Apparatus for hosting animal organisms in a controlled and reversible hypothermic and hypometabolic condition

The device accommodates small rodents, making it possible to modulate the ambient temperature along with other parameters such as brightness; it also makes it possible to devise customised thermal adaptation protocols and thus accelerate and optimize experimental activity. Thanks to this system, torpor can be induced in the animal, so that experiments based on hibernation can be carried out.

How does it work?

The device allows laboratory experiments to be carried out on small animals, such as mice, rodents, which are normally hosted in large colonies or in enclosures together with other animals.

This system can accommodate an animal under controlled conditions, such as temperature, by putting them into a state of torpor – hibernation that can facilitate some lines of research. The same device can also be used on pets that have special needs, such as hibernation.

Applications

• Experiments on animals in hibernation or under hypothermic conditions;
• Use also for pets with special environmental needs (e.g. hibernation).

Advantages

• It allows the study of hibernating animals alone, without having to change the temperature of an entire enclosure or colony;
• It has a light and temperature control system;
• Transportability: it can be battery-powered to allow it to be transferred and/or for use outside the laboratory.