How to conduct experiments on rats? - briefly
Obtain «ethical approval» from the institutional committee, then house rats under controlled temperature, humidity, and light cycles, provide acclimation, and assign subjects to groups using randomization. Conduct procedures with suitable anesthesia, maintain sterile technique, record data systematically, and apply humane euthanasia according to recognized guidelines.
How to conduct experiments on rats? - in detail
Planning any rodent study begins with securing approval from an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. The protocol must describe objectives, species, strain, number of subjects, procedures, and humane endpoints. Documentation of compliance with national and international regulations is mandatory before any animal contact.
Selection of appropriate animals includes specifying strain, sex, age, and weight range. Housing requirements comprise temperature (20‑24 °C), relative humidity (40‑60 %), 12‑hour light/dark cycle, and enrichment items such as nesting material and shelters. Cage density should not exceed recommended limits to prevent stress and aggression.
Acclimatization lasts at least five days, during which animals receive daily handling to reduce fear responses. Gentle restraint and brief exposure to experimental apparatus familiarize subjects with study conditions without inducing undue stress.
Experimental design mandates random assignment of individuals to treatment and control groups. Sample size calculation based on expected effect size and statistical power (≥80 %) prevents under‑ or over‑use of animals. Blinding of personnel who collect outcome data eliminates observer bias.
Procedural details depend on the study type. For surgical interventions, induction with isoflurane (1‑3 % in oxygen) followed by maintenance anesthesia ensures unconsciousness. Analgesia using buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously) provides postoperative pain relief. Behavioral assays—such as open‑field testing, Morris water maze, or operant conditioning—require calibrated equipment, consistent lighting, and standardized test durations.
Continuous monitoring includes daily health checks, body weight measurement, and observation for signs of distress (e.g., piloerection, reduced mobility). Predefined humane endpoints trigger immediate euthanasia via CO₂ inhalation or overdose of pentobarbital, in accordance with AVMA guidelines.
Record‑keeping encompasses raw data files, timestamps, and environmental parameters. Statistical analysis employs appropriate tests (ANOVA, repeated‑measures, non‑parametric alternatives) with significance threshold set at p < 0.05. Final reports must adhere to ARRIVE guidelines, providing transparent description of methodology, results, and limitations.