A simple procedure for estimation of total body surface area and determination of a new value of Meeh's constant in rats.
Precise calculation of total body surface area (TBSA) or premarked surface areas (P-MSAs) is of great importance in many biomedical applications. The aim of the paper was to present a simple procedure of measurement of P-MSAs in small animals and to determine a more accurate Meeh's constant (k), for a commonly used weight range of laboratory rats. A series of 30 Wistar rats, weighing 195-240 g, were anaesthetized and weighted. The TBSA of each animal was measured using a clear pocket and a planimeter. The data obtained were entered into the Meeh's formula (TBSA = kW(2/3)), the most commonly used for small experimental animals, so that a k value for each animal as well as a mean k value (9.83) were obtained. The TBSA of the animals was also calculated using the aforementioned mean k value and compared with that obtained using k values reported in previous studies. According to our findings, the new mean k value, determined with the use of our procedure of surface area measurement, ensured greater accuracy in the determination of the TBSA of experimental rats of a specific weight range. We also suggest a new procedure of surface area measurement which is easy, accurate and does not require animal sacrifice.
Laboratory of Physiology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece. efgkouma@yahoo.gr
E
E
Gouma
Y
Y
Simos
I
I
Verginadis
E
E
Lykoudis
A
A
Evangelou
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Karkabounas
D000818:Animals; D001699:Biometry; D001830:Body Surface Area; D001835:Body Weight; D001837:Body Weights and Measures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar