Elizabeth S. Russell, Ph.D. 



APPENDIX V 



Techniques for the Study of Anemias in Mice 



The methodology described in the body of the article on genie action in the 

 mouse has been entirely that of research approach, with no attention to specific 

 techniques used. For most of the analyses discussed, the author has no competence 

 to discuss specific techniques, since they are those of a particular unfamiliar nongenetic 

 biological discipline rather than of physiologic genetics per se. In the particular 

 area of analysis of anemias in mice, which has been covered in some detail, a discussion 

 of technical methods may be suitable and useful. No technique has been included 

 unless the individual responsible for the description (usually, but not always, the 

 author) has used the method extensively. 



Since hematology is a rapidly developing science, new techniques are frequently 

 described. For this reason, the most recent edition of a hematology text 1397 provides 

 a good critique and general source of information on technique. Much of the litera- 

 ture cited in the body of this paper on genie action describes or refers to special modifi- 

 cations of techniques to make them applicable in investigations on mice. Existing 

 surveys of the blood picture of various inbred strains of mice may provide useful base- 

 line information, 141 - 324> 1108 although many of the methods used have been superseded 

 in more recent studies by easier and more exact techniques. 



Blood collection in large amounts. — Blood may be collected from mice in several 

 ways, choice among them depending on the size of the mouse, whether the donor is to 

 be saved, the necessity for repeated samples, and the volume of blood required. Since 

 the blood volume of an adult mouse is not over 2-3 ml., almost all blood-sample 



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