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Measuring Blood Pressure in Mice using Volume Pressure Recording, a Tail-cuff Method
Published on: May 15, 2009
Measuring Blood Pressure Using a Noninvasive Tail Cuff Method in Mice
Yu Wang1, Sean E Thatcher1, Lisa A Cassis2
1Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
Abstract:
The renin angiotensin system (RAS) is well known for its role in regulating blood pressure (BP). An activated RAS contributes to elevated blood pressure and is evident in both human and animal models of hypertension. Drugs that target the classic vasoconstrictive arm of the RAS (angiotensin II/AT1 receptor signaling) are potent anti-hypertensive agents in clinical setting. However, the newly discovered angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis added new vitality to the hypertension field. Advances in genetic manipulation and the relative low cost made the mouse model as one of the most popular animal models to study hypertension. Since a reliable and accurate method for BP assessment is the key for such experiments, here we provide a protocol for BP measurement in mice using a noninvasive BP system. The CODA noninvasive BP system (a tail-cuff Method, Kent Scientific Corporation) enables blood pressure (BP) measurements in mice. This method uses a specialized volume pressure recording (VPR) sensor, and measures blood volume changes that are placed over the animal's tail. Mice do need to be restrained in specific holders and artificially heated to maintain normal BP.
Insights
This study details a noninvasive tail-cuff method for measuring mouse blood pressure (BP). This reliable protocol is essential for hypertension research using mouse models, supporting studies on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Hypertension Research
- Animal Models in Medicine
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a crucial role in blood pressure regulation.
- An overactive RAS is linked to hypertension in humans and animals.
- The ACE2/angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis offers new therapeutic targets for hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a reliable and accurate protocol for blood pressure (BP) measurement in mice.
- To establish a standardized method for BP assessment in hypertension research utilizing mouse models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the CODA noninvasive BP system (tail-cuff method).
- Employed a specialized volume pressure recording (VPR) sensor to measure tail blood volume changes.
- Implemented mouse restraint and artificial heating to maintain physiological conditions during measurement.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated a noninvasive method for BP measurement in mice.
- The protocol ensures accurate data crucial for experimental hypertension studies.
- Established a reproducible technique for assessing BP in mouse models.
Conclusions:
- The presented noninvasive tail-cuff method is a valuable tool for BP assessment in mice.
- This protocol supports research into the renin-angiotensin system and hypertension.
- Accurate BP measurement in mouse models is critical for advancing hypertension research.
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