The 43rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Biologocal Psychiatry (JSBP)
The 51st Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Neuropsychoparmacology (JSNP)
Date : July 14-16 2021
Kyoto International Conference Center
The 44th Annual Meeting of the Japan Neuroscience Society
The 11st CJK International Meeting
Date: July 28-31 2021
Kobe Convention Center
TIME:
– 24:00 am JST ( 0:00 Wednesday, May 26 2021 )
– 8:00 am PT
– 11:00 am ET
DURATION: 60 MIN
Self Head Fixation Training for the Study of Perceptual Decisions in Mice
for mouse behavioral training
This system is automated platform with voluntary head-restraint system for mouse operant training, which is supervised by Dr. Andrea Benucci (Laboratory for Neural Circuits and Behavior, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Japan).
Subject animals learn operant tasks with stress-free under voluntary self head-fixation. This platform will contribute automated high-throughput data collection with physiological device.
Reference : Aoki, R., Tsubota, T., Goya, Y., Benucci, A. (2017) An automated platform for high-throughput mouse behavior and physiology with voluntary head-fixation. Nature Comms., 8: 1196
The subject is put in the cylindrical applicator type restraint chamber made of the stainless steel. A head of the subject is fixed with special metal fittings, so that only eyes, forelegs and a mouth can be freely moved.
A horizontally moving constant torque lever with integrated water spout at the tip is placed in front of subject. This type of lever is called as spout lever. Using foreleg subject can operated the spout lever by push or pull. Encoder present in the spout lever outputs lever movement.
Spout lever movement range can be divided into GOAL/FORWARD/BACKWARD areas. During trial, based on the position of spout lever, decision can be made for correctness and liquid reward dispensed thorough the water spout present at the tip of lever. Various types of stimuli like sound stimuli/ visual stimuli/ odor stimuli/ intracranial photo stimulation can be presented. All the presented stimuli are program controllable. Varieties of schedules are available by software. Cables and speakers of this system are electromagnetically-shielded. This enables this system to be used with physiological recording system.
1.Water supply unit OPR-7300
2.Sound stimulation unit OPR-8210
3.Interface OPR-1410
4.Spout lever unit OPR-SPL-RM
5.Acclimation applicator OPR-TUBE-R
6.Rat restrainer OPR-Rφ60
| 1 Water supply unit | OPR-7300 |
| 2 Sound stimulation unit | OPR-8210 |
| 3 Interface | OPR-1410 |
| 4 Spout lever unit | OPR-SPL-RM |
| 5 Acclimation applicator | OPR-TUBE-R |
| 6 Rat restrainer | OPR-Rφ60 |
| 7 Task control software | OperantTaskStudioV2 |
| 8 Computer set |
Visuals (both static image and animation) can be displayed through LCD panel and touch response recorded through the special application software. Based on the touch response reward (pellet or liquid) can be provided.
It is possible to construct and execute variety of tasks by combining different visuals, cue sound, reward type and response. User can execute both simple operant task and complex tasks such as discrimination task, matching to sample task. It is also possible to evaluate impulsivity of subject animal.
Two kinds of data files are automatically saved as text file, one is per trial result file and the other is event log file.
1.Touch panel operant chamber for mouse
2.Interface
3.Pellet dispenser
4.Water supply unit (pump & bottle)
5.Water supply unit (water supply sonde & fixing tool)
6.Drawer mount table
7.Ventilation fan
8.LED house light
| 1 Touch panel operant chamber for mouse |
| 2 Interface |
| 3 Pellet dispenser |
| 4 Water supply unit (pump & bottle) |
| 5 Water supply unit (water supply sonde & fixing tool) |
| 6 Drawer mount table |
| 7 Ventilation fan |
| 8 LED house light |
This 15-inch touch panel uses 2 IR sensors to detect touch coordinate. IR sensors are located at the edge of touch panel. The sensitivity of detection is adjustable. This touch panel can be used for mouse, rat and also human-being. Touch panel can be fitted into any off-the shelf computer display. While using touch panel it is recommend to cover all area other than the touch area.
The pellet dispenser unit dispenses precision diet (pellet; granular feed) automatically to subject. It is controlled by 5V TTL trigger signal by connecting power source unit and control box.
※Please inquire us not only about the dispenser itself but also connection to experimental box, pellet dish, connection to the pellet dish, connection to each power source, control signal et al.
This water pump & controller are able to dispense constant amount of water or liquid solution to the mouth of an animal as a reward of operant test. This pump can supply 1 – 5 μl per one shot.
Dispensing of water/liquid is controlled by 5 V TTL trigger signal. Both computer controlled and manual operation modes are supported. Water or liquid is dispensed without delay from trigger signal, dripless and no leakage by residual pressure, so accurate reinforcement is available.
pumpcontroller
This sensor unit detects whether subject animal licks water/liquid dispensing spout or not. It uses infrared photo beam sensor. Our pump unit can be combined with the licking unit. A position adjuster, such as XZ slider can be also added.
amp box
Using this unit, 2, 4 or 6 kinds of odors can be presented. Odor type and duration can be controlled programmatically through 5V TTL signal. Air at installation place is filtered and used by this unit.
Normally, only the filtered air flows in front of animal’s nose. Based on TTL signal, electromagnetic valve opens and odor gets mixed into flowing air. Odor source can be placed in syringe filter or odor bottle.
The exhaust air is released to atmosphere flowing through water & an activated carbon filter. All components which come in contact with odor are washable & interchangeable.
interface
vacuumpump
microphone
In this system, vocalization of ultrasonic range can be recorded and analyzed.
Set an arbitrary range of frequency to detect hypersonic range accurately, and makes computer to receive the information. All sound signals are recorded with along with video to a PC at the same time. When the certain frequency range is detected, software issues notification.
The recorded sound file can be retrieved by software and reanalyzed. Software visualizes three aspects of information: frequency, intensity & time.
software
The Morris water maze pool is placed on a frame to set the final height of the apparatus to 90cm above the floor. This height is designed to prevent any effects from the experimenter’s movement on the subject’s behavior. The bottom of the pool is designed to slope towards the center for easy drainage and maintenance of the apparatus. Furthermore, the option of level sensors as well as a solenoid valve is available to automatically regulate the level of water in the pool throughout testing. By using the software, all tests and behavior analysis can be performed systematically. Additionally, this software navigates the start and the goal positions during testing, thereby decreasing human error and providing a smoothly run experiment.
The radial maze is placed on a frame to set the final height of the apparatus to 90cm above the floor. This height is design to prevent any effects from the experimenter’s movement on the subject’s behavior. Within the maze, each arm is equipped a motor drive door that automatically opens and closes in response to the subject’s movement. Located at the end of each arm are food cups equipped with sensors to detect whether the subjects have obtained the food pellet. By using the software, all tests can be run automatically. The software includes a navigation function, which provides for a fully automated experiment. The experimenter only needs to place the subject in the maze and put the food pellet in each designated arm assigned by the software.
There are two possible maze types available, one with 12 holes and the other with 16 holes. The Barnes circular maze is placed on a frame to set the final height to 90cm above the floor. This height is designed to prevent any effects from the experimenter’s movement on the subject’s behavior. In order to stabilize the subject before testing, the subject is first placed in a start box and then at the start of the experiment, the start box is simultaneously stored underneath the maze during testing. The software includes a navigation function, which provides for a fully automated experiment. The experimenter only needs to place the subject in the start box and place the escape box in the position assigned by the software.
In this system, the amount of freezing can be automatically measured by image analysis. Furthermore, by capturing the images from directly above the subject, there is a reduction of missed analysis in freezing in each test. There are two types of experimental boxes, one for conditioning and contextual testing and the second for cued testing. Each box is placed in a sound attenuating chamber to control environmental conditions. The software automatically applies the conditioned and unconditioned stimulus while simultaneously recording freezing.
The step-through type light and dark experimental box has a distinctive shape. Using this type of shape allows for more stable measurements in each subject. Photo beam sensors automatically detects when the subject approaches the light box. In the 1-5 chamber system, there no need for a computer and software. The test is performed and measurements are analyzed with only the use of a control box, making the experiment simple and easy to operate.
The maze for this test is designed to a distinctive Y-shape. Using this type of shape as a maze allows for more stable measurements in each subject. There are two types of software available; for a single subject or for dual subjects. The software includes a navigation function, which provides for a fully automated experiment. The experimenter only needs to place the subject in the start position assigned by the software. Using the offline analysis, the criteria for whether the subjects entered or left each arm can be modified, which provides an advantageous use of the Y-maze software.
The maze is T shaped with a passageway from goal to start. Each section of the maze is equipped with an automated door, which opens and closes with the movement of the subject. By controlling the function of the door, the subject can be voluntarily directed from goal to start and start to goal throughout the test. With this automated system, there is no longer a need for the experimenter to physically handle the subject during testing.
At each goal, there are food trays with pellet sensors and food dispensers. By using the sensors, food pellets are automatically dispensed as well as discharged during testing. Therefore, other than the experimenter handling the subject to place them in the maze, the experiment can run automatically.
All bottles are designed to reduce the amount of leakage and drying. Each bottle is equipped with a clip that allows for bottle to be attached to the wire of the cage top. This helps to prevent from subject animals performing any mischief behavior with the bottles during testing. All components of the bottles are autoclavable, thereby reducing any concern for contamination. Two volumes are available for bottles, as well as three nozzle lengths.
In the operant test, the conditioned stimulus is applied and then reinforcement is provided by the response of lever-pressing, poking, licking, or a touch panel. We can configure the operant test system for your experimental purpose, budget, and any other request.
The movement of the subject within the box is detected by using photo beam sensors. All sensors and cables in the box are detachable, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance of the apparatus. Furthermore, each box is placed inside a sound attenuating chamber for stable environmental conditions. By using the software, the experimenter only needs to place the subject in the experiment box and the rest of the test is automated.
Open field box is composed of a frame and floor, which are detachable for easy maintenance. LED lighting with a dimmer control uniformly lights the interior of the open field box. The software can analyze multiple open field boxes at once and also measure circling behavior in addition to general behavioral analysis. With the addition of sensors in the open field box, the software can also measure vertical activity.
The maze is a plus shape with two closed arms and two open arms. The arms are made with PVC material and placed on a stainless steel frame, allowing for easy maintenance of the apparatus. There are two types of software, for a single subject and for two subjects. By using the software, the experimenter only needs to place the subject on the maze and the rest of the test is automated. The advantage of the elevated plus maze software lies in the offline analysis. In this analysis, the criteria for entry into each arm can be modified and reanalyzed.
We plan on attending the Neuroscience 2015 in Chicago, IL, USA on 17th-21th October.
The system was originally designed and developed by Dr. Jacqueline N. Crawley, and modified by us.
Experimental cage is divided three chambers. When experimenter introduces stimuli-containing cage into the side chambers and put a subject into the center chamber, the software automatically measures the subject’s movement: number of entries & cumulative duration within each chamber, and also around each stimuli-containing cage.
When experimenter introduces a stimuli-containing cylinder into the center of the subject’s home cage, the software measures the
subject’s movement: number of entries & cumulative duration around the cylinder.
With added components, you can perform two types of experiments in this apparatus: light/dark transition test (2 compartments) or conditioned place preference test. In the light/dark transition test, one option is to customize the slide door connecting the two compartments to be automated and controlled by the software. Furthermore, the ceiling of each compartment has CCD camera in which images are analyzed by the software to measure the subject’s movement within each compartment. In addition to number of entries and cumulative duration parameters, distance traveled within each box can also be measured. In conditioned place preference test, the light/dark compartments are recommended to be placed in sound-attenuating chambers.
Both Porsolt forced swim test and Tail suspension test, freezing can be automatically measured by image analysis. Images of subjects in the forced swim test are captured from directly above, while subjects in the tail suspension test are taken from the side. Lighting within the chamber illuminates the background of the subject, thus decreasing the amount of noise and allowing for a clear image analysis. Furthermore, the tail suspension test has been designed to prevent the subject from climbing up on its own tail during testing to provide more accurate behavioral measurements.
On this system, software measures number that subject licks tube valve of a water bottle. Putting water-deprived subject into chamber and let it drink water at first, and every time subject licks valve certain times you set, electrical shock is provided through its mouth. You can set licking number to provide electrical shock and strength of shock. By using software, you can manage schedule and measure data automatically.
On this system, you will put subject into cylindrical chamber and put on an acceleration sensor, then software quantify the startle response of subject. When you use chamber for this test, you need to put the chamber in sound attenuating box. You can easily set or modify sensitivity of acceleration sensor with attached gauge. By using software, you can manage schedule arbitrarily, save measured data, and check the data as waveform. Also, software saves the data as text format.
In this test, you can measure pain hypersensitivity in short period of time while also providing heat stimulation to subject under unconstrained conditions. Furthermore, this test measures the escape response through the higher central nervous system rather than the spinal reflex. Infrared sensors automatically detect when the subject raises their foot during testing. The level of heat stimulation can be adjusted by volume, also there is the option to check and modify the levels in numeric values as well. One advantageous feature is that the heat- flux portion is designed to be smaller for easier visibility of the subject’s foot during testing.
Special cages designed to house up to four subjects are utilized in this test. Each cage is equipped with a CCD camera placed directly above and captures images at 1 – 2 frames/sec. To reduce any interruptions during image capture, both water bottle and food box are fixed on the sides of the cage. When only analyzing a single subject within the cage, each image frame is converted to a binary image and the elliptical subject particle is tracked by using the center of the particle. With this analysis, the software can measure the subject’s distance traveled every minute. When two to four subjects are housed in the cage, each image is converted to a binary image and the software calculates the difference of changed area from the previous image to measure the amount of activity. Furthermore, to analyze whether the subjects come in contact with another during testing, the software analyzes the number of particles in each image frame. This analysis shows when the subjects are in contact with others or are separated. If a large capacity hard disk is connected to the computer, the software can also store serial images during testing. The software automatically analyzes and stores all data files and images throughout testing.
ambulatory activity, food intake, water intake
This is for measuring 3 kinds of amounts: 1 ambulatory activity, 2 food intake and 3 water intake, at the same time within one cage. So not only each amount, but also possible to search correlation of data sets. It is possible to measure at the same time such amount within 16 cages at the maximum (16 individuals) by means of a computer.
By using plastic resin cages available on the market, it will be possible to autoclave and the replacement of the cage itself is reasonable. All the parts that come in contact with animals such as food box, watering bottles are autoclavable.
For measuring activity, the position of the target is detected by interrupting the infrared beams positioned in the X and Y axis around the cage. This device detects the movement in position of the whole body of the target animal, without being misled by the movement of the tail and any other body.
The position and movement of the target within the cage are automatically measured. The position and movement data are stored on a hard disk as time series text files.
Food and Water intake data acquisition software
In the system, the food box and the water intake bottle hang respectively from the precision scales. The food and water intake are measured by the unit of 10mg, by a measuring unit mounted on cage top. The food box and the water bottle can be easily approached by the target animals. The food box can recover the remnants of food that remains after each bite. The water bottle is also designed to measure the water intake while it is hanging from the cage top. The water bottle eliminates almost all possible leakage and evaporation of water and enables to measure correctly the water intake. The software includes refill icon so that food and water may be supplemented during the measurement.
Subjects emit heat from their bodies and activity sensors detect the heat as an infrared ray. Every time the subject moves, the sensors register the movement and count the amount of activity. In this system, sensors only need to be positioned above the cage, so any existing cages can be used. By using the software, time series data can automatically be saved as text files.
On this system, wheel can be attached to general cage cover. And photo beam sensor counts the rotation number of wheel. By using the software, time series data can automatically be saved as text files.
Between the water tank and automatic water supply valve, a device that controls the water to be dispensed in 0.05ml drops is attached. With this device, the software can measure the amount of drinking water consumed by the subject. By using the software, time series data can automatically be saved as text files.
This device uses a 24hour timer to provide feeding only at certain periods. Using this apparatus helps to reduce time and effort in performing food deprivation. One single timer box can control up to 10 feeders. Parts of the apparatus that are touched by the subject can all be washed and autoclaved.
The rotary speed of axis can be configured between 2.5~70 rpm. The speed is calculated with the CPU and allows for smooth acceleration. When the subject falls from the rotarod, the photo beam sensors detect it automatically and display the data on the LCD panel. The apparatus consists of an inner case that prevents the subject from escaping after falling and the case is also detachable for easy use and maintenance.
On this apparatus, weaving a wire-mesh which diameters is the subject can grip easily but it cannot grip more than several minutes, is set in the caracoling ceiling of chamber. The chamber is designed to prevent subject from falling because it tried to escape. Drawer case is equipped on bottom of the apparatus that prevents the subject from escaping after falling from the wire-mesh. When you take out subject from apparatus, pull the drawer case.
The part for foreleg grasping is made of mesh material to prevent the subject from failing to be able to grasp. There are three types of meters for mice
(50g/100g/200g)and two types for rats(500g/1kg).
There are two types of beams, one of training and the other for testing and both beams have a coating of a non-slip material. Each apparatus is equipped with a framework that prevents the subject from escaping after falling of the beams.
Specification Data of Sound attenuating(Dr-35)
There are three kinds of sound attenuating room, AMC type, AMG type and AMS type.
Basic sizes are only available for the AMC type. But with the AMG type, the size of the room can be designed freely. The AMS type can be designed freely, inherits characteristics from AMG, and has a function of electromagnetic shielded.
Furthermore, the materials used for assembly are authorized nonflammable material, thus allowing for sterilization with ethanol and ultraviolet rays. Therefore, these rooms can be delivered any place, include SPF facilities.
Sound attenuating room
Sound attenuating room
(AMG type; freely design)
The AMG type is composed of an iron frame, siding, and plasterboard. The approximate assembly time to delivery is five days. Please select the AMG type that has any sizes and types of door, when it is necessary to carry in and carry out large products. Specification of sound attenuating is around Dr-35 to Dr-40.
Sound attenuating room with electromagnetic shield
(AMS type: free design）
The AMS type is composed of iron frame, siding, and plasterboard. And in side of the entire room is surrounded by cupper mesh. The approximate assembly time to delivery is five days. When it is necessary to have electromagnetic shield for electrophysiological experiment, please select the AMS type. Specification of sound attenuating is around Dr-40.
for Combined Modified SHIRPA and Dysmorphology (CSD)
These are tools to observe behavioral and morphological characteristics for Modified-SHIRPA & Combined Modified SHIRPA and Dysmorphology (CSD).
We have a license to produce and provide the same tools as used in RIKEN BioResource Center Technology and Development Team for Mouse Phenotype Analysis (Japan Mouse Clinic), under the instruction of them.
Moreover, we are developing data entry software with Japan Mouse Clinic in order to reduce the time, labor power and mistakes for data registry. The software will be adapted to International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium CSD (IMPC CSD) version.
1. Arena
2. Viewing jar
3. Grid floor
4. Supports for Grid floor
5. Stainless steel plate
6. Wire attached to an end of a dowel
7. Plastic rod
8. Forceps with tips bent
9. Ruler
10. Transparent tube ø25 11. ø30 12. ø35
13. Click box
| P1 | Activity (body position) | P27.1 | Upper teeth appearance | P53 | Hindlimb nail number | P79.1 | Skin texture + front paws |
| P2 | Tremor | P28.1 | Lower teeth appearance | P54 | Hindlimb nail length | P80.1 | Skin color + back paws |
| P3 | Transfer arousal | P29 | Salivation | P55 | Hindlimb nail shape | P81.1 | Skin texture + back paws |
| P4 | Locomotor activity | P30 | Vibrissae presence | P56 | Hindlimb digit number | P82.1 | Skin color + tail |
| P5 | Gait | P31.1 | Vibrissae appearance | P57 | Hindlimb digit size | P83.1 | Skin texture + tail |
| P6 | Tail elevation | P32 | Genitalia presence | P58 | Hindlimb digit shape | P84 | Vocalisation |
| P7.1 | Startle response | P33.1 | Genitalia size | P59 | Contact righting | P85 | Aggression |
| P8 | Touch escape | P34 | Genitalia morphology | P60.1 | Coat color + back | P86 | Head bobbing |
| P9 | Positional passivity | P35 | Body tone | P61.1 | Coat color pattern + back | P87 | Unexpected behaviors |
| P10 | Trunk curl | P36 | Limb tone | P62.1 | Coat hair distribution + back | P88 | Body weight |
| P11 | Limb grasp | P37 | Forelimbs – position | P63.1 | Coat hair texture/appearance + back | P89 | BMI |
| P12 | Head size | P38 | Forelimbs – shape | P64.1 | Coat color + head | P90 | Tail ratio |
| P13 | Head morphology | P39 | Forelimbs – size | P65.1 | Coat color pattern + head | ||
| P14 | Snout size | P40 | Forepaw size | P66.1 | Coat hair distribution + head | ||
| P15.1 | Ears | P41 | Forepaw shape | P67.1 | Coat hair texture/appearance + head | ||
| P16 | Toe pinch | P42 | Forelimb nail number | P68.1 | Coat color + abdomen | ||
| P17 | Body length | P43 | Forelimb nail length | P69.1 | Coat color pattern + abdomen | ||
| P18 | Tail length | P44 | Forelimb nail shape | P70.1 | Coat hair distribution + abdomen | ||
| P19 | Tail presence | P45 | Forelimb digit number | P71.1 | Coat hair texture/appearance + abdomen | ||
| P20 | Tail length | P46 | Forelimb digit size | P72.1 | Skin color + whole body | ||
| P21 | Tail thickness | P47 | Forelimb digit shape | P73.1 | Skin texture + whole body | ||
| P22 | Tail morphology | P48 | Hindlimbs – position | P74.1 | Skin color + snout | ||
| P23 | Mouth morphology | P49 | Hindlimbs – shape | P75.1 | Skin texture + snout | ||
| P24 | Upper lip morphology | P50 | Hindlimbs – size | P76.1 | Skin color + ear | ||
| P25 | Lower lip morphology | P51 | Hindpaw size | P77.1 | Skin texture + ear | ||
| P26 | Teeth presence | P52 | Hindpaw shape | P78.1 | Skin color + front paws |
