Inhalation anesthesia and shielding devices to allow accurate preclinical irradiation of mice with clinical linac-based systems: Design and dosimetric characteristics: Design and dosimetric characteristics

Tonny Lagerweij, Charlotte Sewing, Leo van Battum, Phil Koken, Stan Heukelom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

This technical note describes two devices to enable accurate irradiation of mice on clinical linac-based systems. To study the effects of radiation in murine, preclinical animal models, controlled and accurate dosing is important. This is not only important when specific volumes need to be irradiated, but also when the whole animal body is irradiated. To enable both purposes, we designed two devices. One device to administer Total Body Irradiation (TBI) simultaneously to six, free walking mice, and a second device, denoted as target box, in which we irradiate specific parts of the mice whilst organs-at-risk (OAR) are protected. In this latter device, we can position the mice in multiple ways. One configuration allows to sedate twelve mice simultaneously by isoflurane inhalation anesthesia and protect the body by lead shielding to allow radiation of the head only. Alternatively, the target box can be used to sedate maximal 4 mice simultaneously to irradiate the flank or paws only. All these setups allow high experimental throughput and thus a minimal occupation of the clinical equipment. As measured, the delivered radiation dosages in the regions of interest were accurate for both devices. In this technical note, we describe the design and build of these devices.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)92-97
Number of pages6
JournalClinical and Translational Radiation Oncology
Volume26
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2021

Keywords

  • Animal models
  • Fractionated radiation
  • Inhalation anesthesia
  • Linac
  • Small animal irradiation devices

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