A plethysmometer is a valuable piece of equipment used to measure the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory agents that are experimentally induced in rodents. It can also be used to test agents designed to reduce endemic conditions. Throughout this blog post, we will look at how a plethysmometer is used and the benefits it provides in research laboratories.
What is a Plethysmometer?
Inflammation is a common side effect of many illnesses and diseases humans face today. As inflammation can cause many severe problems for the human body, producing and testing anti-inflammatory drugs are crucial for finding more effective treatments.
Also known as a paw volume meter, a plethysmometer is a handy tool used to screen oedema or inflammation in mice or rats when testing potential anti-inflammatory drugs. The changes in paw volume and paw swelling in rodents are measured by a plethysmometer, which enables analysts to measure the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory medications that the rodents have been subjected to.
How Does a Plethysmometer Work?
A plethysmometer measures slight changes in oedema (fluid retention) and volume to calculate the rodents’ inflammatory response to anti-inflammatory agents. These tests’ results will highlight whether the anti-inflammatory drugs are effective or to what degree.
These measurements are carried out by placing the animal’s paw in the measuring tube full of water, which contains a special water cell, and then measuring the water displacement produced from the immersion. The attached meter reports the value of volume displacement, which is then recorded in ml. At the point of testing, the change in pressure is calibrated in ml, and the results will be displayed on the electric monitor.
San Diego Instruments: Plethysmometer
IITC Life Science’s Plethysmometer, or paw volume meter, comes with a range of features. These include an angled acrylic stand and the option to run via its battery or on a line adapter. Using a plethysmometer also presents a range of benefits to the analysts. Below, we will outline the key features and the benefits of a paw volume meter for measuring the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Key features include:
- Acrylic stand for easy, unobstructed viewing
- Battery-powered option
- Calibration once a year
- Free access to the stand
- No wetting solution is required
- Power adapter option
Benefits of a plethysmometer include:
- A sensor is used to identify a change in the pressure when a rat or mouse paw is inserted into the measuring cylinder.
- Hands-free operation is possible
- No wetting solution is required, which is the first for this kind of unit.
- Pressure is measured accurately in 0.1 milliliters.
To download a datasheet, request a quote, or for any further information about IITC’s plethysmometer/paw volume meter, please do not hesitate to contact us at +1 858 530 2600 or sales@sandiegoinstruments.com.