Investigating E. coli-Induced Mammary Gland Infection in Rat Models

Six pregnant rats of the same age were raised in plastic cages at a constant humidity and temperature, with adlib access to feed and water until delivery. Rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups, namely rat mastitis group (n = 3 challenged with E. coli) and a control group (n = 2 receiving PBS into the gland. The E. coli suspension, containing 2 x 105 CFU/ml or PBS (control group) was inoculated into the L4 and R4 abdominal mammary glands 72 h after parturition. Clinical signs such as appetite and mental state were observed and recorded from 0 h to 24 h. The rats were euthanized by cervical dislocation. The mammary glands were aseptically collected in RNA later & stored at -200C.