Akiv,

Interesting dilemma. There are a few considerations to ascertain. Are you planning on an inhalation induction? Do you have 11 friends or colleagues? 

If you are performing this solo, I would recommend constructing an induction box. Plexiglass would be best. 12 compartments with screen dividers or plexiglass with numerous holes. You need an intake connection at one end and a scavenger (outflow on the other. The flow should be calculated so as to have equal inflow and outflow volumes.

By maintaining equal flows (in/out) the agent concentration should be equal throughout the box. Utilize an agent monitor to ensure you are able to accomplish this prior to animal testing. If you have uneven concentrations, you may kill some and inadequately anesthetize others.

Unfourtunately, I don't have plans or a published protocol but if you run multiple concentration tests prior to your study, that should suffice as validity testing of your induction.

Hope this is helpful. Feel free to message me if you would like to "talk it out".

Regards,

Christopher 

Thanks for your recommendation Christopher, I am planning on inhalation induction, so no matter what my solution is I'll need to take into account flow rate calculations. I was hoping that I wouldn't need to put the rats in plexiglass boxes and would be able to get away with the flow going into multiple individual nose cones, since I need their bodies exposed for treatment. I guess I'll be looking to develop a way to simultaneously administer the anesthetic gas to 12 nose cones since I haven't had luck finding similar things that have been used in the past.

http://www.unobv.com/Face%20Masks.html

This might be what you are looking for

Thanks! Quote requested

Do induction in a box. Then, use tracheostomies, use pressure controlled ventilator, connect the tubing in parallel  and separate inhalation and exalation circuits. Do tracheal suctions frequently.

That would definitely be a great option, but unfortunately performing tracheostomies may have additional effects on rat physiology which I would like to avoid, so as many variables are controlled for in the experiment as possible

Sorry, you are writing "the effects on rat physiology"? What do you mean by this?

Tracheostomy is a simple procedure and I have over 100 papers where we used it in the rats. All my microcirculation research was done in tracheostomized rats.

Your concept of simultaneous inhalation anesthesia is strange and needs justification. We performed it (in the below paper) because of some very specific need (simultaneous effects on diaphragm function and to have better controls) . Otherwise you hardly need it. Ever.

The issue is too complex to be explained here. I think you should discuss with your senior colleagues about all of this.

Le Bourdelles G1, Viires N, Boczkowski J, Seta N, Pavlovic D, Aubier M.

Effects of mechanical ventilation on diaphragmatic contractile properties in rats.

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1994 Jun;149(6):1539-44.