Recently advanced computer-system enables us to measure ECG wave forms exactly even if in small rodents with rapid heart beats. The authors have investigated postnatal changes in heart rate (HR), duration or interval, amplitude, mean electrical axis of QRS complex and ST-segment of the standard limb-lead ECG in mice, rats, hamsters, mongolian gerbils, voles and guinea pigs. In the present study, the results obtained from mice and rats (anesthetized with urethane and α-chloralose) are reported. 1) The HR increased till 30th (mice) or 21st (rats) day of postnatal stage and thereafter decreased gradually till 90th day. 2) The PR and QT intervals decreased till 21st to 30th day, while QRS duration was prolonged to only minimum extent during growth. 3) The amplitude of P, R, S and T waves increased till 14th or 21th day, and then decreased gradually as age advanced. 4) The mean electrical axis of QRS complex in mice was shown predominently in the right and caudal direction (90-180°) till 5th day and thereafter the axis was shifted to the left and caudal direction (0-90°).. In the rat, the axis was shifted to the left in all individuals after the 2nd day. 5) In both species, the ST-segment was recognized at most early stages. The ST-segment disappeared on 14th day in mice. In rats it was not discernable after 21st day but the 'ST-junction' was present in some individuals.
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