AJP - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, Vol 258, Issue 6 1512-R1515, Copyright © 1990 by American Physiological Society
An improved method for recording blood pressure in the tethered monkey
M. I. Talan and B. T. Engel
Laboratory of Behavioral Sciences, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland 21224.
Existing tethering systems intended for continuous recording of blood
pressure incur two major problems: 1) vertical movements of the animal in
the cage produce a significant error in measured pressure introduced by the
change in distance between the pressure transducer and the highest point of
the infusion system and 2) the necessity for repeated zero adjustment of
the pressure transducer requires sedation of the animal and disconnection
of the catheter. Continuous infusion and a one-way valve in the infusion
line in proximity to the pressure transducer will eliminate the error of
measurement related to vertical movement of the animal. A remotely
controlled, two-way solenoid valve can close the catheter line and open the
pressure transducer to atmospheric pressure, thereby permitting repeated
zero adjustment without sedation of the animal and disconnection of the
catheter. Eliminating the need to disconnect the catheter will
significantly reduce the risk of adventitious infection.
