Ascites Production
Introduction
If it is determined by the IACUC that the ascites method to produce Mabs is justified, the investigator should do everything possible to reduce the numbers of animals used and to minimize pain and distress.
Guidelines
- No more than 0.1 ml Pristane, or 0.25 ml Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant, may be used for peritoneal cavity priming.
- Animals must be observed at least three times per week the first week, and daily thereafter, including weekends and holidays, to monitor the degree of abdominal distension, to relieve it as needed, and to look for other signs of illness.
- Fluid should be removed before abdominal distension is great enough to cause discomfort, or labored breathing, or to interfere with normal activity.
- Animals must be anesthetized prior to peritoneal tap.
- Ascites fluid may be harvested only once with recovery of the animal. Subsequent harvesting shall be performed as a terminal procedure.
- Ascites fluid should not exceed 20% of the baseline body weight.
- Animals that become moribund, cachexic, or that are otherwise unable to obtain food and water must be euthanized immediately.
