Abstract
The ability to genetically engineer specific gene knock-out mice has provided a powerful tool for investigating the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Yet, there have been no reports describing the measurement of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) in conscious mice; an essential requirement for monitoring dynamic changes associated with PAH. In this study we describe a new technique for long-term measurement of PAP in conscious mice using telemetry. In five male C57BL/6 mice (B.W. 25-30 g) the sensing catheter of a telemetric transmitter was inserted into the right ventricle and advanced into the pulmonary artery. The transmitter body was positioned within the abdominal cavity or subcutaneously on the back. During recovery from surgery mean PAP was recorded daily for one week. Subsequently, the PAP responses to acute hypoxia (8% O2 for 10 min) and L-NAME (50 mg/kg, s.c.) were tested in three mice. By one-week post surgery, all mice had fully recovered from surgery and baseline MPAP was stable at 14.9 ± 0.7 mmHg. Additionally, acute hypoxia and L-NAME provoked a 63% and 86% increase MPAP, respectively. In summary, this study has demonstrated the ability to accurately measure PAP by telemetry in conscious mice. One important application of this technique for future studies is the possibility to assess the contribution of specific genes (i.e. knock-out mice) for the development of pulmonary pathological conditions. [J Physiol Sci. 2006;56 Suppl:S134]
