Continuous deep intravenous infusion in rabbit embryotoxicity studies

1 This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the suitability of an intravenous infusion technique in the pregnant rabbit.2 18 New Zealand White rabbits were anaesthetised on day 1 of gestation and an indwelling catheter was implanted into the superior vena cava by introduction into the jugular vein. The catheter was attached by a tether system to a remote infusion pump.3 The pregnant rabbits were infused with physiological saline at a rate of 4 ml kg-1 day-1 until day 19 of gestation. A caesarean examination was performed on day 29 of gestation. The results obtained were compared with historical control data from 150 mated rabbits.4 Anaesthesia and catheter implantation caused a slight transient reduction in maternal food consumption and weight gain. Pregnancy rate, pre-implantation loss and early resorption incidence were not affected.5 Late resorption incidence and post-implantation loss were higher in the infused group by comparison with the historical controls but the individual data did not sugges...