Dr. Barry Levine's presentation discussed his research project, which examined the maximum dose that can be administered by gavage to rats without causing aspiration and clinical signs of stress. He presented calculations based on the relationship between the dose volume and the animal's stress response, assessed by measuring plasma corticosterone levels. A number of oral delivery vehicles were tested, such as water, corn oil, and aqueous methylcellulose/Tween, and were assessed for the animal's tolerance of these substances. The volume-response relationship was calculated for the animal's tolerance to each oral vehicle and the animal's stress response. Recommendations for gavage volume limitations for different vehicles were made based on these findings.

To read the full text of Dr. Levine's paper, "Relationship Between Dosing Vehicles, Dose Volume, and Stress," download the PDF.

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