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Head-Out application of Double-Chamber Plethysmograph

Measurement of standard respiratory parameters tidal volume and respiratory rate, in conscious animals Breathing patterns evaluated Calculation of Time of brake, Time of Pause, Airflow at 0.5VTE Aerosol challenge Applications: - Toxicology - Environmental studies - Long term drug effects

Typical flow diagram

This is a basic non-invasive method for measuring in conscious animals. The guinea-pig (or rat) is placed in a Double-Chamber plethysmograph box. The thoracic respiratory flow is measured in the rear chamber with measurement screens and differential pressure transducer. A neck cuff seals the thorax chamber.
The nasal chamber can be left open by removing the front panel of the nasal box so that the animal breathes free air. The nasal chamber can also be connected to the bias flow venturi-jet tube (requires stable compressed air, we recommend use of the PLUGSYS module PRM 73-0195 in a housing 73-1520 ), and can be equipped with an aerosol nebulizer and oxygen flushing (supply required) for aerosol applications. To reduce the handling of valves and switches the PCU Module 73-1748 and 73-1749 can be used.
The following parameters can be calculated from the measured pressure fluctuations in the thorax chamber:

• Peak Insp. Flow, Peak Exp. Flow, Tidal Volume, Minute Volume, Respiration Rate

Optionally:

• Duration of Inspiration, Duration of Expiration, Apnea Time, Time of brake, Time of pause, Airflow
  at 0.5TV
  

HUGO SACHS ELEKTRONIK-HARVARD APPARATUS GmbH
Gruenstrasse 1 · D-79232 March-Hugstetten · GERMANY
Phone: +49 (0) 76 65 - 92 00-0 · Fax: +49 (0) 76 65 - 92 00-90