Abstract
This purpose of this study was to validate the procedures used in the radio-telemetry monitoring of blood pressure, ECG, heart rate, body temperature and motor activity in rats with indwelling femoral vein catheters. 12 rats were simultaneously, surgically implanted with indwelling femoral vein catheters and radio-telemetry TL11M2-C50-PXT implants. For blood pressure measurements 6 of the animals were catheterised via the aorta and the other 6 animals via the femoral artery.Clonidine hydrochloride at dose levels of 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 mg/kg/day given as a 72hour continuous intravenous infusion caused dose dependent reductions in blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature. No effects on any of the parameters were noted following the continuous intravenous infusion of physiological saline at dose volumes of 2, 4, 6 and 8 mL/kg/h. Nifedipine given as a 10mg/kg oral dose produced a dose dependent reduction in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate and associated ECG changes. D-Amphetamine sulphate given as a 3mg/kg subcutaneous injection resulted in an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and motor activity. Rats implanted with both indwelling intravenous catheters and radio-telemetry implants serve as a useful tool for assessing the cardiovascular profile of intravenously administered test items
