Procedure for evaluating changes in respiratory symptoms of experimentally asthma‐induced guinea pigs by a personal computer

Abstract

An automated system was developed for evaluating changes in respiratory symptoms in guinea pigs over a long period with a personal computer. The data on breathing curves obtained with a body plethysmograph were analyzed to determine respiratory rate, expiration/inspiration ratio, ventilation ratio, and other parameters. With this system, respiratory changes in guinea pigs, such as increase or decrease of respiratory rate, expiration/inspiration ratio, and ventilation ratio, and death of animals could be easily observed.

Investigation of delayed respiratory response to Candida albicans in sensitized guinea pigs and of the effects of SO₂ or NO₂ exposures on its response was carried out using this system. Respiratory changes in delayed respiratory response were mostly increased respiration rate and succeeding expiratory prolongation being noted just before death. In the influences of SO₂ or NO₂ exposure on delayed respiratory response, increase of respiratory rate in NO₂ and expiratory and inspiratory prolongation in SO₂ were found.

This system should prove useful for evaluating changes in respiratory symptoms due to toxic agents, medicines, and air pollutants in small animals.