Assessment of Cognitive and Sensorimotor Defi cits - Animal Models of Acute Neurological Injuries: Injury and Mechanistic Assessments - page 240

4.2. Day 2: Activity
Levels

1. If a video tracking system is unavailable, record the trial on
video and measure distance moved by using a rolling ruler
(such as used for determining distance on a map) on the moni-
tor during playback.
2. If using a video tracking system, a common source of compli-
cations provides the proper contrast between the animal and
the background (i.e., the fl oor of the activity containers). For
darker animals, we use white containers, and for lighter animals,
we use containers painted black. Proper lighting is also crucial
to avoid bright “hot spots” that may confuse the tracking
system. Although a video tracking system offers a lot of options
in data collection, it requires some extra time for setup, and the
experimenter is urged to resolve any tracking issues before the
day of testing.
3. Examples and variations in published literature ( 2, 3, 8-16 ).

4.3. Day 3: Rotarod

1. The experimenter should adjust these parameters depending
on the model being tested. For example, for aged animals, an
initial block of stationary trials may be necessary to acclimate
the animal to the apparatus. Other models may have relatively
subtle defi cits requiring more diffi cult parameters to manifest.
2. In our experience, a good rule of thumb is to adjust the level
of diffi culty so that the control group initially falls off in
approximately 30 s.
3. Examples and variations in published literature ( 11, 15, 17 ).

4.4. Day 4: Zero Maze

1. This test is based on the well-known plus maze test of anxiety.
The design of the zero maze eliminates an annoying aspect of
the plus maze—its nebulous central area that is included in
neither the open nor enclosed arms.
2. Example in the published literature ( 15 ).

1. Either test can be used for either species, but in general, we
have found that rats perform better in the water, and mice on
the tail suspension test.
2. For the forced swim test, immobility is defi ned as a lack of
escape-directed movements, except for those necessary to keep
head above water.
3. For the tail suspension test, the animal is immobile if it is not
voluntarily moving, even if it is still swinging from a previous
struggle. Sometimes mice will curl up, appearing to rest while
holding its front paws to its back paws. This is counted as
immobility, since it is not currently struggling or moving.
4. Examples and variations in published literature ( 16, 18 ).

4.5. Day 5: Forced
Swim/Tail Suspension