PAKISTAN
VETERINARY
JOURNAL
     
 
previous page   Pak Vet J, 2016, 36(3): 366-368   next page
 
Digitalization of a Pressure-Transducer Based Plethysmograph through a PowerLab Equipment for Recording Rat Paw Volume
 
Gonzalo Bustos1, Carlos Valdés1, José L Martinez2 and Claudio Laurido1*
 
1Laboratory of Neurobiology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of  Santiago of Chile, P.O. Box 40, Correo 33, 917002, Santiago, Chile; 2Vicerrectory of Research, Development and Innovation, University of Santiago of Chile; *Corresponding author: claudio.laurido@usach.cl
 

Abstract   

We presented a plethysmograph built from an old pressure transducer associated with a mercury column. The paw under study was immersed into a mercury vessel for making the measurements. The resultant upward force exerted by the paw was equal to the weight of the fluid that the paw displaced. Since the force exerted equals to the product of the pressure times the area, and the area of the pressure sensor was constant, then the force was directly proportional to the pressure.  The accuracy of the measured volume was dependent on the precision of the sensor. In this case, the sensitivity was 50 to 300 µV per Volt, per 10 mm of mercury. This plethysmograph was tested by immersing objects with different volumes and shapes. Results showed a very good linearity. The values recorded were coupled to a PowerLab model 4/30, allowed us to digitalize the values obtained.

Key words: Plethysmometer, Pressure transducer, Rat’s Paw Volume

 
   

ISSN 0253-8318 (Print)
ISSN 2074-7764 (Online)



scopus
 
DOI
 
DOAJ SEAL