Respiratory Physiology

Whole Body Plethysmography

Whole Body Plethysmography allows for unrestrained, unanesthetized characterization of respiratory function on spontaneously breathing animal models, as they move freely within a small, enclosed chamber. These measurements include, but are not limited to: frequency, tidal volume, minute ventilation, peak inspiratory and expiratory flow, and Penh, or enhanced pause. It’s an extremely non-invasive technique testing mice.

Neurophysiology

Neurophysiology allows for recording of respiratory motor nerve output across a range of levels of ‘respiratory drive’. Mice are anesthetized and a surgical cut down is preformed to isolate the hypoglossal neuron, responsible for controlling the tongue, and the phrenic neuron, responsible for controlling the diaphragm. Suction electrodes allows us to take up the nerve, and recorded the electrical ‘bursts’ or signals that are passed through it. Mice are exposed to normal room air as well as periods of increased “respiratory drive” evoked by lowering inspired oxygen or raising inspired carbon dioxide.

If you’d like to collaborate, please email mai.elmallah@duke.edu for a consult.