title: [Improved methods for monitoring sleep state and respiratory rhythm in freely moving rats].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To improve the method for monitoring sleep state and respiratory rhythm of SD rats, providing a solution for rats' chewing on the wires, signal loss and instability problems in the animal model of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS).
  
  
  METHODS
  We improved monitoring electrodes of both electrocorticogram (ECoG) and electromyogram (EMG), signal circuit and animal operation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Operation time was shortened and wound exposure time was reduced, which made it easier for postoperative recovery. The ECoG and EMG signals were more stable with sharp image, and signal circuit lines had better conductivity and material durability, achieving continuous monitoring for a long time and high success rate. We could precisely distinguish the sleep wake state and the sleep apnea events in rats according to these signals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The improved method is more reliable and practical to test the small animal model of SAS, and is more easily to operate and the signals are more stable.
authors.forename: Qi-Min
authors.initials: QM
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.forename: Cheng
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yong-He
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Guang-Fa
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D023421:Models, Animal; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods; D051381:Rats; D012119:Respiration; D012890:Sleep; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis