rodentPACK, head mounted system for rat

rodentPACK is a telemetry system to investigate biopotentials (EEG, ECG, EMG) and acceleration on freely moving animals 50g and upwards, such as rats.
It is particularly recommended for neurological applications. Indeed, it enables scientists to explore the nervous system without the use of tethering cables. With no cables between brain sensors and computer, subjects are free to roam, sleep, etc., while the researchers are observing a noise free EEG signal.
Benefits

Noise free EEG signal

Cost effective

150 hours of continuous recording
Description
System Configuration
rodentPACK miniature transmitter (5.2g), fixed to the cranium or worn in a jacket, radio-transmits up to 8 physiological signals per subjects:
- 4 biopotential signals (EEG, ECG, EMG)
- 3-axis acceleration, providing postural information
- x/y/z and global acceleration for postural and activity assessment
For EEG acquisition, a head connector is permanently implanted in the skull. This connector is the interface between the electrodes inside the brain and the rodentPACK transmitter, outside the body. The same transmitter is usable on any subject equipped with a connector.
For other signals, the transmitter can also be fixed to the skull connector (with implanted electrodes) or can be worn in a jacket (with external electrodes).

Digital telemetry receivers are positioned in the animals’ room, within 3 to 5 meters distance from their associated transmitters.
Each subject is therefore free to move, single or group-housed in its cage, during the acquisition (up to 32 rats in the same room with no required shielding).
The whole system is compact, as a single receiver can communicate with up to 4 transmitters. Receivers are powered and transmit data through a single Ethernet cable.
With rodentPACK system, we offer a cost-effective system with:
- 150 hours of continuous recording with same batteries
- No refurbishment (batteries cost less than $2/recording)
- Same transmitter usable on any animal equipped with a connector

Data analysis
Data are acquired by iox2 software. Its video module allows video recording, synchronized to biological signal, to facilitate behavioral observations without the confounding effects of investigator interaction.
EEG data can be analyzed in ecgAUTO software. With its dedicated EEG analyzer, it allows the scientist to:
- Easily generate FFT power spectrums with user defined frequency bands
- Differentiate between four sleep stages and calculates global sleep scores
- Detect epilepsy seizures from EEG traces


Applications
But also Traumatic Brain Injury, Medical countermeasures, Neuromodulation and more.
Related publications
Individual and synergistic effects of sniffing frequency and flow rate on olfactory bulb activity
Emmanuelle Courtiol et al, J Neurophysiology, 2011
Odor- and state-dependent olfactory tubercle local field potential dynamics in awake rats
Kaitlin S Carlson et al, J Neurophysiology, 2014
Sniffing Behavior Communicates Social Hierarchy
Daniel W. Wesson, Current Biology 23, 575–580, April 8, 2013
Telemetry Physical Activity Monitoring in Minipig’s Model of Huntington’s Disease
M. Pokorný et al, Cesk Slov Ne urol, 2015
Assessment of seizure activity in the telemetered dog: a new procedure using the rodentpack system
Poster presented by Posolt at the Society Of Toxicology meeting, 2017