Whole body hyperthermia (41-42 °C): A simple technique for unanesthetized mice

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Abstract
A technique for accomplishing 41.degree.-42.degree. C whole body hyperthermia (WBH) in unrestrained, unanesthetized mice using a simple apparatus is reported. This method combines a radiant heat technology with monitoring of individual rectal temperatures at 10 min intervals. In 66 heating sessions, involving 116 AKR mice and a total of 619 WBH treatments, the mortality rate was < 1%. Treatment at 41.degree.-42.degree. C for periods of up to 120 min were accomplished. Relationships of several variables of mouse temperature-time profiles were studied including initial core temperature, rate of heating, whole body irradiation and the presence of tumor (transplanted AKR leukemia). Sham treatments produce a consistent temperature-time profile showing about a 1.degree. C rise. Between-mouse variability, as well as between-treatment variability in individual animals was estimated. Thermal mapping of the device demonstrates a range from 32.degree.-38.degree. C of the air temperature in the zone with the mice to a high of 47.degree. C near to the radiant heating surface at the top of the apparatus.