Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Drug Safety Evaluation pp 39–67Cite as

Necropsy and Sampling Procedures in Rodents

  • Protocol
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 691))

Abstract

Necropsy is a major step of most studies using laboratory animals. During necropsy, tissue and organ changes noticeable grossly can be recorded, and important tissue samples can be stored for subsequent evaluation. It is therefore important that the personnel in charge of this key experimentation step be adequately trained and aware of the study endpoints.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Protocol
USD   49.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   159.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Springer Nature is developing a new tool to find and evaluate Protocols. Learn more

References

  1. Olds, R.J., and Olds, J.R. (1979) A color atlas of the rat-dissection guide. Wolfe Medical Publications Ltd, London.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Feldman, D.B., and Seely, J.C. (1988) Necropsy guide: rodents & the rabbit. CRC Press, Boca Raton.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Walker, W.F. Jr, and Homberger, D.G. (1998) Anatomy and dissection of the rat. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, USA.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Bono, C.D., Elwell, M.R., and Rogers, K. (2000) Necropsy techniques with standard collection and trimming of tissues, in The laboratory rat (Krinke, G.J., ed), Academic Press, San Diego San Francisco New York, pp 569–600.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Relyea, M.J., Miller, J., Boggess, D., and Sundberg, J.P. (2000) Necropsy methods for laboratory mice: biological characterization of a new mutation, in Systematic approach of mouse mutations (Sundberg, J.P., ed), CRC Press, Boca Raton, pp. 57–89.

    Google Scholar 

  6. EULEP, European Late Effects Project. Covelli’s Necropsy protocol & pictures. http://eulep.pdn.cam.ac.uk/Necropsy_of_the_Mouse/printable.php.

  7. Virtual Mouse Necropsy, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of health, USA: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/labs/aboutlabs/cmb/InfectiousDiseasePathogenesisSection/mouseNecropsy/.

  8. Cook, M. (1965) Anatomy of the Laboratory Mouse, Academic Press (Web version) http://www.informatics.jax.org/cookbook/.

  9. Krinke, G.J. (ed) (2000) The laboratory rat. Academic Press, San Diego San Francisco New York.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Ruehl-Fehlert, C., Kittel, B., Morawietz, G., Deslex, P., Keenan, C., Mahrt, C.R., Nolte, T., Robinson, M., Stuart, B.P., and Deschl, U. (2003) Revised guides for organ sampling and trimming in rats and mice – Part 1. Exp. Toxicol. Pathol. 55, 91–106.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Kittel, B., Ruehl-Fehlert, C., Morawietz, G., Klapwijk, J., Elwell, M.R., Lenz, B., O’Sullivan, G., Roth, D.R., and Wadsworth, P.F. (2004) Revised guides for organ sampling and trimming in rats and mice – Part 2. Exp. Toxicol. Pathol. 55, 413–431.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Morawietz, G., Ruehl-Fehlert, C., Kittel, B., Bube, A., Keane, K., Halm, S., Heuser, A., and Hellmann, J. (2004) Revised guides for organ sampling and trimming in rats and mice – Part 3. Exp. Toxicol. Pathol. 55, 433–449.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Formaldehyde: Health-based recommended occupational exposure limit Dutch expert committee on occupational standards (DECOS): Health Council of The Netherlands (Gezondheidsraad). Vol. 02 osh (2003) 124.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Woods, A.E., and Ellis, R.C. (1994). Laboratory histopathology, a complete reference. Vol. I and II. Churchill Livingstone.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Fox, J.G., Cohen, B.J., and Loew, F.M. (ed) (1984) Laboratory animal medicine. Academic Press, Orlando, USA.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Bush, R.K., and Stave, G.M. (2003) Laboratory animal allergy: an update. ILAR J. 44(1), 28–51.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Figler, N. (2004) Laboratory animal allergies: overview of causation and prevention. Lab. Anim. 33(10), 25–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Sellers, R.S., Morton, D., Michael, B., Roome, N., Johnson, J.K., Yano, B.L., Perry, R., and Schafer, K. (2007) Society of Toxicologic Pathology Position Paper: Organ Weight Recommendations for Toxicology Studies. Toxicol. Path. 35(5), 751–755.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Leblanc, B. (2000) Pathology and tissue sampling protocols for Rodent carcinogenicity studies, time for revision. Toxicol. Path. 28, 628–633.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Bregman, C.L., Adler, R.R., Morton, D.G., Regan, K.S., and Yano, B.L. (2003) Recommended tissue list for histopathologic examination in repeat-dose toxicity and carcinogenicity studies: a proposal of the society of toxicologic pathology (STP). Toxicol. Pathol. 31(2), 252–253.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Russo, I.H., Tewari, M., and Russo, J. (1989) Morphology and development of the rat mammary gland, in Monographs on pathology of laboratory animals. Integument and mammary glands (Jones, T.C., Mohr, U., and Hunt, R.D., eds), Springer, New York, pp 233–252.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Boorman, G.A., Wilson, J.T., Van Zwieten, M.J., Wilson, J.T., and Eustis, S.L. (1990) Mammary gland, in Pathology of the Fischer rat. Reference and atlas (Boorman, G.A., Eustis, S.L., Elwell, M.R., Montgomery, C.A., and MacKenzie, W.F., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York, pp 295–313.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Van den Broeck, W., Derore, A., and Simoens, P. (2006) Anatomy and nomenclature of murine lymph nodes: descriptive study and nomenclatory standardization in BALB/cAnNCrl mice. J. Immunol. Methods. 312(1–2), 12–19.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Hebel, R., and Stromberg, M.W. (1986) Anatomy and embryology of the laboratory rat. Worthsee: BioMed Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Botts, S., Jokinen, M., Gaillard, E.T., Elwell, M.R., and Mann, P.C. (1999). Salivary, harderian, and lacrimal glands, in Pathology of the mouse (Maronpot, R.R., ed), Cache River Press, Boca Raton, pp. 49–79.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Dijkstra, C.D., and Veerman, A.J.P. (1990) Spleen. Structure and function. Normal anatomy, histology, ultrastructure, rat, in Monographs on pathology of laboratory animals. Hemopoietic system (Jones, T.C., Mohr, U., Hunt, R.D., Ward, J.M., and Burek, J.D., eds), Springer, New York, pp 185–193.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Popesko, P., Rajtova, V., and Horak, J. (1992) A colour atlas of the anatomy of small laboratory animals. Vol. 2. Rat, mouse, golden hamster. Wolfe Publishing, Bratislava, p 89.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Brown, H.R., and Hardisty, J.F. (1990) Oral cavity, esophagus and stomach, in Pathology of the Fischer rat. Reference and atlas (Boorman, G.A., Eustis, S.L., Elwell, M.R., Montgomery, C.A., and MacKenzie, W.F., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York, pp 9–30.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Matsukura, N., and Asano, G. (1997) Anatomy, histology, ultrastructure, stomach, rat, in Monographs on pathology of laboratory animals. Digestive system, 2nd edition (Jones, T.C., Popp, J.A., and Mohr, U., eds), Springer, New York, pp 343–350.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Elwell, M.R., and MCConnell, E.E. (1990) Small and large intestine, in Pathology of the Fischer rat. Reference and atlas (Boorman, G.A., Eustis, S.L., Elwell, M.R., Montgomery, C.A., and MacKenzie, W.F., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York, pp 43–61.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Moolenbeek, C., and Ruitenberg, E.J. (1981) The “Swiss roll”: a simple technique for histological studies of the Rodent intestine. Lab. Anim. 15, 57–59.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Soul, N.W. (1987) Gut rolls: a better technique for GI tumor assessment. Toxicol. Pathol. 15, 374.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Paget, E.G., and Thomson, R. (1979) Standard operating procedures in pathology. MTP Press, Lancaster, pp 134–139.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Nyska, A., and Maronpot, R.R. (1999) Adrenal Gland, in Pathology of the mouse. Reference and atlas (Maronpot, R.R., Boorman, G.A., and Gaul, B.W., eds), Cache River Press, Vienna, pp 509–536.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Liebelt, A.G. (1998) Unique features of anatomy, histology and ultrastructure, kidney, mouse, in Monographs on pathology of laboratory animals. Urinary system, 2nd edition (Jones, T.C., Hard, G.C., and Mohr, U., eds), Springer, New York, pp 37–57.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Khan, K.N.M., and Alden, C.L. (2002) Kidney, in Handbook of toxicologic pathology, Vol. 2, 2nd edition, (Haschek, W.M., Rousseaux, C.G., and Wallig, M.A., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York Boston, pp 255–336.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  37. Cohen, S.M., Wanibuchi, H., and Fukushima, S. (2002) Lower urinary tract, in Handbook of toxicologic pathology, Vol. 2, 2nd edition, (Haschek, W.M., Rousseaux, C.G., and Wallig, M.A., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York Boston, pp 337–362.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  38. Ferm, V.H. (1987) Embryology and comparative anatomy, Rodent reproductive tract, in Monographs on pathology of laboratory animals. Genital system (Jones, T.C., Mohr, U., and Hunt, R.D., eds), Springer, New York, pp 3–7.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Creasy, D.M., and Foster, P.M.D. Male reproductive system, in Handbook of toxicologic pathology, Vol. 2, 2nd edition, (Haschek, W.M., Rousseaux, C.G., and Wallig, M.A., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York Boston, pp 785–846.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Lanning, L.L., Creasy, D.M., Chapin, R.E., Mann, P.C., Barlow, N.J., Regan, K.S., and Goodman, D.G. (2002) Recommended approaches for the evaluation of testicular and epididymal toxicity. Toxicol. Pathol. 30, 507–520.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Boorman, G.A., Chapin, R.E., and Mitsumori, K. (1990) Testis and epididymis, in Pathology of the Fischer rat. Reference and atlas (Boorman, G.A., Eustis, S.L., Elwell, M.R., Montgomery, C.A., and MacKenzie, W.F., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York, pp 405–418.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Lee, C.H., and Holland, J.M. (1987) Anatomy, histology, and ultrastructure (correlation with function), prostate, rat, in Monographs on pathology of laboratory animals. Genital system (Jones, T.C., Mohr, U., and Hunt, R.D., eds), Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 239–251.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Boorman, G.A., Elwell, M.R., and Mitsumori, K. (1990) Male accessory sex glands, penis, and scrotum, in Pathology of the Fischer rat. Reference and atlas (Boorman, G.A., Eustis, S.L., Elwell, M.R., Montgomery, C.A., and MacKenzie, W.F., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York, pp 419–428.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Heindel, J.J., and Chapin, R.E. (eds) (1993) Methods in reproductive toxicology: female reproductive toxicology, Vol. 3B. Academic Press, Orlando.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Yuan, Y.D., and Foley, G.L. (2002) Female reproductive system, in Handbook of toxicologic pathology, Vol. 2, 2nd edition (Haschek, W.M., Rousseaux, C.G., and Wallig, M.A., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York Boston, pp 847–894.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Piper, R.C. (1981) Morphological evaluation of the heart in toxicologic studies, in Cardiac toxicology, Vol. 3 (Balazc, T., ed), CRC Press, Boca Raton, pp 111–136.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Van Vleet, J.F., Ferrans, V.J., and Herman, E. (2002) Cardiovascular and skeletal muscle system, in Handbook of toxicologic pathology, Vol. 2, 2nd edition (Haschek, W.M., Rousseaux, C.G., and Wallig, M.A., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York Boston, pp 363–455.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Djikstra, C.D., and Sminia, T. (1990) Thymus. Structure and function. Normal anatomy, histology, immunohistology, ultrastructure, rat, in Monographs on pathology of laboratory animals. Hemopoietic system (Jones, T.C., Mohr, U., Hunt, R.D., Ward, J.M., and Burek, J.D., eds), Springer, New York, pp 249–256.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Kittel, B., Ernst, H., and Kamino, K. (1996) Anatomy, histology and ultrastructure, parathyroid, mouse, in Monographs on pathology of laboratory animals. Endocrine system, 2nd edition (Jones, T.C., Capen, C.C., and Mohr, U., eds), Springer, New York, pp 328–329.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Kittel, B., Ernst, H., and Kamino, K. (1996) Anatomy, histology and ultrastructure, parathyroid, rat, in Monographs on pathology of laboratory animals. Endocrine system, 2nd edition (Jones, T.C., Capen, C.C., and Mohr, U., eds), Springer, New York, pp 330–332.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Gopinath, C., Prentice, D.E., Lewis, D.J. (1987). The respiratory system, in Atlas of experimental toxicological pathology. MTP Press, Lancaster Boston The Hague, pp 22–42.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Plopper, C.G. (1996) Structure and function of the lung, in Monographs on pathology of laboratory animals. Respiratory system, 2nd edition (Jones, T.C., Dungworth, D.L., and Mohr, U., eds) Springer, New York, pp 135–150.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Cassella, J.P., Hay, J., and Lawson, S.J. (1997) The rat nervous system. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Dorman, D.C., Brenneman, K.A., and Bolon, B. (2002) Nervous system, in Handbook of toxicologic pathology, Vol. 2, 2nd edition (Haschek, W.M., Rousseaux, C.G., and Wallig, M.A., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York Boston, pp 509–537.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Mahler, J.F., and Elwell, M.R. (1999) Pituitary Gland, in Pathology of the mouse. Reference and atlas (Maronpot, R.R., Boorman, G.A., and Gaul, B.W. eds), Cache River Press, Vienna, pp 491–507.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Whiteley, H.E., and Peiffer, R.L. (2002) The eye, in Handbook of toxicologic pathology, Vol 2, 2nd edition (Haschek, W.M., Rousseaux, C.G., and Wallig

    Google Scholar 

  57. Popp, J.A., and Monteiro-Riviere, N.A. (1985) Macroscopic, microscopic, and ultrastructural anatomy of the nasal cavity, rat, in Monographs on pathology of laboratory animals. Respiratory system, 2nd edition (Jones, T.C., Dungworth, D.L., and Mohr, U., eds) Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York Tokyo, pp 3–10.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Boorman, G.A., Morgan, K.T., and Uriah, L.C. (1990) Nose, larynx and trachea, in Pathology of the Fischer rat. Reference and atlas (Boorman, G.A., Eustis, S.L., Elwell, M.R., Montgomery, C.A., and MacKenzie, W.F., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York, pp 315–337.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Copeland-Haines, D., and Eustis, S.L. Specialized sebaceous glands, in Pathology of the Fischer rat. Reference and atlas (Boorman, G.A., Eustis, S.L., Elwell, M.R., Montgomery, C.A., and MacKenzie, W.F., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York, pp 279–294.

    Google Scholar 

  60. MCGavin, M.D. (1991) Procedures for morphological studies of skeletal muscle, rat, mouse, and hamster, in Monographs on patholmusculoskeletal systems. (Jones, T.C., Mohr, U., and Hunt, R.D., eds), Springer, New York, pp 101–108.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Valli, V.E., Villeneuve, D.C., Reed, B., et al. (1990) Evaluation of blood and bone marrow, rat, in Monographs on pathology of laboratory animals. Hemopoietic system (Jones, T.C., Mohr, U., Hunt, R.D., Ward, J.M., and Burek, J.D., eds), Springer, New York, pp 9–26.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Woodard, J.C., Burkhardt, J.E., and Lee, W. (2002) Bones and joints, in Handbook of toxicologic pathology, Vol. 2, 2nd edition (Haschek, W.M., Rousseaux, C.G., and Wallig, M.A., eds), Academic Press, San Diego New York Boston, pp 457–508.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Latendresse, J.R., Warbrittion, A.R., Jonassen, H., and Creasy, D.M. (2002) Fixation of testes and eyes using a modified Davidson’s fluid: comparison with Bouin’s fluid and conventional Davidson’s fluid. Toxicol. Pathol. 30: 524–533.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Hoff, J. (2000) Methods of blood collection. J. Lab. Anim. 29(10), 47–53.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Histopathology and Animal Models Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France

    Laurence Fiette

  2. Disposition, Safety and Animal Research, sanofi-aventis R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France

    Mohamed Slaoui

Authors
  1. Laurence Fiette
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mohamed Slaoui
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohamed Slaoui .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Toxicologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Sanofi-aventis, Quai Jules Guesde 13, Vitry-sur-Seine, 94400, France

    Jean-Charles Gautier

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this protocol

Cite this protocol

Fiette, L., Slaoui, M. (2011). Necropsy and Sampling Procedures in Rodents. In: Gautier, JC. (eds) Drug Safety Evaluation. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 691. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-849-2_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-849-2_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60327-186-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-849-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation