A MULTICHANNEL SAMPLING SYSTEM FOR FREELY MOVING ANIMALS

一种名为样品采集转盘(SCT)的计算机控制装置已经开发出来并获得了专利。它允许通过系绳的方式与动物建立多个流体和电气连接，同时允许动物完全自由移动。SCT可与多种笼型环境兼容。它结合了一种独特的基于线圈的采集和存储样本的方法，一个使用红外光束二维阵列的动物活动监测器，以及用于控制辅助设备的可编程继电器。在拴系动物和非拴系动物之间的比较表明，在SCT中拴系并不代表对实验室大鼠的显著应激源。由于它本身不会产生压力，该设备可以用于长期监测应激敏感反应(如激素和神经递质系统)，使其适合于行为、生理和药理学研究。在第二阶段，计划增加新的功能，如自动采血设备以及电生理学、活体快速扫描伏安法和生理监测系统。SCT将作为研究抑郁症动物模型和抗抑郁剂作用机制的一种手段进行测试。拟在神经科学、生理学、药理学和行为科学方面进行商业应用学术研究；新药研发；食品和药品检测。

A computer-controlled device, called the sample collection turntable (SCT), has been developed and patented. It permits multiple fluid and electrical connections to be made to the animal by way of a tether while, at the same time, allowing the animal full freedom of movement. The SCT is compatible with a wide variety of cage environments. It incorporates a unique coil-based method for collecting and storing samples, an animal activity monitor using a two-dimensional array of infrared beams, and programmable relays for control of accessory equipment. Comparisons between tethered and untethered animals indicate that tethering in the SCT does not represent a significant stressor to laboratory rats. Because it is not itself stressful, the device can be used to monitor stress-sensitive responses (e.g. hormones and neurotransmitter systems) for prolonged periods, making it suitable for behavioral, physiological and pharmacological studies. In Phase II, it is planned to add new capabilities such as an automated device for blood-collection as well as systems for electrophysiology, in vivo fast-scan voltammetry and physiological monitoring. The SCT will be tested as a means of studying animal models of depression and the mechanism of action of antidepressants. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION Academic research in Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology and Behavioral Sciences; R and D of new drugs; testing of foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals.