A New Random Positioning Machine Modification Applied for Microgravity Simulation in Laboratory Experiments with Rats

Abstract

The study presents a newly constructed modification of a random positioning machine (RPM) used in 3D-clinostat and in random mode. The main purpose is to provide an RPM animal model that uses up to four experimental animals simultaneously. In order to validate our RPM, the gravity dispersion and its magnitude are compared with the ones of a traditional machine. The results showed no crucial deviations in gravity dispersion and its time-averaged value in all sets of parameters. Furthermore, a posteriori stress tests are conducted on three Wistar male rats groups in order to estimate the level of stress from the setup. The social trait results suggest that the group exposed to our device has no increase in anxiety.