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Rodent Biocompatibility Test Using the NASA Foodbar and Epoxy EP21LVEpoxy has been used successfully to affix NASA foodbars to the inner walls of the Animal Enclosure Module for past space flight experiments utilizing rodents. The epoxy used on past missions was discontinued, making it necessary to identify a new epoxy for use on the STS-108 and STS-107 missions. This experiment was designed to test the basic biocompatibility of epoxy EP21LV with male rats (Sprague Dawley) and mice (Swiss Webster) when applied to NASA foodbars. For each species, the test was conducted with a control group fed untreated foodbars and an experimental group fed foodbars applied with EP21LV. For each species, there were no group differences in animal health and no statistical differences (P<0.05) in body weights throughout the study. In mice, there was a 16% increase in heart weight in the epoxy group; this result was not found in rats. For both species, there were no statistical differences found in other organ weights measured. In rats, blood glucose levels were 15% higher and both total protein and globulin were 10% lower in the epoxy group. Statistical differences in these parameters were not found in mice. For both species, no statistical differences were found in other blood parameters tested. Food consumption was not different in rats but water consumption was significantly decreased 10 to 15% in the epoxy group. The difference in water consumption is likely due to an increased water content of the epoxy-treated foodbars. Finally, both species avoided consumption of the epoxy material. Based on the global analysis of the results, the few parameters found to be statistically different do not appear to be a physiologically relevant effect of the epoxy material, We conclude that the EP21LV epoxy is biocompatible with rodents.
Document ID
20020074611
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Tillman, J.
(Lockheed Martin Corp. Moffett Field, CA United States)
Steele, M.
(Lockheed Martin Corp. Moffett Field, CA United States)
Dumars, P.
(Lockheed Martin Corp. Moffett Field, CA United States)
Vasques, M.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Girten, B.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Sun, S.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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