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ECG measurement in chick embryos using non-invasive technology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 November 2008

F. HABERMANN ,
D. FESKE  and
H. TÖNHARDT
F. HABERMANN*
Affiliation:
AD Instruments GmbH, Reichartshäuser Berg 3, 74937 Spechbach, Germany
D. FESKE
Affiliation:
FU Berlin, Institut für Veterinärphysiologie, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany
H. TÖNHARDT
Affiliation:
FU Berlin, Institut für Veterinärphysiologie, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany
*
Corresponding author: f.habermann@adinstruments.de
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Abstract

The heart rate (HR) of chick embryos before hatching is a relevant physiological parameter for the evaluation of regulation mechanisms of the cardiovascular system under different environmental conditions, e.g. oxygen supply. Movements of the embryo can be interpreted as a behavioural response to such changes. Using the PowerLab hardware and Chart software (AD Instruments), the ECG of a 14 day old chick embryo was recorded almost non-invasively by three electrodes penetrating the otherwise intact egg shell. The Chart program can be used to calculate the HR and its variability from the precisely detectable R-waves of the ECG. Artefacts in the ECG trace are derived from movements of the embryo. Under hypoxic conditions, the program can show that HR and HRV increased, whereas the embryo movements decreased. Using this technology, it can be determined that the embryo compensates for lower oxygen supply with faster blood circulation and saves energy by reducing unnecessary movements.

Keywords

ECGPowerLabChartheart rateHRVhypoxic conditionschick embryo
Type
Review Article
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 64 , Issue 4 , December 2008 , pp. 605 - 610
Copyright
Copyright © World's Poultry Science Association 2008

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References

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