Overview
The hypoxia chambers are designed to regulate the FiO2 of rats and mice at hypoxic levels by mixing room air with compressed nitrogen gas.

Operation
The chambers are designed for three litters of rats or six litters of mice. A computer controlled mixing valve adjusts the rates of flow of air and nitrogen. A compressed nitrogen gas cylinder and an air pump provides the gas sources. Electrodes within the chamber monitor the FiO2. A butterfly valve opens to allow room air in the case of power failure to the air pump. Normally the FiO2 level is 9.5% +/- 1.0. If the FiO2 level drops below 8.5% the chamber is opened to allow rapid increase in O2 levels.

Husbandry
Normally mice and rats are placed in the chamber on P3 and may remain until P35. Prior to weaning at P25 to P27 the pups are housed with their dam. Following weaning pups are housed at no more that 6 per cage. The chamber is opened twice weekly and the cages are changed and water and food. The chambers are checked twice daily during the week and once a day on weekends. A log is kept adjacent the chamber.

Fostering:
In some cases involving transgenic or C57B6 mice, foster mothers (CD1) and their litters are placed in the cages along with the pregnant or transgenic C57B6 mice. Once the Tg or B6 litter is born the foster mother’s pups will gradually be removed so that at 10 days there only remains 2 mothers and 1 litter of pups .After weaning the cage density policy (according to weight) will be followed.

Staff:
Dr. William Stewart and an individual who reports directly to him oversee the operation of the chamber.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE IACUC: 10/15/2003

Return to list of Policies



Last Modified: November 28, 2006

Copyright ©2001 Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee. All rights reserved.
Comments or suggestions to the site editor.