C. A. Astley

Cardiovascular responses in anticipation of changes in posture and locomotion

Measurements were made in 29 adult baboons that were housed in social groups, allowing the occurrence of the full range of species-specific behavioral interactions. The cardiovascular variables measured included blood pressure, heart rate, renal blood flow, lower limb blood flow, and occasionally mesenteric blood flow. The data were telemetered from backpacks worn by the animals and were recorded in analogue form on a polygraph, digitally on a computer and were also recorded on the audio channels of videotape being made of the behavior and social interactions of the baboons. The video and the computer recordings were synchronized by a timing system that made it possible to relate the cardiovascular responses to the behavioral responses. A numerically based behavioral code was developed that allowed the categorization of the totality of the behavior, including postural and locomotor changes. Comparisons between baseline cardiovascular values and those occurring 1 s before the initiation of a movement or posture change gave no evidence of anticipatory cardiovascular responses unless the movement was associated with behavior that included emotional content. Hypothalamic perifornical lesions reduced or eliminated these anticipatory changes.

A system to acquire and record physiological and behavioral data remotely from nonhuman primates

An integrated system to record physiological and behavioral variables from nonhuman primates in social groups is described. The system records data simultaneously from two animals in family groups of five. It synchronizes behavioral and physiological data within 16 ms, either online or from recordings. Behavioral data are entered by trained observers online or from videotape. Recordings of physiological data are produced online as stripchart records, tape recordings on the audio channels of video cassettes, and magnetic disk files. The physiological data include two arterial blood flows, arterial blood pressure, and heart rate. The data are transmitted from freely behaving animals to a central site via radio telemetry. The infrared link controls the radio transmitter and physiological signal-processing electronics, as well as two sources of drugs for each animal. All of the electronics are contained in a small, light backpack that can be worn by either male or female baboons.<<ETX>>

A remote-controlled device for long-term blood collection from freely moving, socially housed animals

A remote-controlled device was developed for injection of fluids and collection of blood samples from freely moving, socially housed animals via an indwelling catheter. Samples are collected at times chosen by the investigator, and the animal is not aware that sampling is occurring. This technique allows measurement of plasma catecholamines and other substances that fluctuate rapidly, are affected by psychosocial stimuli, and are altered by capture and other stressful activities that often accompany sample collection. Rapid retrieval of samples is facilitated by remote-controlled injection of an anesthetic. The device has been used to collect blood from dominant and subordinate male baboons before and during events such as chases and presentation of food treats. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured via radio telemetry, and behavior was recorded on videotapes. This technique allowed construction of multifaceted physiological profiles of social roles and behaviors.