Design and Validation of New Data Acquisition System for Isolated Muscle Experiments: Application to Pharmacology Teaching and Research

Abstract

In this paper we describe a new data acquisition (DAQ) system for pharmacology experiments involving isolated muscle contraction. The system is composed of hardware acquisition unit and computer software for analysis of signals representing muscle contractions. As compared to mechanoelectrical DAQ systems of other constructions, the advantages of the new system include a high sensitivity (in the order of 1 µN), a wide range of forces recorded (1 µN to 100 mN), linearity throughout the whole range, easy assembly, low costs, long-term calibration stability, good dynamic characteristics and full control graphical interface. The device can be readily adjusted to actual experimental conditions and a variety of muscle preparations. Experimental validation of our DAQ inside the Clinical Pharmacology Department at Mansoura University Faculty of Medicine showed that it can record contractions of isolated muscle preparations with good precision and accuracy. Accordingly, the DAQ system design presented herein with its dedicated software is largely suitable for isolated muscle experiments in both teaching and research in biomedical fields.