Mouse Resources Portal

Eye Morphology (week 13) (Mice were fed on Mouse Breeder Diet (5021, Labdiet) from weaning): Mice are assessed for gross morphological changes to the eye using a slit lamp (Zeiss SL130) and ophthalmoscope (Heine Omega 500). The eye is examined both undilated and dilated (tropicamide and/or neosynephrine). Images on the slit lamp are collected using a Leica DFC420. Images of the fundus are collected by using a topical endoscope (BERCI Tele-Otoscope with HOPKINS straight forward 0?, diameter 3mm, Halogen cold light fountain light source) and camera (Nikon D40x with Nikon AF 85mm F1.8D AF Nikkor lens).

Blood Pressure and Heart rate (week 11) [Mice were fed on High Fat Diet (21.4% crude fat content, Western RD, 829100, Special Diets Services) from 4 weeks of age]: Measured using a tail cuff system (MC4000, Hatteras Instruments). To minimize discomfort of the mice during the procedure they are held in a darkened restrainer which is placed on a heated platform (38 degrees celsius), and a cuff is secured at the base of the tail. The procedure is spread over 5 days, including one training and 4 measurement days, each consisting of 5 acclimatisation and 15 measurement cycles.

Heart Weights (week 15) [Mice were fed on High Fat Diet (21.4% crude fat content, Western RD, 829100, Special Diets Services) from 4 weeks of age]: After the terminal bleed, hearts are dissected and weighed.