Protocol for continuous intravenous drug delivery with implantable iPrecio pump in free-moving rats and mice

Variable-rate delivery of intravenous drugs is difficult to achieve with a tethered infusion system in a freely moving animal. Here, we present a protocol for continuous intravenous delivery of oxytocin in pregnant rats and mice. We describe steps for using an implantable, preprogrammed, microprocessor-controlled infusion pump connected to the jugular vein to induce labor. This protocol can be adapted to a variety of experimental paradigms in non-pregnant animals where precise intravenous pharmacological manipulation is desired. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Giri et al.¹²