plethysmograph for conscious unrestrained subjects

Whole-body plethysmography on unrestrained freely moving animals provides a simple way to study pulmonary function and in particular to evaluate bronchoconstriction in a non-invasive manner. This particular model is designed for mice.

No surgery or anesthesia are required. Therefore, the subject is less stressed and it can be used repeatedly (as its own control for example).

A differential pressure transducer measures the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the plethysmograph. This measured signal is used to calculate tidal volume and other parameters (in accordance with work done by Drorbaugh and Fenn).

A ventilation pump connected to the animal chamber is used to ensure a constant inflow of fresh air, preventing CO2 accumulation.

The plethysmograph is used with iox2 software

Options
An aerosol can be supplied through a specific inlet at the top of the plethysmograph. Aerosol generator and controller devices are available from emka TECHNOLOGIES. 

With the temperatureHUMIDITY compensation system, the tidal
volume calculation takes into account real-time conditions in the subject chamber. For further information, see knowledge base article effect of temperature and humidity in whole-body plethysmography

Cough/sneeze detection system.

Cable glands.

Further reading:
Drorbaugh and Fenn (1955) A barometric method for measuring ventilation in newborn infants. Pediatrics 16: 81-86

Hamelin M-E, Prince GA, Gomez AM, Kinkead R, Boivin G (2006) Human Metapneumovirus Infection Induces Long*Term Pulmonary Inflammation Associated with Airway Obstruction and Hyperresponsiveness in Mice. The Journal of Infectious Diseases 193:1634–1642.
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