A Method for the Continuous Measurement of Core Temperature in Small Animals.

摘要

A thermistor probe was developed for implantation with the peritoneum in the rat for the continuous measurement of core temperature. The implanted probe was exteriorized via a miniature connector mounted on the calvaria and attached via a spring cable to a commercial slip-ring assembly which allowed complete freedom of movement for the animal in a behavioral chamber as its body temperature was measured. In this fashion, artifact-free temperature records were obtained with an accuracy of + or - 0.1 C for a continuous period as long as 8 weeks. Compared with telemetric devices, this direct method provided a less complex measurement system which is more economical and is well-suited to short-term behavioral-physiological experiments. This system has been utilized successfully in experiments involving the peripheral and intracranial administration of drugs and in studies of fever. (Author)