Simultaneous Measurement Of Blood Pressure, Electrocardiogram And Temperature In A Single Mouse Now Possible For Chronic Cardiovascular Applications

Until recently, researchers collecting chronic cardiovascular (CV) data from mice have had to choose between blood pressure (BP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) transmitters; prioritizing the signal of most interest or choosing to implant parallel animal groups to capture both signals. A new device enabling simultaneous collection of BP, ECG, temperature (temp) and locomotor activity in mice eliminates the need for separate groups and allows for a more complete CV assessment in mice. Six male mice (C57BL6/J) were implanted with the HD-X11 (DSI, St. Paul, MN). The transmitter was implanted in the peritoneal cavity to record core body temp and the pressure-sensing catheter was subcutaneously routed to the throat area where an incision was made to access the left carotid artery. Sensing leads were externalized from the peritoneal cavity and placed in a lead II configuration. Chronic data collection over a one-month period demonstrated that the HD-X11 provides a more refined approach to mouse CV studies by eliminating variability associated with collecting from two separate groups of mice. Furthermore, it reduces the number of animals, transmitters and supporting materials used and provides a more complete CV assessment for applications such as heart failure or myocardial infarction. DSI provided all supplies and monitoring equipment required for the study; mice were obtained from Charles River Laboratory.