A semi-automated method for breathing rate measurement in the mouse

A semi-automated system of breathing rate measurement for the assessment of lung damage in mice has been developed. Based on the plethysmographic method, a BBC B microcomputer plus Torch CPM examines four plethysmographs at any given time, looking for periods of quiet breathing and measuring the breathing rate during rest. This requires both machine code and Microsoft Basic programs, linked using Microsoft Link 80. The results correlated closely with results obtained using the well-validated measurement of chart recorder assessed breathing rate. Using the computer method, up to 40 animals could be examined per hour.