The Power of Combining Telemetry and Plethysmography

The study of respiratory function and control of breathing is vital for understanding various physiological and pathological conditions. In preclinical research, gaining accurate and reliable data is essential to make meaningful discoveries and develop potential therapies. Combining implantable telemetry with whole body plethysmography offers a powerful approach that provides researchers with an in-depth understanding of respiratory patterns and mechanisms. This blog explores the synergistic benefits of merging these two techniques and how they revolutionize preclinical control of breathing studies.

Implantable Telemetry

emka implantable telemetry systems allow for continuous, real-time monitoring of various physiological parameters in conscious, freely-moving animals. These miniature devices are surgically implanted into the subjects and can record multiple parameters, including Biopotential (ECG, EEG, EMG, EOG), Core Body Temperature and Activity. For control of breathing studies, implantable telemetry is particularly valuable as it eliminates the stress-induced effects often associated with restrained or anesthetized animals.

Plethysmography

emka & SCIREQ whole body plethysmography is a non-invasive technique used to assess respiratory parameters in animals. It involves placing the subject within a sealed chamber where changes in pressure and volume are monitored during breathing. This method provides valuable information on tidal volume, minute ventilation, respiratory frequency, and inspiratory/expiratory times. With whole body plethysmography, researchers can observe and analyze respiratory patterns in unrestrained animals.

The Power of IOX Software

iox2 Software provides advanced data acquisition and real time analysis to integrate both telemetry and plethysmography data into a single platform for concurrent analysis. IOX software handles cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, electrophysiology, video, audio (vocalizations) & in-vitro data.

Benefits of Combining Both Techniques

Unparalleled Data Precision & Accuracy

Integrating implantable telemetry with whole body plethysmography allows researchers to collect high-resolution data continuously over extended periods. This combination ensures that the data obtained reflects the natural and undisturbed behavior of the animals, leading to more accurate and reliable results.

Longitudinal Studies & Reduced Subject Variability

Preclinical studies often require longitudinal assessments to understand changes over time. Implantable telemetry, combined with whole body plethysmography, enables researchers to monitor the same animal throughout the study, minimizing inter-subject variability and improving the statistical power of their findings.

Uncovering Complex Respiratory Mechanisms

Respiration is a dynamic process influenced by a myriad of factors. The combined use of these techniques allows researchers to delve deeper into complex respiratory mechanisms, such as central and peripheral chemoreflex responses, respiratory motor control, and respiratory pattern generation. For instance, a recent study by Goni-Erro (2023), investigate ECG, activity and respiratory waveforms concurrently to evaluate specific neurons involved in global motor arrest. Additional studies by Dupin et al (2019) used telemetry to measure Local Field Potentials (LFPs) along with plethysmography respiratory parameters and vocalizations to characterize fear responses.

Drug Efficacy & Safety Evaluation

Implantable telemetry with whole body plethysmography facilitates the evaluation of drug effects on respiratory parameters in preclinical studies. Researchers can assess the efficacy and safety of potential therapeutic agents targeting respiratory disorders, helping accelerate the drug development process.

The integration of implantable telemetry with whole body plethysmography marks a significant advancement in preclinical control of breathing studies. This powerful combination offers unparalleled data precision, improves experimental reproducibility, and facilitates the development of novel therapeutic interventions for respiratory disorders.