Rat IV Self-Administration, One Compound

Our infusion swivels, tethers (also known as "leashes"), balance arms and catheters are compatible with a range of operant behavior systems for intravenous self-administration studies. In these systems, a lever press or nose poke will trigger a syringe pump to deliver an IV dose.

Instech's Vascular Access Buttons™ were designed for IVSA studies, replacing the traditional open back mounted pedestals with a system that can be simply and aseptically connected and disconnected when moving the animal in and out of the operant chamber. Animals with VABs™ may be group housed when not on study by using the protective aluminum cap. Patency is excellent because the VAB is closed system and the catheter is subcutaneous; researchers have reported rats with patent catheters after several months and even after a year. Round-tip catheters with insertion lengths based on animal weight will give you the best chance of success.

The responsive MCLA lever arm removes the forces of the tether on the animal, which is critical for these sensitive behavior studies. The design ensures that the tubing loop will not catch on the arm, preventing the swivel  from turning. 

Operant chamber systems are available from the following manufacturers:

• Med Associates, Inc. (components listed are compatible with this system)
• Lafayette Instrument
• Coulbourn Instruments (Harvard Apparatus)
• Panlab SL (Harvard Apparatus)