What can be implanted for long-term, continuous infusion of a solution to unrestrained laboratory animals?

What can be implanted for long-term, continuous infusion of a solution to unrestrained laboratory animals?

• A. Diffusion port
• B. Osmotic pump
• C. Vascular port
• D. Sodium gradient pump

Answer: (B)

An implanted osmotic pump provides sustained, controlled drug delivery to unrestrained animals. Placed under the skin, it uses osmotic pressure to push the solution out at a constant rate over days to weeks, so the animal can move freely while receiving a continuous infusion. This setup avoids tethering or frequent handling and yields steady exposure levels, which is ideal for long-term studies of drugs or nutrients. Other options don’t fit this need as neatly: a diffusion port isn’t designed for a controlled, continuous flow; a vascular port offers access to the bloodstream but requires an external system to deliver fluid and isn’t a self-contained infusion device; and a sodium gradient pump isn’t a standard, used device for this purpose.

An implanted osmotic pump provides sustained, controlled drug delivery to unrestrained animals. Placed under the skin, it uses osmotic pressure to push the solution out at a constant rate over days to weeks, so the animal can move freely while receiving a continuous infusion. This setup avoids tethering or frequent handling and yields steady exposure levels, which is ideal for long-term studies of drugs or nutrients.

Other options don’t fit this need as neatly: a diffusion port isn’t designed for a controlled, continuous flow; a vascular port offers access to the bloodstream but requires an external system to deliver fluid and isn’t a self-contained infusion device; and a sodium gradient pump isn’t a standard, used device for this purpose.