Source Paper
Functional assessments in the rodent stroke model
Krystal L Schaar, Miranda M Brenneman, Sean I Savitz
Experimental & Translational Stroke Medicine • 2010
View Abstract
Abstract Stroke is a common cause of permanent disability accompanied by devastating impairments for which there is a pressing need for effective treatment. Motor, sensory and cognitive deficits are common following stroke, yet treatment is limited. Along with histological measures, functional outcome in animal models has provided valuable insight to the biological basis and potential rehabilitation efforts of experimental stroke. Developing and using tests that have the ability to identify behavioral deficits is essential to expanding the development of translational therapies. The present aim of this paper is to review many of the current behavioral tests that assess functional outcome after stoke in rodent models. While there is no perfect test, there are many assessments that are sensitive to detecting the array of impairments, from global to modality specific, after stroke.
Staircase Test
Objective: Assess forelimb extension, grasping skills, side bias and independent use of forelimbs in rodents
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment2
Materials2
Software1
Not specified • Not specified
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Protocol Steps
Animal placement and task initiation
Place animal on the platform of the staircase apparatus to begin the test
Note: Animal must climb onto platform before reaching behavior can be assessed
View evidence from paper
“After the animal climbs on a platform, it must reach to either side to retrieve food from a double set of staircases.”
Pellet retrieval task
Animal reaches to either side to retrieve food pellets from double set of staircases. Animal must make coordinated reach and grasp movements to retrieve pellets rather than simply scooping them.
Note: Normal animals typically collect pellets rapidly. Animal may attempt to reach and retrieve pellets but knock them to lower levels instead.
View evidence from paper
“The animal cannot simply scoop the pellet; it must make a coordinated reach and grasp to retrieve it. A normal animal will typically collect the pellets rapidly.”
Observation and recording
Observe animal behavior and record latency, number of pellets retrieved from each side, and location at increasing distances
Note: Use color-stained pellets to distinguish which pellets were grasped and retrieved versus knocked to lower levels
View evidence from paper
“Latency and the number of pellets from each side and location at increasing distances are then calculated to determine impairments.”