[Measurement of the common carotid arterial flow during parabolic flight in the anesthetized rat]

To measure the blood flow of a common carotid artery (CCA) during parabolic flight in the rat, we developed an animal double hold box (ADHB) made of styrene expanded form for the anesthetized rat to keep the animal at a proper posture in an aircaft. Twelve anesthetized rats weighing 291-342 g were surgically operated to mount a ultrasound flowmeter probe (1 mm size,1RS:Transonic Systems Inc.) around the right CCA and to insert a catheter into the right axillar artery for blood pressure measurement. These animals were held comfortably in ADHBs which were placed on the rack installed in the aircraft (MU-300). A total of 27 parabolic flights was performed and the blood flow was measured accurately in 9 rats. This special animal holding facility is useful for various types of animal experiments in an aircraft.