The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and the In Vivo Pharmacology Facility, at Michigan State University, in conjunction with Telemetry Research and emka TECHNOLOGIES are delighted to invite you to attend a master class on advanced surgical techniques and analysis of sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in conscious rats.

This class will be a gathering of leading researchers in the theory, recording, and analysis of sympathetic nerve activity, where both students and tutors will be able to learn and contribute to the discussion of issues in this emerging area of research.

attendees

This workshop is intended for postdoctoral researchers or senior researchers who already have some experience in cardiovascular/neurophysiology and small animal surgery. Attendees will gain hands-on skills and experience in recording SNA and blood pressure in conscious animals via telemetry. Each attendee will practice the optimal surgical approach to implanting electrodes in rats for recording SNA over an extended period of time. Live recordings will be available for analysis. Course enrolment will be strictly limited in order to emphasize one-to-one instruction.

agenda

Wednesday 14 October 2009 (from 12 noon)

• introduction to recording SNA, why telemetry?, introduction to the recording equipment.
• discussion of different procedural approaches and prior experience of attendees
• discussion of goals and attendees' expectations of the master class
• view implantation surgery of a transmitter in a rat
• introduction to the recording and analysis equipment
• casual dinner

Thursday 15 October 2009 (from 8 am)

• undertake implantation of a Telemetry Research transmitter in up to two rats (per person) A limited number of fully functioning transmitters will be available for student use
• dscussion of electrode design, encapsulation of nerve/electrodes, tips for improving the longevity of recordings
• data acquisition and analysis of telemetry signals, measuring signals for extended periods of time
• reviewing of SNA signal from Wednesday's surgery  
• Master Class dinner

Friday 16 October 2009 (from 9 am)

• analysis and interpretation of simultaneous blood pressure and SNA recordings using emka TECHNOLOGIES acquisition and analysis software
• review and validation of SNA data – recognising good-quality SNA recordings
• experimental design, limitations, pitfalls
• review of the results of the master class, and discussion of future activities
• (additional topics will be included based on attendee requests)
• finish ~3pm
  

instructors

Our instructors have broad and varied experience of integrative cardiovascular biology, and we offer extensive experience in recording SNA via telemetry in conscious animals.

Simon Malpas (Course Director and Lead Instructor), University of Auckland and Telemetry Research, was involved in the development of the first telemetry system for recording SNA in conscious animals. He has a long-standing interest in exploring the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the development of hypertension.

Joan Carroll (Instructor), Telemetry Research, brings extensive teaching and research experience, and has a special interest in cardiovascular function in obesity and exercise training.

Emily Nolan (Instructor), emka TECHNOLOGIES, has cardiovascular research experience at MSU and in the pharmaceutical industry with a special interest in ventricular repolarization. She is skilled in surgical instruction and in the use and application of emka TECHNOLOGIES software for the acquisition and analysis of Telemetry Research data.

hosts

Teresa Krieger-Burke and Marc Bailie, MSU In Vivo Pharmacology Facility, Michigan State University. This facility enables important life sciences and biotechnology research, and provides standard and specialized in vivo pharmacology assays, education, and investigative and drug development services.

J R Haywood, Michigan State University, has worked in the area of mechanisms of hypertension for over 30 years, with a focus on the impact of humoral factors on the central nervous system. His research interests have included the physiology and pharmacology of the renin-angiotensin system and sympathetic nervous system in sodium-dependent and obesity-dependent hypertension in conscious animals.

Carrie Northcott, Michigan State University, has been investigating intracellular signalling and its involvement in blood pressure regulation for the past 10 years.  Her laboratory uses an integrative approach, utilizing biochemical, gene transfer and physiological studies to examine intracellular signalling within the paraventricular nucleus involved in sympathoadrenal function resulting in hypertension and other pathophysiological conditions, such as obesity.

practical information

location

The course will take place at the In Vivo Pharmacology Facility, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA, on 14-16 October 2009.

fees

$ 1450 per person⁽¹⁾. Covers all course materials and activities. Course includes a surgical video and reference guide on obtaining high quality SNA and BP recordings from conscious animals. Lunches and dinner for each day will be provided, including a special dinner on Thursday night.

Attendees will be responsible for costs associated with travel and accommodation. Rooms have been reserved at the TownePlace Suites (Marriott) in East Lansing within walking distance of the workshop, at a rate of $81 per night.

⁽¹⁾ The registration fee will be credited towards the purchase of a Telemetry Research SNA and BP telemetry system if ordered within three months of the course date.

registration

Numbers are limited to ensure maximum hands-on experience and personal tutoring.

Register your interest now with your contact details by email to Grant Walter at Telemetry Research, mailto:g.walter@telemetryresearch.co

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