Erasmus Ladder
Objective: Assess motor coordination and locomotor performance in mutant and control mice using the Erasmus Ladder behavioral test
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment1
Not specified in text • Not specified • Not specified • Not mentioned
Materials3
Software1
Not specified • Not mentioned
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Protocol Steps
Animal housing and maintenance
Maintain all mice on a 12-hour light/dark cycle with free access to standard laboratory food and water
Note: All mice should show regular weight corresponding to their age and genotype
View evidence from paper
“All mice were kept on a 12 h light/dark cycle, and were healthy, except for the Pcd mutants showing their typical ataxic phenotype. All mice had free access to standard laboratory food and water”
Age mice appropriately before testing
For Pcd mice, test at 4-6 weeks old (after Purkinje cell degeneration but before other brain regions affected). For L7-Pp2b, L7-Δγ2, and α6-Cacna1a mice, test at 4-6 months of age
Note: Timing is critical for Pcd mice to ensure Purkinje cell degeneration has occurred
View evidence from paper
“At the start of the experiment Pcd mice were 4–6 weeks old, i.e., after the occurrence of Purkinje cell degeneration but before other brain regions were affected. Mice of the other three strains were between 4 and 6 months of age”
Test mice on Erasmus Ladder
Place each mouse on the Erasmus Ladder apparatus to assess motor coordination and locomotor performance
Note: Test both mutant and control littermate mice
View evidence from paper
“were tested on the Erasmus Ladder”