Laboratory Animals > Laboratory Animals Online First > 10.1258/la.2009.009066

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Short Report

A novel water delivery system for administering volatile chemicals while minimizing chemical waste in rodent toxicity studies

A McDonald ¹, P Killough ², E Puckett ², D S Best ³, J E Simmons ¹, J G Pressman ⁴ and M G Narotsky ³ 

¹ Integrated Systems Toxicology Division; ² Animal Resources and Research Services Team; ³ Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, ORD, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; ⁴ Water Supply and Water Resources Division, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, ORD, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA

Corresponding author: M G Narotsky, Reproductive Toxicology Facility (MD-67), US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA. Email: narotsky.michael{at}epa.gov

Rodent toxicity studies typically use water bottles to administer test chemicals via drinking water. However, water bottles provide inconsistent exposure of volatile chemicals due to varying headspace, and lead to excessive waste of test material. To refine drinking water toxicity studies in rodents by enhancing sample quality and consistency, and minimizing waste, we designed and implemented a novel water delivery system that keeps the water chilled, headspace free and protected from light. Materials used were resistant to chemical interaction. In this gravity-fed system, a 6-L Teflon^® water bag, stored in a polystyrene cooler on the cage rack, was connected to a stainless steel manifold delivering water to five cages via specialized drinking valves. Due to the absence of headspace in the water bag, this system allows consistent exposure of volatile chemicals. In addition, small diameter tubing throughout the system reduces the amount of test material residing in the system and minimizes chemical waste.

Key Words: Rodent toxicology • drinking water • refinement • headspace • waste reduction

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