[The suspension device for hindlimb unloading in the rat--results of a video monitoring study].

Several physiological modifications reported in rats after spaceflight have been shown to be mimicked by an experimental procedure which permits skeletal unloading of the animal. Therefore, the model of hindlimb suspension is used by many authors interested in spaceflight and in hypokinesia studies. The aim of our work was to describe this model and propose a new device for headdown suspension and hindlimb unloading purposes. Using a video monitoring system, we observed that animals adapt to their new situation. Indeed, we have verified that the apparatus allows most of animals' functions. The growth curve which was not significantly modified, confirmed the present observations showing that rat feeding activity seems to not be altered. The rat is also able to move in the cage, to rest and sleep, to groom. Moreover, most of problems encountered during previous experiments have been understood and a new device with the same principles, but protected against disfunction, is proposed.