Sakic Boris, Cooper Marcella P A, Taylor Sarah E, Stojanovic Milica, Zagorac Bosa, Kapadia Minesh
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University;
Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University.
J Vis Exp. 2015 Apr 23(98):51524. doi: 10.3791/51524.
Due to rapid advances in genetic engineering, small rodents have become the preferred subjects in many disciplines of biomedical research. In studies of chronic CNS disorders, there is an increasing demand for murine models with high validity at the behavioral level. However, multiple pathogenic mechanisms and complex functional deficits often impose challenges to reliably measure and interpret behavior of chronically sick mice. Therefore, the assessment of peripheral pathology and a behavioral profile at several time points using a battery of tests are required. Video-tracking, behavioral spectroscopy, and remote acquisition of physiological measures are emerging technologies that allow for comprehensive, accurate, and unbiased behavioral analysis in a home-base-like setting. This report describes a refined phenotyping protocol, which includes a custom-made monitoring apparatus (Integrated Behavioral Station, INBEST) that focuses on prolonged measurements of basic functional outputs, such as spontaneous activity, food/water intake and motivated behavior in a relatively stress-free environment. Technical and conceptual improvements in INBEST design may further promote reproducibility and standardization of behavioral studies.
由于基因工程的迅速发展，小型啮齿动物已成为生物医学研究许多学科中的首选实验对象。在慢性中枢神经系统疾病的研究中，对行为水平具有高度有效性的小鼠模型的需求日益增加。然而，多种致病机制和复杂的功能缺陷常常给可靠地测量和解释慢性病小鼠的行为带来挑战。因此，需要使用一系列测试在多个时间点评估外周病理学和行为概况。视频跟踪、行为光谱学以及生理指标的远程采集是新兴技术，它们能够在类似居家的环境中进行全面、准确且无偏差的行为分析。本报告描述了一种完善的表型分析方案，其中包括一个定制的监测设备（综合行为站，INBEST），该设备专注于在相对无压力的环境中对基本功能输出进行长时间测量，如自发活动、食物/水摄入量以及动机行为。INBEST设计在技术和概念上的改进可能会进一步促进行为研究的可重复性和标准化。
