Abstract
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 ±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 economicals 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.
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In conducting this research, investigators adhered to the “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals,” DHEW Publication No. (NIH) 73-23, as prepared by the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, National Research Council.
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Pryzbylik, A.T., Martin, G.E. & Spector, N.H. A method for the continuous measurement of core temperature in small animals. Ann Biomed Eng 5, 122–129 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02364012
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02364012