APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EXPOSING LABORATORY ANIMALS TO A TEST SUBSTANCE

摘要

An apparatus is designed for exposing laboratory animals to a test substance. The apparatus includes a tank defining a common mixing chamber (2). Animal holders (8) are connected to the tank to be in fluid communication with the mixing chamber (2). Each animal holder (8) is designed to accommodate a laboratory animal such that the laboratory animal is able to inhale from and exhale into the mixing chamber (2). The apparatus further includes an injector (7) which is arranged to inject the test substance into the mixing chamber (2), and means (13) for selectively removing at least part of one or more compounds generated by the exhalation of the laboratory animals into the mixing chamber (2). In operation, a breathable gas is admitted into the mixing chamber (2), and the injector (7) is operated to inject the test substance into the breathable gas in the mixing chamber (2), whereby the laboratory animals are simultaneously exposed to the test substance for inhalation. The provision of the selective removal means (13) allow for an acceptable atmosphere to be sustained within the mixing chamber, even with no or low gas exchange rate during the exposure procedure.