Comprehensive cage monitoring system

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Columbus Instruments Comprehensive Cage Monitoring SystemThe Columbus Instruments Comprehensive Cage Monitoring System provides simultaneous measurements of CO2 production, O2 uptake, food and water intake, locomotor activity, and circadian patterns in unrestrained animals.

Simultaneous measurements of the major parameters affecting whole body metabolism enable a more complete assessment of energy balance and behavior in each mouse.

Measurements are generally performed over a period of a few days and can be combined with compound administration before, during, and after testing to determine acute and chronic effects of the compound.

Standard protocol

Columbus Instrument’s CCMS diagnostic instrument has 8 individual mouse chambers that are directly linked to a Windows 2000 computer to integrate data recordings from multiple parameters.  An O2 and CO2 analysis system is attached to each of 8 chambers.  In addition, each chamber has individual Mettler Toledo Scales and drinking tubes.  Infrared beams monitor movement in X,Y, and Z directions, recording both rearing and ambulatory behaviors.

CCMS is calibrated using a tank containing 0.5% CO2 and 20.5% O2 balanced with N2. Water lines and volumetric tubes are flushed to remove any air bubbles prior to run.  CCMS is equipped with an equal flow air supply regulator and an expansion interface circulation pump to tightly regulate the mouse’s environment. 

Mice are weighed immediately prior to placement into the test chamber.  The lid is replaced and a previously determined quantity of ground food (6 grams per 24 hour experimental run time) is added.  Scales containing food are tared and temperature and humidity in test room are logged at the beginning and throughout the experiment. 

A typical experimental run lasts from 24 to 48 hours.  Throughout the run, data is collected using numerous experimental parameters: a CO2 sensor, O2 sensor, volumetric drinking monitor, and infrared beams to monitor ambulation.  Clinical observations are recorded twice daily.  At the completion of the run, the mouse is weighed and returned to its home cage. 

Output data is expressed as mass of food consumed (resolution 0.1 grams), volume of liquid consumed (resolution 0.02 mL).  Basic open circuit metabolic data is provided by Oxymax and calculates volume of oxygen consumed and volume of carbon dioxide generated expressed in mL/(mass)(time) and Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) expressed as Volume of CO2/Volume of O2.  Heat can also be calculated from gas exchange data expressed as Kcal/(mass)/(time). 

Activity in XYZ directions is monitored by analyzing disruption of infrared beams.  This data is formatted as total activity counts and total ambulatory counts (defined as two consecutive beam breaks).  Finally, data can be presented as real time analysis or tabular data.

Customized options

  • Feeding specialized diets
  • Longer test durations
  • Measurements before and after compound administration
  • Modified light/dark cycle
  • Modified room temperature

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