Refining bone marrow ablation and reconstitution in mice

Authors:

Dr Penny Hawkins

Dr James Dooley

Jessica Rodda

Dr Colin Gilbert

Publication:

Journal of Immunology & Cell Biology 103(3):293-306

Publish Date:

13 September 2024

Background

Bone marrow ablation and reconstitution procedures are performed for a number of different purposes, including studies of immune system function, ageing and cancer biology. The procedure involves the ablation of hematopoietic tissues within live mice, using irradiation or chemotherapy, followed by reconstitution using stem cells derived from bone marrow from source animals.

Summary

This resource offers practical advice on refining procedures for bone marrow ablation and reconstitution in mice, primarily focusing on the use of irradiation. Refinement involves minimising suffering and improving welfare throughout the animals' lives by assessing and improving all aspects, including protocols (e.g. radiation dosing, minimising infection risk and mitigating effects of ablation on the gut), housing, husbandry, care, welfare assessment and humane killing.

Key Actions

Carefully select the most appropriate strain.
Implement effective quality assurance measures when selecting donor and recipient animals, and throughout the grafting process and after care.
Review and refine the protocol, including both the ablation and reconstitution procedures, optimising radiation dosing and minimising infection risk.
Provide appropriate housing and care that meet the needs of the animals.
Develop protocols to mitigate the effects of ablation on the gut.
Define and implement effective welfare assessment and humane endpoints.