Basic NeuroscienceA method for hypothermia-induction and maintenance allows precise body and brain temperature control in mice

The benefits as well as mechanisms of hypothermia in brain injuries are actively studied at the bench and in the clinic. However, methods used in controlling hypothermia vary among laboratories, and usually brain temperatures are not monitored directly in animals due to the need for an invasive procedure. Here we show a method, water immersion technique, which we developed recently to regulate body temperature in mice during hypothermia process. This method significantly reduced the temperature variation around target temperature. Importantly, this method demonstrated a parallel and consistent relationship between rectal temperature and brain temperature (the brain temperature was consistently 0.5 C higher than rectal temperature) throughout hypothermia maintenance. This technique may be well adapted to hypothermia studies in mice and other rodents, especially to the assessment and regulation of brain temperature during studies.

► A precise method to control body temperature in mice by using water immersion technique. ► This method allows us to predict brain temperature accurately by extrapolating from rectal temperatures. ► This improved technique for induction and maintenance of hypothermia may be useful for experiments with larger rodents.