Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons.

How are EMG signals recorded?

EMG signals are recorded using implanted electrodes that detect electrical activity in muscles.

What is plethysmography?

Plethysmography is a method used to measure changes in volume within an organ or whole body, often used for respiratory monitoring.

Why is muscle activity important in ALS research?

Muscle activity is crucial for understanding respiratory function and complications in ALS patients.

How long does the data acquisition last?

Data acquisition typically lasts between one to three hours, depending on the experiment.

Simultaneous Plethysmography and Electromyography Recording in an ALS Mouse Model

JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments

Neuroscience

0 views • 2:00 min • April 28th, 2025

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Begin with a mouse with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, a motor neuron degenerative disease.

The mouse carries an implanted transmitter with electrode connections inserted into the scalene and trapezius muscles, which are involved in breathing.

Place this mouse in a plethysmography or a respiratory chamber positioned over a receiver and allow it to move freely.

In the chamber, the airflow is continuously monitored during the mouse's breathing while resting or moving and recorded as plethysmography signals.

Bring a magnet near the mouse to activate the transmitter, turning the receiver light on and confirming electrode activation.

These electrodes detect the electrical signals from the muscles and transmit these electromyography or EMG signals wirelessly to the recording device.

Compare the plethysmography and EMG signals from both muscles to analyze the muscle activity during breathing in resting and moving states in the ALS mouse.

Place the mouse in the plethysmography chamber for at least one hour to acclimate it prior to recording EMG and plethysmography. Prior to recording, but after calibration, turn on the transmitter by placing a strong magnet within one inch of the implanted animal. A red light on the front of the receiver will indicate when the transmitter is on.

Begin acquisition using the pull down menu labeled acquisition and choose Start Acquisition. Although the recording duration may vary by experiment, a typical plethysmography and EMG recording lasts one to three hours.