New Telemetry Research system for small animal studies

ADInstruments, in partnership with Telemetry Research Ltd. (TR), has released a new complete research system for wireless acquisition of physiological signals in small laboratory animals (particularly rats). The new wireless recording solution includes a PowerLab 35 series data acquisition unit, LabChart Pro software, SmartPad, and Configurator.  New TR wireless implantable telemeters (previously known as transmitters) are available for purchase separately.

Ideal for chronic studies of:

• EEG
• EOG
• ECG
• EMG
• Intravascular pressure
• Intralumenal pressure

New Telemetry Small Animal Foundation System

This world-leading research system is suited for use with small conscious animals weighing ≥ 200 g (ideal for rats). It includes the software and hardware required to record pressure, biopotential or body temperature signals from untethered small animal subjects.

Please note that due to the diversity of telemeters (previously transmitters), they are not included with systems. Telemeters appropriate to your study and subjects can be selected (number, type and size) and purchased separately. If you already use an ADInstruments TR System, new components are compatible with previous model systems (and components). New components and accessories can be purchased separately.

Features and benefits include:

• High telemeter sampling rates for accurate signal recording
• Wirelessly rechargeable telemeter battery for ease of use
• Transmission range of up to 5 meters
• Efficient housing: up to 16 independent transmission frequencies eliminate the need for barriers or animals isolation (animals can be housed side-by-side in non-conductive enclosures)
• Receiver and charger in one device (SmartPad) reduces number of devices required for experiments
• SmartPad automatically recognizes all telemeter types

PL3516B109 Telemetry Small Animal Foundation System

In combination with suitable telemeters (purchased separately), a variety of signals can be recorded using this system.

A Telemetry SmartPad receives data and provides charging to the telemeters, while Telemetry Configurator is used to configure and control the telemeter/s and SmartPad/s before recording. Each telemeter sends data on a separate frequency, allowing animals to be housed without shielding.

For multiple simultaneous recordings, an additional Telemetry SmartPad is required for each additional telemeter. With additional hardware, up to 16 small animals can be monitored simultaneously.

Included with the system is LabChart Pro, which includes LabChart software, all LabChart Modules and five years of free upgrades.

Analysis modules that may be useful for telemetry studies include Blood Pressure, Circadian Analysis, ECG Analysis, HRV, Peak Analysis, PV Loop, Spike Histogram and Video Capture.

System components:

Accessories and consumables

You can purchase accessory and consumable kits directly from ADInstruments.  Kits contain the surgical instruments and components required to perform surgery and implant telemeters in small animals.  Please contact your ADInstruments representative for more information.

Application notes

While traditional tethered systems limit the recording environment, the use of wireless technology enhances monitoring capabilities by allowing users to record and transfer information from a remote system to PowerLab and LabChart software. The new telemetry system facilitates stress-free, long-term wireless monitoring/recordings in free-roaming conscious animals.

Telemetry limits interference with an animal's normal behavior, allowing:

• Stress-free subjects
• Monitoring of conscious and free-roaming animals
• Long-term studies
• Reduced surgery/invasive techniques
• Limitation of experimental variables

Implanting telemeters

The implantation of telemeters requires specialized surgical training. The following processes are recommended to ensure the subject's rapid recovery and minimize adverse health effects:

• Maintain a constant animal body temperature during surgery. This can be achieved with the ADInstruments Homeothermic Controller and Plate for Rats (ML295/R) or Mice (ML295/M).
• It is recommended that the body of a Telemeter is placed within the abdominal cavity.
• Use blunt dissection techniques to minimize tissue damage.
• Ensure sterile surgical techniques are used to avoid infection.
• Allow adequate time for the animal to recover (up to 1 week) before recording physiological signals.

Recording

• Small Animals: the telemeter receiver and charger are in one SmartPad device.
• WARNING! SmartPads must not be placed on or near metal shelves during charging cycle.
• WARNING! Do not operate a SmartPad or Wireless Power Charger 40 cm above or below another SmartPad or Wireless Power Charger.

Removing telemeters

At the end of the experiment, great care must be taken when removing the telemeter from the animal. Tissue will grow into the mesh so it may be difficult to see the telemeter body. NEVER use a scalpel to cut away the mesh; scissors should be used and great care taken not to cut the telemeter body, catheter or electrodes. The mesh pouch should be discarded and a new one fitted for subsequent use.