Optimization of a fully implantable small animal infusion model involving multi‐pressure data collection

Abstract

Collecting multiple, intra‐subject pressures provides a broader physiological picture for many research applications, while potentially reducing animal use. Research decisions often hinge on cardiovascular (CV) data that previously could only be obtained from a large animal model due to the lack of appropriate, fully implantable solutions enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple pressures in small animals. DSI has optimized possibilities for multi‐channel pressure evaluation by developing the dual pressure HD‐S21 transmitter. Emulating a study pioneered by MPI Research with two independent pressure transmitters, DSI conducted a follow‐up investigation to demonstrate the advantages obtained by using the HD‐S21. Two male CD® IGS rats were implanted with the HD‐S21 to monitor LVP, MAP, ECG and core temperature. iPRECIO® infusion pumps, also used in the MPI validation, delivered the same IV infusion program. While the initial (MPI) validation assessed verapamil and dobutamine infusion effects on temporally contiguous measures of LVP and MAP via independent devices, the HD‐S21 enabled simultaneous and continuous monitoring of all parameters from a single device. Together, the HD‐S21 and iPRECIO® provide pharmacology research the first fully implantable and easily validated small animal infusion model optimized to wirelessly record a comprehensive parameter battery with high sensitivity.