Cylinder Test
Objective: Assess spontaneous forelimb use and asymmetry during vertical exploration in a transparent cylinder to evaluate motor deficits and brain function in rodent stroke models
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
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Protocol Steps
Obtain baseline data
Test animals prior to surgery to establish baseline forelimb use and test for pre-operative bias, as some animals may display independent use of one limb
Note: Pre-training is not required, but baseline data collection is recommended
View evidence from paper
“Although it is best to obtain baseline data to test for pre-operative bias because, on occasions, some animals display independent use of one limb.”
Prepare testing environment
Set up testing conditions during the animal's dark cycle and under red lighting conditions to optimize rodent exploration behavior
Note: Red lighting is critical as rodents are more apt to explore in dark environments
View evidence from paper
“It is best to use this assessment during the animal's dark cycle and under red lighting conditions because rodents are more apt to explore in a dark environment.”
Place animal in cylinder
Place the rodent in the transparent Plexiglas cylinder for observation of spontaneous behavior
Note: No pre-training required
View evidence from paper
“To evaluate forelimb deficits, the animal is placed in a transparent Plexiglas cylinder and observed.”
Observe vertical exploration behavior
Observe the animal as it actively explores vertical surfaces by rearing up on hindlimbs and exploring the surface with forelimbs and vibrissae
Note: This is natural exploratory behavior in rodents
View evidence from paper
“Rats will actively explore vertical surfaces by rearing up on their hindlimbs and exploring the surface with their forelimbs and vibrissae.”
Record forelimb placements
Record the number of independent wall placements for right forelimb, left forelimb, and both forelimbs simultaneously during vertical exploration
Note: Count each independent placement of each forelimb on the cylinder wall
View evidence from paper
“When assessing behavior in the cylinder, the number of independent wall placements observed for the right forelimb, left forelimb and both forelimbs simultaneously are recorded.”
Assess forelimb asymmetry
Analyze the recorded forelimb placements to detect asymmetry in forelimb use, which indicates unilateral brain damage
Note: Animals with unilateral brain damage will display asymmetry in forelimb use during vertical exploration
View evidence from paper
“Animals with unilateral brain damage will display an asymmetry in forelimb use during vertical exploration.”