Lab animals typically become stressed when they are transported, and the physiological effects of this stress may influence experimental outcomes. Hwang et al. investigated indicators of stress in mice that were transported by truck for several hours. Transportation affected serum corticosterone concentrations, chaperone protein expression and concentrations of serological enzymes associated with liver disease. See
page 121
To obtain reproducible X-ray images for cephalometric studies, radiographers must use a head-holding device to maintain their subjects in a constant, stable position. de Oliveira et al. describe a positioning device they designed for dorsoventral radiography of rats used in dental research. The device, which connects to a standard dental X-ray machine, enabled researchers to repeatedly position rats for radiographic imaging and to produce a clear and consistent view of the target area. See
page 127
