then performed three times with 0.8 ml sterile saline.Exudate cells were centrifuged and stained with Wright's fluid.Whether the intubation indeed succeeded was judged by the amount of neutrophil infiltrated into the lungs.The mortality after intubation, the time consumed for each successful tracheal intubation and the times of attempting for intubation in two groups were assessed to approve the efficiency of two techniques.Results Eight vs.two mice died within 24 hours in two groups respectively.The time consumed for each successful tracheal intubation and success rate for the first time for two groups were (92.6 ±23.4)s vs (64.0±20.1)s and 53.3% vs 86.7% respectively, which the consumed time was significantly different, while the final success rate almost the same for the two groups.Conclusion Both direct intubation under direct vision and intubation under light by transillumination can successfully intubate the tube into the trachea.But direct intubation under direct vision by transillumination is more efficient and safe in endotracheal intubation in mice. Key words: Intubation, intratracheal/MT