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Indirect Method for Determining Blood Pressure in Small Animals

1934; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 32; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.3181/00379727-32-7695p

1535-3702

J. Q. Griffith,

Veterinary Pharmacology and Anesthesia

Experimental problems requiring the repeated taking of blood pressure have, in the past, required the use of fairly large animals. Various indirect methods suggested for small animals have, as a rule, proven unsatisfactory. Griffith and Collins reported an indirect method for obtaining blood pressure in man by capillary observation with simultaneous arterial compression. This method has now been modified for use in small animals.White rats under nembutal anesthesia were used. The dorsum of one foot was depilated, either with barium sulphide or, better, with a razor. A special blood pressure cuff was then wrapped about the thigh and fastened with adhesive. This cuff is 2.7 cm. wide and encloses a circular pressure bag 2.4 cm. in diameter. This cuff conforms in design to a portion of a ring enclosed between 2 concentric circles, the outer circle having a radius of 5 cm. and the inner a radius of 2.3 cm. The 'ring' or cuff is thus seen to be 2.7 cm. wide, and any convenient length may be used, 25 cm. measured along the greater circle being quite satisfactory. The pressure bag is inflated from a rubber bulb which is compressed by a thumb screw, the whole system being connected through a T-tube to a mercury manometer. This type of cuff shows little tendency to slip, but if it does a stitch or two can be taken through the skin.The foot is now gently supported by a mould of plasticine, and a drop of immersion oil placed on the shaven area. A strong light, cooled by passing through water, is focused on this area, and it is observed under the low power objective of the microscope.