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A metabolic cage for the hindlimb suspended ratHindlimb suspension has been successfully used to simulate the effects of microgravity in rats. The cage and suspension system developed by E. R. Holton is designed to produce a headward shift of fluid and unload the hindlimbs in rodents, causing changes in bone and muscle similar to those in animals and humans exposed to spaceflight. While the Holton suspension system simulates many of the conditions observed in the spaceflight animal, it does not provide for the collection of urine and feces needed to monitor some metabolic activities. As a result, only limited information has been gathered on the nutritional status, and the gastrointestinal and renal function of animals using that model. Although commercial metabolic cages are available, they are usually cylindrical and require a centrally located suspension system and thus, do not readily permit movement of the rats. The limited floor space of commercial cages may affect comparisons with studies using the Holton model which has more than twice the living space of most commercially available cages. To take advantage of the extra living space and extensive data base that has been developed with the Holton model, Holton's cage was modified to make urine and fecal collections possible.
Document ID
19950004416
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Evans, J.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Mulenburg, G. M.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Harper, J. S.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Skundberg, T. L.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Navidi, M.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Arnaud, S. B.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1994
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-108830
NAS 1.15:108830
A-94094
Accession Number
95N10828
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 199-26-12-02
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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