The behavioral lever is intended for fine motor tasks. It cam measure the lever position and apply a programmable force that will move the lever out of the reward zone. It can be used with our Air Puff Whisker Stimulator and our Water Dispenser for reward or punition, or it can be controlled through a 5V TTL interface or a serial interface. A PsychoPy plugin is also available. The system is compatible with our treadmill, our mouse head fixation system, and our automatic home cage system.
Specifications
Features
PsychoPy component interface
Communication with other device
Configurable reward zone position
Auto calibration mechanism
Open-source firmware and software for customization
Multiple arms available (2in. and 4in. included)
2x M4 supports for direct mount to Thorlabs 0.5″ optical posts
Magnetic
Can be positioned to any ferrous surface for easier handling and placement, for example our Modular Optical Imaging System.
Specifications
Measures lever position at 20 Hz: 0.15°
Clockwise and counterclockwise
Interval between perturbation: 1s to 255s
Random probability: 0 to 10
Configurable speed: 1 to 100%
Configurable amplitude: ±30°
Small footprint: 33x28x80 mm
Behavioral Lever programmation through PsychoPy
Motor assessment
Motor assessment experiments in mice or other small animals are crucial for evaluating neurological function and detecting abnormalities. These experiments are vital in the following ways:
Detection of Neurological Abnormalities: Motor assessments help identify deficits or irregularities in motor skills that may be indicative of neurological disorders or diseases. By analyzing the animal’s movement patterns, researchers can detect early signs of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or multiple sclerosis.
Evaluation of Drug Efficacy: These assessments are essential for testing the effectiveness of potential therapeutic drugs. By administering new drugs and observing their impact on motor function, researchers can determine whether these treatments offer potential benefits or improvements.
Understanding Disease Mechanisms: Motor assessments provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of motor impairments and neurodegenerative diseases. This understanding can lead to the development of more targeted and effective treatments.
Preclinical Research: Before new drugs or therapies are tested in humans, they must undergo rigorous preclinical evaluation. Motor assessment experiments in animal models are a critical step in this process, ensuring that potential treatments are safe and effective.
Overall, motor assessment experiments in small animals are a fundamental component of biomedical research, bridging the gap between basic science and clinical application.
