Avertin (2, 2, 2-Tribromoethanol)

This is prepared as a 1.2% solution and used in mice at a dosage rate of 0.2 ml/10
grams body weight which approximates 240 mg/kg. This compound is subject to photo
degradation and should be stored at 4°C in the dark, or prepared fresh before use.
• Avertin Stock solution:
25 grams avertin (2, 2, 2-Tribromoethanol) [Sigma-Aldrich, #T4,840-2]
15. 5 ml tert-Amyl Alcohol (2-methyl-2-butanol) [Fisher, #A730-1]
Mix ~12 hours in a dark bottle at room temperature. [1600 mg/ml]
• Working solution:
0.5 ml Avertin stock
39.5 ml 0.9% saline (NaCl)
Mix in dark container. Filter sterilize and store at 4°C. [20 mg/ml]
• Dosages:
Embryo transfers 0.45 to 0.55 ml IP
Biopsies/Milking 0.5 to 1.0 ml IP
Sacrifices ~1.0 ml IP
•It will take the animal ~5 minutes to become fully anesthetized.
An additional 0.1 to 0.2 ml of Avertin can be given as necessary.
The animal will remain anesthetized for ~20 minutes.
• References:
Papaioannou VE, Fox JG. Efficacy of tribromoethanol anesthesia in mice.Lab Anim Sci
1993 Apr;43(2):189-92
Reid WC, Carmichael KP, Srinivas S, Bryant JL. Pathologic changes associated with
use of tribromoethanol (avertin) in the Sprague Dawley rat. Lab Anim Sci 1999
Dec;49(6):665-7
Zeller W, Meier G, Burki K, Panoussis B Adverse effects of tribromoethanol as used in
the production of transgenic mice.Lab Anim 1998 Oct;32(4):407-13