Equipment:
Open Field (Hamilton-Kinder): The open field activity is used to determine differences in overall activity and can be used to assess anxiety. The field is divided into zones monitored by EthnoVision videotracking software (Noldus). Data are converted into zone map files and recorded as active time (defined as time in which a new beam is broken), distance moved, rearing times and events, corner entries, center entries, and percent of time spent in the center.
Water Maze Learning: Mice are tested for their ability to locate a hidden submerged platform in a pool (140 cm in diameter) filled with warm, opaque water. Mice are trained first to locate a visible platform, and then to locate a hidden platform; in a subsequent trial the hidden platform is then removed. Time to reach the platform (latency, path length, and swimming speed) is recorded with a video tracking system.
Elevated Plus Maze (not yet available): Used to assess emotionality and reactivity, the plus maze consists of 2 enclosed arms and 2 open arms, at right angles to each other. Mice are placed onto the center of the maze and allowed free access to all 4 arms. Time spent on each arm is recorded by photo beams, and the percentage of time spent in open/(open + enclosed) is determined.
Passive Avoidance Learning (not yet available): Passive avoidance learning is measured with a step-through box consisting of a brightly-lit compartment and a dark compartment connected with a sliding door. A mouse is placed in the lighted compartment. When the mouse enters the dark compartment, the sliding door is closed, and the mouse receives a slight foot shock. 24 hours later, mice are again placed into the lighted compartment, and latency to enter the dark compartment is recorded.
UltraVox (Noldus): This equipment allows the user to monitor ultrasonic vocalizations within a user-defined frequency band.
Rotarod (Ugo Basile): The rotarod test is used to screen for motor deficits, including deficits that might influence performance in learning and memory tests. The task requires the mouse to balance on a slowly rotating rod; time on the rod is recorded.
Rod walking: This test is used to assess motor coordination and integrity of the vestibular system. Mice are placed in the center of a horizontal rod and their ability to balance on the rod is recorded.
Inclined plane: This test evaluates motor strength and muscle tone in mice that are placed on a plane at varying angles. The maximal angle is recorded whereby the animal can maintain position for at least 5 seconds.
Gait analysis (Noldus CatWalk): The CatWalk is a video-based analysis system to assess locomotor deficits and pain-induced gait adaptations in voluntarily walking mice. The CatWalk consists of a glass plate on which a mouse walks, light is detected at those areas where the animal makes contact with the glass plate. A video camera captures the illuminated footprints and sends these to a computer running the CatWalk software. Information collected includes position, timing, pressure, and dimensions of paw print.
Thermal sensitivity (Ugo Basile, Paw Thermal Stimulator - UCSD): The Ugo Basile Tail Flick instrument is used to assess tail sensitivity to a thermal stimulus. A mouse is gently restrained by hand or in an acrylic holder with the tail placed over a window through which an intense beam of light is focused. The animal’s response to the thermal stimulus is a tail flick, and the latency time is recorded. The Ugo Basile Hot/Cold Plate is used to assess sensitivity to heat or cold in unrestrained animals. The plate tests sensitivity to a range of temperatures from 4 C to 66 C. The time to a foot lick or shake behavior is recorded. The Paw Thermal Stimulator or Hargreaves is used to access the response to stimuli generated by a focused light source. An unrestrained mouse is placed in a clear duplex animal cage that is positioned on a glass table. A hind paw is stimulated from below, through the glass table. The response to this stimulus consists of withdrawal of the stimulated paw. The latency to a stereotypic withdrawal response is recorded.
Mechanical sensitivity: Von Frey filaments are used to access sensory threshold and allodynia.The sensitivity of the paw to mechanical stimuli is assessed in unrestrained mice using Von Frey (Semmes Weinstein) filaments. The mouse is placed in an enclosure with a metal mesh floor. A von Frey filament of 0.5 mm diameter is moved toward the paw at a controlled rate. The latency to a stereotypic withdrawal response and the force applied is measured.
Forced Exercise/Walking Wheel System (Lafayette Instrument): The exercise /walking bed supports up to (12) mouse exercise/walking wheels. The wheels incorporate a swing-hatch for easy animal loading and removal. The hand held LCD interface permits a single exercise/walking speed, exercise time, rest time and number of cycles.
Oxymax.....coming soon
