A method for continuous 24 hour cable EEG- and brain temperature-recording in the rat.

A cable technique is described which allows continuous, unsupervised recording of cortical EEG and neck muscle EMG in rats over long periods. In addition, brain temperature is measured with an NTC-thermistor. After suitable adaptation the signals are computed for selected 8 s epochs into Hjorth parameters by means of a Normalised-Slope-Descriptor. These parameters are stored continuously on a digital magnetic tape. Off-line computer analysis of these parameters is used to examine changes in the EEG, EMG and brain temperature during waking and sleeping.