How can a rat receive nebulizer inhalation? - briefly
Place the rat in a sealed exposure chamber equipped with a nose‑only or whole‑body interface and run the nebulizer to generate aerosol at a calibrated flow rate, allowing the animal to inhale the mist continuously. Monitor respiratory parameters and adjust concentration to maintain the desired dose.
How can a rat receive nebulizer inhalation? - in detail
Laboratory rats can be administered aerosolized medication through a small‑animal nebulization system. The procedure begins with selecting a suitable nebulizer that produces particles in the 1–5 µm range, ensuring deposition in the lower respiratory tract. A humidified, temperature‑controlled air source feeds the device, and the output is connected to a custom‑designed inhalation chamber or a nose‑only mask.
Equipment preparation
- Nebulizer with adjustable flow rate; verify particle size distribution using a cascade impactor.
- Transparent inhalation chamber (e.g., Plexiglas) with inlet and outlet ports for airflow control.
- Gas‑tight nose‑only mask (size‑matched to rat snout) for individual dosing.
- Flowmeter and pressure regulator to maintain constant air velocity (typically 0.5–1 L/min).
- Anesthetic delivery system (isoflurane vaporizer) if sedation is required.
- Monitoring devices: pulse oximeter, body temperature probe, and video camera for real‑time observation.
Animal handling
- Acclimate the rat to the experimental room for at least 30 min to reduce stress.
- If sedation is needed, induce with isoflurane (2–3 % in oxygen) via a face mask; maintain spontaneous breathing.
- Place the animal in the chamber or secure the nose‑only mask, ensuring the snout is fully enclosed without excessive pressure.
Nebulization protocol
- Load the drug solution into the nebulizer reservoir; typical volumes range from 0.5 to 2 mL, depending on concentration.
- Set the nebulizer to deliver aerosol for a defined period (commonly 5–15 min) to achieve the target dose, calculated on a µg/kg basis.
- Continuously monitor respiratory rate and oxygen saturation; adjust airflow if signs of hypoxia appear.
Post‑exposure care
- Remove the rat from the device while maintaining anesthesia until full recovery of righting reflex.
- Return the animal to a warm recovery cage; observe for at least 30 min, checking for distress, respiratory abnormalities, or skin irritation at mask contact points.
- Clean the nebulizer mouthpiece, mask, and chamber with sterile water followed by an ethanol rinse; allow to dry before the next use.
Safety considerations
- Use a biosafety cabinet or dedicated ventilation to prevent aerosol leakage into the laboratory environment.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, eye protection).
- Verify that the nebulized compound is compatible with the device materials to avoid degradation or contamination.
By following these steps, researchers can reliably deliver inhaled therapy to rats, obtain reproducible dosing, and minimize physiological stress.