A simple method for blood exchange in mice

Summary Ease of transfusion and high long-term survival rate were obtained when whole blood was administered via the corpus cavernosum of the penis and removed from the orbital sinus of male C57Bl mice. When 2 volumes of blood are replaced approximately 14% of pre-transfusion red cells remain after hematocrit corrections are made. The posttransfusion hematocrit levels dropped 19%, probably the result of leakage, which is difficult to avoid.Supported in part by NIH Grant No. CA08318 and NIH Center Grant No. CA14520.I acknowledge with thanks the technical assistance of Mrs.Joan Mitchen and Ms.Irene Uebersetzig. I am grateful to Mr.Randy Jirtle for providing the labelled red cells and for his interest in these studies.