Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
3.4. Presenting
the Result
1.
Y-axis
: CT score
2. X
-axis
: animal group (e.g., sham, vehicle, treatment, etc.) or
time-point
4. Notes
4.1. When
to Perform the Test
Rats and mice show corner turn defi cits well within 24 h after
injury, and this continues up to 4 weeks without full recovery of
the turning asymmetry (
9-11
).
4.2. Controlled
Environment
1. A quiet location with dim lighting is ideal (minimize the
amount of light and sound during testing).
2. The best time of day is during the fi rst few hours of the dark
part of light-dark cycles.
4.3. Technical Points
1. Place the open-edge of the apparatus near the edge of the table
to prevent escape during the trial.
2. Hold the animal by the tail at the center of the distal end of the
apparatus until the animal attempts to pull away from the grasp.
This allows the animal to briskly proceed into the corner.
3. Sit or stand directly behind the open ends of the corner appa-
ratus, so as to not bias turning.
4. Consider crouching out of view of the animal to minimize
turning bias even further.
5. Physically removing the corner after each successive “turn,”
works as a better means for encouraging compliance than
reaching into grab the cornered rodent.
6. Rearing and vertical exploration of the side of the wall does not
constitute a full turn, and should not be counted.
7. Clean the sides of the corner, animal droppings, and urine spills
between trials with alcohol solution, in order to prevent scented
cues that can in turn infl uence the behavior of the next
animal.
1. Animals with high anxiety and/or low activity can be released
closer to the corner to facilitate the rearing and turning.
2. Make a soft clapping sound or tap the apparatus if the animal
refuses to turn. This may increase the rodent's anxiety, and
therefore if the animal continues to not explore the corner,
then give the animal a break and redo the trial a few minutes
later.
4.4. Dealing
with Noncompliant
Animals
Search WWH ::
Custom Search