Restraining System for Plethysmography in Small Animals

摘要

A restraining technique for immobilizing awake guinea pigs and rats during physiological measurements is described. The basic device consists of an adjustable acrylic holder that supports the animal in a standing position while restricting movement of the four legs. The holder alone is adequate for a guinea pig, but the rat requires additional restriction. A special jacket was designed for the rat and used in conjunction with the holder. The restrainer was developed to prevent catheter destruction, reduce movement artifacts during measurement, and to simplify animal handling. The items are inexpensive and easy to build. The method of restraint was evaluated in both species for its effect on colonic temperature (Tco1). Restraint caused a significant increase in Tcol in rats at 31 deg C but did not affect it at 13 deg C or 22 deg C. Guinea pigs showed a significant decrease in Tcol with restraint at 13 deg C but were unaffected at 22 deg C and 31 deg C. (Copyright (c) 1987 by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.)