Systems for a Long-Term Record of Animal Activity, Temperature, and Heart Rate Affected by Muscarinic Receptors

The muscarinic receptors have many effects on physiological parameters and behavior. There are several ways to obtain the data from the organism which comprise tethering of the animal, physical restraint with invasive sensors, physical restraint with non-invasive techniques, chemical restraint, systems with sensors worn in jackets (for large animals only), or implanted telemetry. Parameters, that can be recorded and then transmitted telemetrically are as follows: locomotor activity, body (core) temperature, ventricular and arterial pressures, sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), biopotentials (e.g., ECG, EMG & EEG), tissue oxygen, heart rate, respiratory rate, gastrointestinal motility, blood pressure, blood velocity, neural potentials (including optogenetic stimulation), glycaemia, SpO2. In this chapter, we will discuss the possibilities of implanted telemetry in muscarinic receptor function research. As a result or advantage of a long-term record of biological data, it is possible to follow and analyze biological rhythms of the above-mentioned parameters (circadian, ultradian). Special interest is given to the possibilities of the pharmacological and/or physiological functions mediated via muscarinic receptors in mice. The detailed protocol for telemetry is provided together with possible pitfalls. The record of animal data is helpful not only in long-term measurements but also is suitable for the evaluation of drug applications. Special attention is given to animal welfare to minimize the artifacts in the record. If well performed, the data are reliable and help the research to study the functions of muscarinic receptors.