Synergism Between Gold and Restraint for Rapid Production of Stress Ulcers in Rats. ∗

Abstract

Discussion and conclusion

This method offers several significant advantages over those described previously. The simplicity of the technique permits an experienced operator to immobilize an animal in approximately 30 to 45 seconds. Only 2 hours are required to produce lesions, offering further saving of time. Apparently this rapid production of lesions represents a synergistic effect of the dual stresses employed. We believe that the mode of restraint also contributes to the improved results obtained. This method obviates additional environmental variables that may be difficult to control, e.g., increased temperature, as with plaster of paris immobilization (5); pain, as with nailing the paws to a board (1); or ingestion of sharp metal fragments, as with wire screen immobilization(3). Furthermore, use of the plastic box permits immobilization in a relatively uniform volume. Bonfils and Lambling, on the basis of studies in a large series of animals, described a linear inverse relationship between incidence of lesions and restraint volume(6). It was our experience that when restraint volume was decreased below a critical point, mortality rates rose sharply; furthermore, it was difficult to identify this critical point. The technique described here rarely results in death of the rat.