Prepping Conscious Rabbit Model for Simultaneous Video-EEG-ECG-Oximetry-Capnography for Experimental Interventions: A Procedure to Implant EEE-ECG Electrodes and Attach Respiratory Probes in Rabbit Model

Abstract

Source: Bosinski, C. et al., Multi-system Monitoring for Identification of Seizures, Arrhythmias and Apnea in Conscious Restrained Rabbits. J. Vis. Exp. (2021).

This video demonstrates the procedure to implant EEG-ECG electrodes and attach respiratory probes in a rabbit model for acquiring and analyzing records of its bio signals.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Implanting EEG-ECG electrodes and attaching respiratory monitors

1. Remove one rabbit from the transport carrier and place in the lap of a seated investigator.
2. Hold the rabbit vertically and keep it close to the investigator's body.
3. Lower the rabbit into a supine position, with the rabbit's head at the investigator's knees, and the rabbit's head lower than the rest of its body.
   NOTE: This maneuver relaxes the animal and minim....

Results

Figure 1: Picture of EEG and ECG electrodes. (A) Bent ECG electrodes and straight EEG electrodes. (B) How to hook the ECG electrode in the subcutaneous tissue of the rabbit, so that it is through and through. Abbreviations (LL: Lef.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Computer	Dell	Optiplex 5040	Acquisition computer
ECG Electrode	RhythmLink	RLSND116-2.5	13mm 35-degree bent (0.4 mm diameter) subdermal pin electrodes
EEG Electrode	RhythmLink	RLSP513	5-twist 13mm straight (0.4mm diameter) subdermal pin electrodes
EEGLAB (2020)	Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience	Open Access	Can perform spectral analysis of EEG
Ethernet-to-ethernet adapter	Linksys	USB3G16	Adapter for connecting the camera to the computer
Foam padding	Generic	N/A	Reduces pressure applied to the neck of small rabbits by the restrainer in order to prevent the adverse cardiorespiratory effects of neck compression
MATLAB (R2019b, Update 5)	MathWorks	N/A	Required to run EEGLAB
Microphone	Sony Stereo	ECM-D570P	Recording of audible manifestions of seizures
Micropore Medical Tape, Paper, White	3M	1530-1	Used to secure wires and create ear splint
Natus NeuroWorks	Natus	LC101-8	Acquisition and review software
Photic Stimulator	Grass	PS22	Stimulator to control frequency, delay, duration, intensity of the light pulses
Plastic wire organizer / bundler	12Vwire.com	LM-12-100-BLK	Bundle wires to cut down on noise
PS 22 Photic Stimulator	Grass Instruments	BZA641035	Strobe light with adjustable flash frequency, delay, and intensity
PVC pipe	Generic	N/A	Prevents small rabbits from kicking their hind legs and causing spinal injury
Rabbit Restrainer	Plas-Labs	501-TC	Various size rabbit restrainers are available. 6" x 18" x 6" in this study.
Rubber pad (booster)	Generic	N/A	Raises small rabbits up in the restrainer to prevent neck compression
SpO<sub>2</sub> ear clip	NONIN	61000	PureSAT/SpO2
SpO<sub>2</sub> sensor adapter	NONIN	13931	XPOD PureSAT/SpO2
Webcol Alcohol Prep, Sterile, Large, 2-ply	Covidien	5110	To prepare ear vein before catheterization
LabChart Pro (2019, Version 8.1.16)	ADInstruments	N/A	ECG Analysis
Quantum Amplifier	Natus	13926	Amplifier / digitizer
Quantum HeadBox Amplifier	Natus	22134	64-pin breakout box
SRG-X120 1080p PTZ Camera with HDMI, IP &amp; 3G-SDI Output	Sony	SRG-X120	Impela Camera