Measurement of blood pressure and heart rate by telemetry in conscious unrestrained marmosets.

A system is described for the continuous measurement of blood pressure, heart rate and motor activity by telemetry in conscious marmosets freely moving in their home cages. Consistent diurnal variations in these parameters were observed under standard conditions. However these parameters were sensitive to changes in the environment. Blood pressure values were similar to those measured by non-telemetric methods in conscious restrained marmosets while heart rate values were significantly lower.