RRSSC – Module C: Radio Telemetry in Small Rodents

Radio-telemetry is a low postsurgical stress method to measure physiological parameters such as heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure (BP), ventricular pressures (LVP and RVP) blood flow, acceleration and body temperature in freely moving laboratory animals. The telemetric unit is placed under anaesthesia in the peritoneal cavity or subcutaneously in the animal. Various sensors and or electrodes, e.g. ECG, EMG, BP, blood flow, blood glucose, body temperature connect to the unit. The device sends a frequency-modulated signal to the receiver that, depending on the system, can be placed underneath the animal’s cage, in the holding room or the animal holding facility in the case of free-living larger animals. Through a data acquisition system, the raw data are converted and stored in the computer. Radiotelemetry data are very reliable. There is no influence of anaesthetics, handling or restrain. Some people even dare to say that telemetry is the “Truth”. It indeed is an excellent form of refinement, but only if the surgical implantation is optimal.

If appropriate for you this can include;