Sampling methods for pharmacokinetic studies in the mouse.

Pharmacokinetics data on 2,4,5-T are used to illustrate design considerations, agent administration and sampling techniques required for single-animals studies in mice. Detailed methods for intravenous and intragastric delivery of chemicals are described, as are small volume (3 microliters) blood sampling techniques from tail vein and orbital plexus. A mouse metabolism cage is described that prohibits feed contamination of urine and feces, and also effectively segregates these elimination products. Techniques for blood, urine, and feces sample preparation and quality control assessments are also presented. Multi-sample blood concentration-time curves obtained from a single mouse are compared to data obtained using a single-sample design using may mice. While a single-animal, multiple-sample design requires the availability of microanalytical methods, it has many economic and practical advantages and results in a more accurate pharmacokinetic profile of the chemical in mice.