ARTIFICIAL ATMOSPHERES IN SEALED ENVIRONMENTS
Abstract
Part I of the report deals with the design, construction, and testing of a facility used to investigate the effect of exposing small animals to abnormal gaseous environments for relatively long periods of time. This facility consisted of two 1000-liter plexiglass chambers which were designed to be completely closed, with provision for handling the animals and replenishing their food and water via glove ports without altering their gaseous environment. Part II studies the reaction of young, white rats to an atmosphere almost free of N but with the same partial pressure of O in their lungs as the control animals breathing air. This was achieved by keeping the experimental animals in almost pure O2 at a reduced pressure. There were 2 experimental variables, the lack of N and the decreased total pressure. A successful experiment lasting 24 days was completed. This period was preceded and followed by several days of observation with both experimental and control animals in the same environment. No effect of the N-free environment was observed. The experimental rats gained weight, ate, drank, and consumed O2 at the same rate. A decrease in their rate of urine production was attributed to the increased rate of evaporation at the lower pressure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0287137
Entities
People
- Edwin P. Hiatt
- Fred A. Hitchcock
- John H. Dines
Organizations
- Ohio State University