Use of a gamma- or hard beta-emitting radioisotope to assess milk intake in suckling mouse pups.
A radioisotopic method to assess milk intake during suckling in mice is described. The method is based on the transfer of a gamma- or hard beta-emitting radioisotope from the lactating mother to the litter. The radioactivity of individual pups is determined at intervals by whole-body counting. The transfer of 22Na, 32P as orthophosphate, 51Cr as chromate, and 125I as iodide was examined; 125I showed particularly suitable characteristics. The procedure proved to be simple, accurate and reproducible for the comparison of mild consumption between pups within a litter and between litters. The procedure was suitable for studies using a foster mother.
D000828:Animal Population Groups / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D000833:Animals, Suckling / Q000378:metabolism*; D002860:Chromium Radioisotopes; D005260:Female; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D007774:Lactation; D051379:Mice; D008892:Milk / Q000378:metabolism*; D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes; D011247:Pregnancy; D011849:Radioactive Tracers; D011868:Radioisotopes; D012979:Sodium Radioisotopes; D013997:Time Factors; D014915:Whole-Body Counting
D002860:Chromium Radioisotopes; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes; D011849:Radioactive Tracers; D011868:Radioisotopes; D012979:Sodium Radioisotopes