Real-time telemetric monitoring in whole-body 60Co gamma-photon irradiated rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

BACKGROUND

Animals undergoing experimental manipulations, such as exposure to radiation, may exhibit physiologic and behavioral signs of pain and distress. Telemetry permits close monitoring of these parameters for early and effective management during procedures.

METHODS

Radiotelemetric units were surgically implanted into 24 Macaca mulatta before 6.5-Gy cobalt-60 γ-photon irradiation. Each unit transmitted electrocardiogram, intrathoracic pressure, and body temperature leads. Primate irradiation-restraint boxes and housing cages were modified to collect telemetric signals before, during, and after irradiation.

RESULTS

Differences in respiratory rate, heart rate, or body temperature in telemetric-collected recordings, which were observed during non-irradiation and irradiation sessions, were statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

Insignificant changes in the physiological parameters during monitoring suggest that the animals experienced no detectable pain or distress during irradiation.