Rat Aorta - simple question - (Aug/30/2012 )

I want to examine the contraction of rat aorta using a tissue bath system in the presence of specific drugs. My question is how long (days or hrs) before the rat aorta becomes unresponsive to drugs and becomes unuseable for experimentation? I found several sites that can overnight ship the rat aorta with ice packs. Or do I need to go through the hassle of euthinization and dissection?

thank you

I know about Pig coronory you can keep it alive for 3-4 days. for rat you check it, it may be 2-3 days. usually store at 4 degree. Any ways once its outside it continuously decreases its activity. I think you have to go through euthinization and dissection every 2-3 days. I guess more BMR animals may be reasonable reason rat aorta must be dying soon.I don't recommend it for sure you have to standardize protocol or search more.