Biomedical Engineering Reference
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rats. All the remaining rats are tested weekly from 1 to 10 weeks
after unilateral RST transection.
Vertical exploration
: Also called forelimb asymmetry test, paw pref-
erence test, limb use asymmetry test, or cylinder test. It is a sensitive
method to assess the asymmetrical use of forelimbs after unilateral
RST lesion. When rats are placed into a clear glass cylinder (20 cm
in diameter and 30 cm in depth), it is a natural feature for them to
explore the vertical surface by rearing up on its hind limbs and
exploring the surface with its front paws (Fig.
1a, b
). During the
Fig. 1
Behavioral tests for the functional recovery after rubrospinal tract transection.
(
a
) Photo showing the symmetrical use of both forelimbs of the rat during vertical
exploration of the cylinder wall. (
b
) Photo showing the asymmetrical use of the
forelimbs 3 days after unilateral RST transection during vertical exploration.
Arrow
points to the forelimb on the lesioned side of the spinal cord. (
c
) Photo showing the
crossing of the rope-wrapped rod of an unlesioned rat. (
d
) Photo showing the cross-
ing of the rope-wrapped rod of a rat 3 day after unilateral RST transection
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