How to make an inhaler for a rat? - briefly
Use a miniature glass or plastic tube attached to a calibrated nebulizer, load a precise volume of aerosolized drug, and fasten the assembly to the rat’s snout with a soft cuff; set the flow rate to about 0.5 L/min and expose the animal for 3–5 minutes to deliver the intended dose.
How to make an inhaler for a rat? - in detail
To construct a functional inhalation apparatus for a laboratory rat, follow these stages:
Materials
- Small‑bore polyethylene or silicone tubing (inner diameter 1–2 mm, length 15 cm)
- Glass or plastic aerosol reservoir (capacity 10–20 ml)
- Precision syringe (1 ml) with Luer‑lock tip
- Adjustable flow regulator (e.g., miniature needle valve)
- Flexible nose‑cone adapter (custom‑molded or commercially available for rodents)
- Adhesive silicone sealant
- Small clamps or zip ties
- Sterile distilled water or appropriate drug solution
- Disposable filter (0.22 µm) for aerosol sterilization
Assembly
- Connect the reservoir to the tubing using the Luer‑lock connector; ensure a leak‑free joint with silicone sealant.
- Attach the flow regulator between the reservoir and the tubing to control aerosol velocity.
- Fit the nose‑cone adapter to the distal end of the tubing; verify that the inner diameter matches the rat’s nostril size to prevent obstruction.
- Secure all connections with clamps or zip ties to maintain stability during experiments.
- Install the disposable filter downstream of the regulator, immediately before the nose‑cone, to eliminate particulates.
Preparation of Aerosol
- Fill the syringe with the desired concentration of the test solution.
- Expel the liquid into the reservoir, then seal the reservoir with its cap.
- Activate the flow regulator to generate a fine mist; adjust until droplet size falls within 1–5 µm, suitable for pulmonary deposition in rodents.
- Verify aerosol generation by visual inspection or using a particle sizer if available.
Animal Handling
- Anesthetize the rat according to institutional protocols to minimize stress and movement.
- Position the animal supine on a warmed platform; gently align the nose‑cone with the nostrils.
- Secure the head with a soft strap if necessary to maintain contact.
- Initiate aerosol flow for a predetermined duration (commonly 5–10 minutes), monitoring respiration and ensuring no leakage.
Post‑procedure Cleanup
- Disassemble the device, discard the filter, and flush tubing with sterile saline.
- Sterilize the reservoir and tubing by autoclaving or soaking in 70 % ethanol for at least 30 minutes.
- Inspect all components for wear; replace any damaged parts before subsequent use.
Safety and Compliance
- Conduct all steps within a certified biosafety cabinet.
- Record flow rates, aerosol concentration, and exposure time in a lab notebook.
- Follow institutional animal care guidelines and obtain necessary approvals before experimentation.