Methods

Telemetric measurements

At Novo Nordisk we have a telemetry laboratory at our disposal where we can measure heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and activity level of different animals, primarily rats and mice. Changes in these parameters can be used to evaluate the impact of housing conditions or various procedures on the animals. Changes in heart rate or blood pressure, especially when the animals are resting, indicate very clearly that the animal is to some extent stressed by the conditions it is exposed to.

 

 

 

Preference test

At the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University we can perform preference tests for mice and rats where the animals are given a choice between two cages. These cages are placed on a digital weight and the weight of each individual cage is automatically recorded; afterwards it can be calculated where the animal is staying. In this way the impact of different housing conditions on the animals´ choice can be tested.

 

 

 

Behavioural tests

At the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University we can perform a wide variety of behavioural tests. At the moment Open Field test, Elevated Plus Maze and Morris Water Maze for mice as well as rats are available to us. The tests can be carried out in a separate room, and we have software, Ethovision from Noldus, for automatic analysis of the different tests. 

 

Allergen measurements

We have equipment and methods for collecting allergens from the room air in animal facilities or under different housing conditions, and subsequently these allergen samples can be analyzed for the volume of allergens. It is possible to quantify allergens from mice and rats, respectively. The allergen samples are analyzed by means of a standardized ELISA-test with specific antigens for Mus m1 and Rat n1.