DEMO DEMOMethods 1
The rabbit is killed by a suitable humane method. The abdomen is opened and the duodenal/jejunal area located (the jejunum normally lies to the left side of the abdomen). This part of the intestine has a profuse mesenteric blood supply. The duodenum or jejunum together with the mesentery is removed, transferred to a dish, containing warmed Tyrode's solution, and cut into sections approximately 2-3 cm in length taking care to remove a portion of the mesentery containing a vein, which is easily visible, an artery and a fatty strip with it. The postganglionic sympathetic nerves run alongside the arteries (periarterially).
The segment of intestine is tied with thread at both ends taking care not to close the lumen. The prepared jejunum is then suspended in an organ bath containing oxygenated (95% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide) Tyrode's solution maintained at 37°C by a water jacket surrounding the organ bath through which water at a constant temperature between 36°C and 38°C is circulated. Fresh, pre-heated Tyrode's solution may be admitted to the organ bath from a reservoir and the bath may be drained to waste.
