A TECHNIQUE FOR BRAIN TEMPERATURE CONTROL DURING ISCHEMIA, SUITABLE FOR MEASUREMENTS WITH ION-SENSITIVE MICROELECTRODES

A technique is described for maintaining rat brain temperature constant during ischemia, a technique that also allows measurements with, and calibration of, ion-sensitive microelectrodes under defined temperature conditions. The brain temperature is controlled by a stream of air of defined temperature and humidity, which is perfused through a box enclosing the animal's head. A device for calibration of ion-sensitive microelectrodes is temperature controlled by similar principles. The air stream is delivered by a heater/humidifier that is standard in many commercial respirators/ventilators. When the relative humidity of the air stream is >98%, the neocortical temperature can be maintained within less than 0.5-degrees-C during 15 min of ischemia. The biological applicability of the technique is discussed.