How do you perform an inhalation for a rat? - briefly
Place the rat in a sealed exposure chamber, connect a calibrated nebulizer delivering the aerosol for the required «inhalation» at 0.5 L/min, and monitor the animal for the prescribed exposure duration. Verify aerosol concentration with a gas monitor, keep the system pre‑warmed, and ensure proper ventilation after the procedure.
How do you perform an inhalation for a rat? - in detail
The inhalation procedure for a laboratory rat requires precise preparation, controlled delivery of the aerosol, and vigilant post‑exposure monitoring.
Essential equipment includes a calibrated vaporizer or nebulizer, an airtight exposure chamber sized for a single animal, a flow meter, a medical‑grade anesthetic agent (e.g., isoflurane or sevoflurane), a scavenging system, and temperature‑controlled bedding. All components must be inspected for leaks and sterilized before use.
Animal preparation involves the following steps:
- Place the rat in a clean holding cage for at least 10 minutes to acclimate.
- Verify health status by checking respiration, fur condition, and weight.
- Apply a brief isoflurane induction (3–4 % in oxygen) using a mask to achieve a surgical plane of anesthesia.
- Transfer the anesthetized rat to the exposure chamber, ensuring the head is positioned to allow unobstructed airflow.
Aerosol delivery proceeds as follows:
- Set the vaporizer to the desired concentration (commonly 1–2 % for short‑term studies).
- Adjust the flow rate to 0.5–1 L/min, maintaining a stable environment within the chamber.
- Initiate the nebulizer, allowing the aerosol to fill the chamber for a pre‑defined exposure period (typically 5–15 minutes).
- Continuously monitor respiratory rate and chamber concentration using the flow meter and a calibrated gas analyzer.
- At the end of exposure, cease aerosol generation and increase fresh air flow to purge residual anesthetic.
Post‑exposure care includes:
- Removing the rat from the chamber and placing it in a recovery cage with warmed bedding.
- Observing for normal breathing, righting reflex, and mobility for at least 30 minutes.
- Documenting exposure parameters, animal response, and any adverse events in the laboratory record.
Adherence to these steps ensures reproducible inhalation exposure while minimizing stress and physiological disturbance in the subject.