National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea.
School of Life Sciences, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
Exp Anim. 2020 Jan 29;69(1):62-69. doi: 10.1538/expanim.19-0065. Epub 2019 Sep 3.
Pigs are often selected for large animal models including for neuroscience and behavioral research, because their anatomy and biochemistry are similar to those of humans. However, behavioral assessments, in combination with objective long-term monitoring, is difficult. In this study, we introduced an automated video tracking system which was previously used in rodent studies, for use with pig models. Locomotor behaviors (total distance, number of zone transitions, and velocity) were evaluated and their changes were validated by different 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration methods and dosing regimens. Three minipigs (23-29 kg) received subcutaneous or intravenous MPTP, either 1 or 3 times per week. Immediately after MPTP injection, the minipigs remained in a corner and exhibited reduced trajectory. In addition, the total distance travelled, number of zone transitions, and velocity were greatly reduced at every MPTP administration in all the minipigs, accompanying to increased resting time. However, the MPTP-induced symptoms were reversed when MPTP administration was terminated. In conclusion, this automated video-tracking system was able to monitor long-term locomotor activity and differentiate detailed alterations in large animals. It has the advantages of being easy to use, higher resolution, less effort, and more delicate tracking. Additionally, as our method can be applied to the animals' home pen, no habituation is needed.
猪常被选作大型动物模型，包括神经科学和行为研究，因为它们的解剖结构和生物化学与人类相似。然而，行为评估与客观的长期监测相结合是困难的。在这项研究中，我们引入了一种自动化视频跟踪系统，该系统以前用于啮齿动物研究，现在可用于猪模型。运动行为（总距离、区域转换次数和速度）被评估，并且通过不同的 1-甲基-4-苯基-1,2,3,6-四氢吡啶（MPTP）给药方法和剂量方案验证了其变化。三只小型猪（23-29 公斤）接受皮下或静脉内 MPTP，每周 1 或 3 次。MPTP 注射后，小型猪立即留在角落，轨迹减少。此外，在所有小型猪中，每次 MPTP 给药时，总行进距离、区域转换次数和速度都大大降低，同时休息时间增加。然而，当停止 MPTP 给药时，MPTP 引起的症状得到逆转。总之，这种自动化视频跟踪系统能够监测长期运动活动并区分大型动物的详细变化。它具有使用方便、分辨率更高、工作量更少、跟踪更精细等优点。此外，由于我们的方法可以应用于动物的家圈，因此不需要适应。
