The popularity of germ-free animal models, particularly mice, for investigation of human physiology and disease has recently exploded. Gnotobiotic Mouse Technology: An Illustrated Guide provides the first manual for the maintenance, husbandry, and experimental manipulation of germ-free and gnotobiotic mice. It includes information on all aspects of establishing and operating a germ-free mouse research facility, from basic principles and equipment to detailed instructions for assembling and maintaining isolators, sterilizing supplies, handling animals, and monitoring sterility. The book breaks down techniques and procedures into modules, each of which contains a step-by-step practical and visual guide to a set of related procedures. Each description consists of a materials list, introduction, and general overview, followed by a thoroughly illustrated walkthrough of the steps for each procedure. The descriptions end with troubleshooting tips. Technical chapters are heavily illustrated and include notations of potential pitfalls and alternatives. Other chapters discuss management procedures and practices such as the hiring and training of personnel, setting fee schedules, and record keeping. This book is a landmark resource for establishing and maintaining a facility for germ-free mouse research. Useful to both technicians and investigators, it presents every step necessary to establish a successful facility. It also gives direction in expanding multi-user facilities and applying new technologies to your current practices.
A Brief History of Germ-Free Life References Overview of Gnotobiotic Technology Overview How Do We Get Germ-Free Mice? Germ-Free Housing and Barrier Types References Equipment and Terminology Personal Protective Equipment Introduction Types of PPE Applying Sterile PPE Sterilants and Sterilization Introduction Sterilization Methods Cold Sterilization Wrapping Materials for Autoclaving Gas Sterilization (Ethylene Oxide) Isolator Setup Introduction Part 1: Small (5.5 x 3 feet) Isolator Assembly Part 2: Large Isolator Assembly Port Entry and Exit Introduction Supplies Preparing, Opening, and Closing the Port Proper Placement of Materials Sterilizing Food and Supplies Introduction Biological Indicators Assembling Supply Cylinders: Installing HEPA Filtration Media Supplies Prepare the Cylinder Fill the Cylinder Water Sterilization Supply Cylinder Entry Introduction Supplies Procedure Isolator Maintenance Introduction Part 1: Cleaning and Maintenance Part 2: Replacing Gloves on an Active Isolator Part 3: Repairing Holes in Isolators Part 4: Working in the Isolator Aseptic Mouse Transfer Introduction Part 1: Internal Transfer between Isolators Part 2: External Transfer of Mice Working with Germ-Free or Gnotobiotic Mice in the Class II Biosafety Cabinet Introduction Supplies Experimental Manipulations in the Biosafety Cabinet Shipping Mice Introduction Procedure Rederivation Introduction Derivation by Cesarean Section Derivation by Embryo Transfer References Microbiological Testing Introduction Serologic Screening Part 1: Bacterial Culture Part 2: Examination of Gram-Stained Slides for the Presence of Bacteria References Genetic Testing References Record Keeping Introduction Colony Management Documents Project-Planning Documents Other Documents Facility Setup and Management Introduction Establishing a New Facility Appendix: Sources for Equipment and Supplies
