An Analyzer for Autonomic Nerve Activities in Acute and Chronic Animals

A real-time analyzer for autonomic nerve activity in acute and chronic animals has been developed. This device, using a finite difference method, can separate individual neural spikes from compound nerve action potentials consisting of base-line drift due to bodily movement, 60 Hz power-line interference, and bioelectrical signals such as electromyogram and electrocardiogram, and with poor signal-to-noise ratio recorded in multifiber preparations or whole nerves. Because there is no phase distortion of neural spikes, the precise time interval between the individual neural spikes can be measured and is converted to analog voltage with a rate meter. This device can perform quantitative analyses of compound nerve action potentials in real time, independent of 60 Hz power-line interference, ECG, and base-line drift.