The applicability of noninvasive blood pressure devices to the rhesus monkey and beagle dog during toxicological research protocols was investigated. An extensive literature survey of this subject was undertaken. Newer developments in this field and blood pressure measurement in the two species of interest were noted. A survey of all known manufacturers of noninvasive blood pressure measurement equipment was made. From this list sample devices were selected for animal studies. An acute study was performed on both dogs and monkeys to ascertain the accuracy of the selected devices. The Physiometrics USM-105 device was found to be the most accurate for measuring systolic and diastolic pressures in both dogs and monkeys. In chronic studies, monkeys and dogs were monitored for 3 weeks. The Physiometrics device was found to be the most satisfactory. The Arteriosonde 1010 and Infrasonde devices were found to be acceptable but not as accurate. In dogs, at least 50% of the animals could be trained within 1 week to tolerate blood pressure measurement and give reasonable readings; 75% could be trained in 2 weeks. In monkeys, approximately 60% of the animals would yield reasonable blood pressure readings, and the conditioning and training periods appeared much less critical. © 1979.
