This week, as surgeries took place, I assisted in data recording and management of the laboratory.
Data recording: As each rat was determined to be a control or experimental variable, I recorded which rat was for which purpose in a binder where all "Rat Records" are kept. We had twelve new rats this week, so I recorded the timeline for treatment. For example, one rat will be handled and habituated (made adjusted to new environment and trainers) the day after arriving in the vivarium (area for hosting animals). After a few days of handling to get the rat accustomed to human touch, surgery takes place where a data logger (see "Week Two" post below) is placed inside, and then a few days are given for recovery. Finally, the experiment can take place.
Experimentation: Six rats are placed in the thermogradient and left for a long duration of time to accurately measure which temperature they prefer when injected with a medication that alters function of a brain region. There are always control rats who are injected, but not with thermoregulation-altering medication. This serves as a point of comparison. Above the thermogradient is a camera and set of lights so a computer program can track movement of each rat. After the experiment, we count how much defecation each rat left and in which area of the thermogradient (one side is hot, the middle is thermoneutral, and the other side is cold). This allows us to see how the medication alters where the rat moves.
Management of laboratory: I primarily cleaned the thermogradient room, which entails washing the thermogradient with ethanol. A rat has a weak sense of sight, so it relies on its sense of smell. Therefore, we must wash the thermogradient chambers with ethanol to eradicate a previous rat's scent. Additionally, I cleaned the laboratory glassware and utensils with the autoclave.
An autoclave is a pressure chamber that has intensely high temperature and pressure that sterilizes its contents. Imagine a giant oven that you open and put a rack of glassware on and then you shut it, and scalding hot water is poured so steam and vapor can sterilize equipment. Glassware must be washed and dried before being placed in the autoclave, because it must be sealed with aluminum foil and special autoclave tape.
Data recording: As each rat was determined to be a control or experimental variable, I recorded which rat was for which purpose in a binder where all "Rat Records" are kept. We had twelve new rats this week, so I recorded the timeline for treatment. For example, one rat will be handled and habituated (made adjusted to new environment and trainers) the day after arriving in the vivarium (area for hosting animals). After a few days of handling to get the rat accustomed to human touch, surgery takes place where a data logger (see "Week Two" post below) is placed inside, and then a few days are given for recovery. Finally, the experiment can take place.
Experimentation: Six rats are placed in the thermogradient and left for a long duration of time to accurately measure which temperature they prefer when injected with a medication that alters function of a brain region. There are always control rats who are injected, but not with thermoregulation-altering medication. This serves as a point of comparison. Above the thermogradient is a camera and set of lights so a computer program can track movement of each rat. After the experiment, we count how much defecation each rat left and in which area of the thermogradient (one side is hot, the middle is thermoneutral, and the other side is cold). This allows us to see how the medication alters where the rat moves.
Management of laboratory: I primarily cleaned the thermogradient room, which entails washing the thermogradient with ethanol. A rat has a weak sense of sight, so it relies on its sense of smell. Therefore, we must wash the thermogradient chambers with ethanol to eradicate a previous rat's scent. Additionally, I cleaned the laboratory glassware and utensils with the autoclave.
An autoclave is a pressure chamber that has intensely high temperature and pressure that sterilizes its contents. Imagine a giant oven that you open and put a rack of glassware on and then you shut it, and scalding hot water is poured so steam and vapor can sterilize equipment. Glassware must be washed and dried before being placed in the autoclave, because it must be sealed with aluminum foil and special autoclave tape.
Hi Rohini,
ReplyDeleteYour project looks fascinating and I can't wait to see the results!
Just to clarify, are the medicines you inject only altering thermoregulation areas such as the Pre-optic Area and the Bed Nucleus Stria Terminalis, or are you looking at the effects of other brain regions as well?
Also, how do these medicines alter the function of these regions? Do they disable the regions completely or do they do something else?
Thanks, and good luck!
Please read my post "Formulating Topical Medications."
DeleteThe medication affects temperature sensation; however, where the medication is affecting is what we are attempting to determine. We will analyze the effect of the medication on rat behavior and then lesion the rats in the BNST and POA to determine if these areas play a role in hot and cold sensation. Hope this clears things up!
It sounds like you are moving along nicely with your research, Rohini! Once you start lesioning the rats and analyzing the samples, it will be interesting to see what you find. Looking forward to following the experiment!
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