Physiological preparation for studying the response of subcutaneously implanted glucose and oxygen sensors

A physiological preparation has been developed for studying the response of glucose end oxygen sensors chronically implanted in subcutaneous tissues. The preparation employs a chamber permanently mounted on the back of a rat that supports the growth of vascularized subcutaneous tissue around the sensors and is used in conjunction with chronic intravascular catheters for blood sampling and fluid infusion. A total of 26 glucose and oxygen sensors were implanted in nine chambers. At 10 days, the tissue surrounding the sensors was cellular, well vascularized and permeable. Glucose sensors responded to glucose infusions with a 10-15 minute lag.