Indirect Measurement of Systolic Blood Pressure in the Rabbit

Abstract

Long-term studies of rabbit blood pressure require a reliable method for repeated blood pressure measurements. Ideally, this method would be simple, noninvasive, and accurate over the range of anticipated blood pressures. To facilitate our own studies of rabbit carotid artery graft patency, we have developed a technique for the indirect measurement of systolic blood pressure in the rabbit that utilizes a photoplethysmograph sensor placed distal to an inflatable air bladder positioned over the central ear artery. We have compared measurements obtained with this method to direct measurements of aortic pressure and found a linear correlation.

Key Words:

• Blood pressure
• rabbit
• photoplethysmography