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A novel water delivery system for administering volatile chemicals while minimizing chemical waste in rodent toxicity sutdies
Citation:
MCDONALD, T. A., P. Kilough, E. Puckett, D. Best, J. E. SIMMONS, J. G. PRESSMAN, AND M. G. NAROTSKY. A novel water delivery system for administering volatile chemicals while minimizing chemical waste in rodent toxicity sutdies. LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, Memphis, TN, 44(1):66-68, (2010).
Impact/Purpose:
The water-delivery system (the focus of this article) was developed to enhance the quality and consistency of the water sample, and to minimize waste of the sample which was available in limited supply. The multigenerational toxicity study was done to assess the toxicity ofhighly complex environmentally relevant mixtures ofdrinking water disinfection by-products.
Description:
Rodent toxicity studies typically use water bottles to administer test chemicals via drinking water. However, water bottles provide inconsistent exposure of volatile chemicals due to varying headspace, as well as lead to excessive waste of test material. In order to refine drinking water toxicity studies in rodents by enhancing sample quality and consistency, and minimizing waste, we designed and implemented a novel water delivery system that keeps the water chilled, headspace free, and protected from light. Materials used were resistant to chemical interaction. In this gravity-fed system, a 6-L Teflon® water bag, stored in polystyrene cooler on the cage rack, was connected to a stainless steel manifold delivering water to five cages via specialized drinking valves. Due to the absence ofheadspace in the water bag, this system allows consistent exposure of volatile chemicals. In addition, small diameter tubing throughout the system reduces the amount test material residing in the system and minimizes chemical waste.
