A MULTICHANNEL SAMPLING SYSTEM FOR FREELY MOVING ANIMALS

一种被称为样品收集转盘（SCT）的计算机控制设备已经开发出来并获得了专利。它可以通过系绳与动物进行多种流体和电气连接，同时允许动物完全自由地活动。SCT与各种笼型环境兼容。它结合了一种独特的基于线圈的方法来收集和储存样本，一个使用二维红外光束阵列的动物活动监视器，以及用于控制附属设备的可编程继电器。拴系动物和未拴系动物之间的比较表明，SCT中的拴系并不代表实验室大鼠的显著应激源。因为它本身没有压力，所以该设备可以用于长时间监测压力敏感反应（例如激素和神经递质系统），使其适合行为，生理和药理学研究。在第二阶段，计划增加新的功能，如自动采血装置以及电生理系统，体内快速扫描伏安法和生理监测。SCT将作为研究抑郁症动物模型和抗抑郁药作用机制的一种手段进行测试。在神经科学、生理学、药理学和行为科学方面的学术研究；新药研发；食品和药品的检验。

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.