[A simple apparatus for controllable drinking without leaks for laboratory rats].

Area of Science:

• Laboratory animal science
• Biomedical engineering
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Accurate fluid delivery is crucial in laboratory animal research.
• Existing methods for watering laboratory rats may lack precision for drug administration.
• The need for simple, cost-effective solutions in animal research settings.

Purpose:

• To describe the design and construction of a simple, low-cost watering device for laboratory rats.
• To demonstrate the utility of the device for precise administration of water-soluble drugs.
• To provide a practical tool for researchers working with rodent models.

Summary:

• A straightforward watering system for laboratory rats was engineered using commercially available DURAN 50 glass tubing (8 mm, 6 mm, and 3 mm outer diameters).
• The glass tubes were fused at their tips, and the drinking tube assembly was secured to a rubber stopper atop a 250 ml polyethylene bottle.
• This configuration facilitates the accurate delivery of water-soluble drugs to rats, enhancing experimental control.

Impact:

• Enables more precise dosing of water-soluble compounds in rodent studies.
• Offers a cost-effective and easily reproducible method for animal hydration and drug delivery.
• Supports advancements in preclinical research by improving the reliability of experimental procedures involving rats.