A Simple, Low-Cost Implant for Reliable Diaphragm EMG Recordings in Awake, Behaving Rats. eNeuro 2025 Feb;12(2)
Date
02/01/2025Pubmed ID
39890457Pubmed Central ID
PMC11839091DOI
10.1523/ENEURO.0444-24.2025Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85219021216 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 4 CitationsAbstract
Breathing is a complex neuromuscular process vital to sustain life. In preclinical animal models, the study of respiratory motor control is primarily accomplished through neurophysiologic recordings and functional measurements of respiratory output. Neurophysiologic recordings that target neural or muscular output via direct nerve recordings or respiratory muscle electromyography (EMG) are commonly collected during anesthetized conditions. While offering tight control of experimental preparations, the use of anesthesia results in respiratory depression, may impact cardiovascular control, eliminates the potential to record volitional nonventilatory behaviors, and can limit translation. Since the diaphragm is a unique muscle which is rhythmically active and difficult to access, placing diaphragm EMGs to collect chronic recordings in awake animals is technically challenging. Here, we describe methods for fabricating and implanting indwelling diaphragm EMG electrodes to enable recordings from awake rodents for longitudinal studies. These electrodes are relatively easy and quick to produce (∼1 h), are affordable, and provide high-quality and reproducible diaphragm signals using a tethered system that allows animals to ad libitum behave. This system is also designed to work in conjunction with whole-body plethysmography to facilitate simultaneous recordings of diaphragm EMG and ventilation. We include detailed instructions and considerations for electrode fabrication and surgical implantation. We also provide a brief discussion on data acquisition, material considerations for implant fabrication, and the physiological implications of the diaphragm EMG signal.
Author List
Holmes TC, Penaloza-Aponte JD, Mickle AR, Nosacka RL, Dale EA, Streeter KAAuthor
Taylor C. Holmes PhD, BS, DPT Postdoctoral Researcher 1 in the Physiology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsDiaphragm
Electrodes, Implanted
Electromyography
Male
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Wakefulness
