MARSUPIAL BIOMODULE EVALUATION STUDY.
Abstract
Experiments were conducted involving the maintenance of opossum Didelphys virginiana postpartum embryos in an artificial marsupium (laboratory biomodule) during the period that they normally remain attached to the maternal teats. Areas investigated were laboratory biomodule life-support cells simulating the pouch environment; diet formulation and analysis of opossum milk; development of artificial nipples and nutrient dispensing systems, histology studies of the embryo attachment to the maternal teat; methods of monitoring physiological parameters by nonattached sensors; and the feasibility of a field-sequential television camera system to produce color photographs of small animals, such as opossum embryos, of a quality that would assist in remotely monitoring their development. Several laboratory biomodule configurations and nutrient dispensing systems, in combination with many nutrient formulations and nipple assemblies, were used to maintain the embryos studied in this program in the biomodules. Their mean survival time was approximately 67 hours, and the longest survival time being approximately 19 days. Limited testing demonstrated the capability to monitor respiration rate and gross body motion with nonattached sensors. A television camera system produced good-quality color photographs of immature rats. A specification for a field-sequential television camera system, suitable for use in a spacecraft, was prepared. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0647844
Entities
People
- P. R. Baker