fig5

Figure 5. Nose and mouth EBC collection system v2.0 for restrained individual animals. The system designed and described here includes additional devices that enable air flow and direct collection of EBC from the nose and mouth of restrained mice. The system is composed of: (A) an air pump controlling airflow (2.0 mL/min) from an air tank transported by 1/4 inch tubes; (B) an airflow valve to maintain air directionality and sterility; (C) an exhaled chamber that is tightly connected with gaskets; to the (D) mouse immobilization chamber where the animal is restrained and through 1/4 inch tubes; towards (E) a glass condenser sealed on both ends by caps and sitting on ice for the accumulation of EBC droplets; which is connected to (E). a second air pump set up in vacuum mode to enhance air circulation through the entire system (i.e., set at 0.2 mL/min). This system allows for individual collection of ~29 µL EBC from restrained mice within 2 h.