A force-plate actometer for quantitating rodent behaviors: illustrative data on locomotion, rotation, spatial patterning, stereotypies, and tremor

Fowler, Stephen C.; Birkestrand, Brenda; Chen, R; Moss, Sheldon J; Vorontsova, Elena; Wang, G; Zarcone, Troy J.

doi:10.1016/s0165-0270(01)00359-4

Cited by 161 publications

(172 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Locomotor activity and other behavioral attributes were assessed with four concurrently operative force-plate actometers [12]. The actometer and associated peripherals, as well as the methods of data collection and analysis, were used as described previously [12].…”

Section: Locomotor Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

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MsrA knockout mouse exhibits abnormal behavior and brain dopamine levels

Oien

Osterhaus

Latif

et al. 2008

Free Radical Biology and Medicine

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Oxidative stress can cause methionine oxidation that has been implicated in various proteins malfunctions, if not adequately reduced by the methionine sulfoxide reductase system. Recent evidence has found oxidized methionine residues in neurodegenerative conditions. Previously, we have described elevated levels of brain pathologies and an abnormal walking pattern in the methionine sulfoxide reductase A knockout (MsrA −/− ) mouse. Here we show that MsrA −/− mice have compromised complex task learning capabilities relative to wild-type mice. Likewise, MsrA −/− mice exhibit lower locomotor activity and altered gait that exacerbated with age. Furthermore, MsrA −/− mice were less responsive to amphetamine treatment. Consequently, brain dopamine levels were determined. Surprisingly, relative to wild-type mice, MsrA −/− brains contained significantly higher levels of dopamine up to 12 months of age, while lower level of dopamine was observed at 16 months of age. Moreover, striatal regions of MsrA −/− mice showed an increase of dopamine release parallel to observed dopamine levels. Similarly, the expression pattern of tyrosine hydroxylase activating protein correlated with the age-dependent dopamine levels. Thus, it is suggested that dopamine regulation and signaling pathway are impaired in MsrA −/− mice, which may contribute to their abnormal bio-behavior. These observations may be relevant to age-related neurological diseases associated with oxidative stress.

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Section: Locomotor Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The actometer and associated peripherals, as well as the methods of data collection and analysis, were used as described previously [12]. In the current studies, mouse locomotor activity was measured for 30 min.…”

Section: Locomotor Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

MsrA knockout mouse exhibits abnormal behavior and brain dopamine levels

Oien

Osterhaus

Latif

et al. 2008

Free Radical Biology and Medicine

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“…Actometer-Locomotor activity was evaluated weekly (9 measurements taken), on days free of grip strength and rotorod testing, using a force-plate actometer, described in depth in Fowler et al (2001). Briefly, the actometer consists of a lightweight rectangular plate resting on four isometric force transducers, one placed underneath each corner of the plate.…”

Section: Behavioral Assessment and Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Time-course and characterization of orolingual motor deficits in B6SJL-Tg(SOD1-G93A)1Gur/J mice

2008

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive degenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons. Symptom onset may occur in the muscles of the limbs (spinal onset) or those of the head and neck (bulbar onset). Bulbar involvement is particularly important in ALS as it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to characterize bulbar motor deficits in the SOD1-G93A mouse model of familial ALS. We measured orolingual motor function by placing thirsty mice in a customized operant chamber that allows for measurement of tongue force and lick rhythm as animals lick water from an isometric disc. Testing spanned the pre-symptomatic, symptomatic, and end-stage segments of the disease. Rotarod performance, fore-and hindlimb grip strength, and locomotor activity were also monitored regularly during this period. We found that spinal involvement was apparent first, with both fore-and hindlimb grip strength being affected in SOD1-G93A mice from the onset of testing (64 days of age). Rotarod performance was affected by 71 days of age. Locomotor activity was not affected, even near end-stage. Bulbar involvement appeared much later, with tongue motility being affected by 100 days of age. Tongue force was affected by 115 days of age. To our knowledge, these findings are the first to describe the onset of bulbar v. spinal motor signs and characterize orolingual motor deficits in this preclinical model of ALS.

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“…24 For this quantitative assessment of hindlimb function, animals were placed in a 23-cm-high Plexiglas chamber with a force-sensing floor 28 Â 28 cm as previously reported. 24 Their activity was monitored for 10 min in a dark room and distance traveled was recorded on a computer.…”

Section: Controlled Compression Scimentioning

confidence: 99%

Gender-related differences in recovery of locomotor function after spinal cord injury in mice

Farooque

Suo

et al. 2005

Spinal Cord

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Study design: In order to study the role of gender in recovery, we induced a thoracic compression spinal cord injury (SCI) separately in 2-month-old male and female C57Bl/6 mice. Objectives: We intended to assess effects of gender on recovery of hindlimb motor function and to correlate these with histomorphologic profiles of injured spinal cord tissue. Methods: Locomotor function was evaluated by three means: a modified locomotor scoring system for rodents, beam walking and computerized activity meter. Histology was analyzed by comparison of hematoxylin and eosin-stained perfused specimens. Results: Locomotor scores were 2.270.9 on day 1 in male mice, while, in contrast, they were significantly higher, 7.371.7, in females (Po0.02). On day 14 Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores were 9.572.2 in male mice and 16.072.2 in females (Po0.03). Terminal histology showed that the spinal cord architecture was relatively better preserved in female mice and that the extent of necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells was less compared to males. Setting: Neurobiology Research Laboratory of University of Kansas Medical School in US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri. Conclusion: We found that the severity of the initial injury as well as the ultimate recovery of motor function after SCI is significantly influenced by gender, being remarkably better in females. The mechanism(s) of neuroprotection in females, although not yet elucidated, may be associated with the effects of estrogen on pathophysiological processes (blood flow, leukocyte migration inhibition, antioxidant properties, and inhibition of apoptosis).

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A force-plate actometer for quantitating rodent behaviors: illustrative data on locomotion, rotation, spatial patterning, stereotypies, and tremor

Cited by 161 publications

References 29 publications

MsrA knockout mouse exhibits abnormal behavior and brain dopamine levels

MsrA knockout mouse exhibits abnormal behavior and brain dopamine levels

Time-course and characterization of orolingual motor deficits in B6SJL-Tg(SOD1-G93A)1Gur/J mice

Gender-related differences in recovery of locomotor function after spinal cord injury in mice

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