Validity and application of noninvasive measurement of blood pressure in hamsters

The aim of this study was to examine both the validity and application of noninvasive measurement of blood pressure (BP) at the brachial artery in hamsters. There were significant correlations between noninvasive and invasive values for systolic BP (SBP), mean BP, and diastolic BP (r=0.96, r=0.93, r=0.88, respectively, all p<0.0001). Furthermore, SBP appeared to be the most accurate noninvasive BP index because both proportional and constant systematic errors were the least among the three indices. Peripheral vascular resistance calculated by combination with echocardiographic indices actually reflected the prominent at-adrenergic drive induced by beta-adrenergic blockers. In conclusion, noninvasive BP measurement at the brachial artery can provide useful information regarding the integrated cardiovascular function in hamsters.