Thymectomy in neonatal rodents is an established and reliable procedure for immunological
studies. However, in adult rats, complications of hemorrhage and pneumothorax from
pleural disruption can result in a significant mortality rate. This protocol is a simple method of
rat thymectomy that utilizes a mini-sternotomy and endotracheal intubation. Intubation is
accomplished with a non-invasive and easily reproducible method and allows for positive
pressure ventilation to prevent pneumothorax and a controlled airway that allows sufficient …