Development of a modified system of tail suspension of the rat as a model of osteopenia

• Grant number: 09/06568-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2009
• End date: August 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: José Batista Volpon
• Grantee: Maurício José Falcai
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: the technique of the rat tail suspension has been used to simulate the effects of hypoactivity and microgravity, but the ordinary method that applies tail suspension through skin traction can be applied up to three weeks, thus limiting the duration of the observation time for longer periods. Objective: to propose and to evaluate a tail suspension system that uses skeletal traction that, theoretically, would permit longer periods of observation. Material and Methods: Young-adult female Wistar rats will randomly be allocate in three groups: Group I - Tail suspension with a skeletal traction system; Group p II - Tail suspension with a skin traction system; Group III: control. Period of observation: six weeks. The animals will be evaluated clinically to identify possible complications of the suspension system and the animal tolerance will be evaluated by its behavior, weight variation, feeding and signs of stress conditions such as porphyrin deposit around the eyes and nose. After being killed, blood sample will be collected and dosage of plasmatic cortisol will be made (stress indicator) and a necropsy will be done to study the conditions of the stomach, esophagus and cardia and weight of timus and adrenal glands. The efficiency of the method in terms of hypoactivity will be evaluated by mechanical testings, bone densitrometry and histomorphometry permoed in the umeri and femurs.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

FALCAI, Maurício José. Development of a modified system of tail suspension of the rat as a model of osteopenia.. 2011. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC) Ribeirão Preto.