Widjaja JH, Sloan DC, Hauger JA, Muntean BS. Customizable Open-Source Rotating Rod (Rotarod) Enables Robust Low-Cost Assessment of Motor Performance in Mice.
eNeuro 2023;
10:ENEURO.0123-23.2023. [PMID:
37673671 PMCID:
PMC10484359 DOI:
10.1523/eneuro.0123-23.2023]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable measurements of motor learning and coordination in mice are fundamental aspects of neuroscience research. Despite the advent of deep-learning approaches for motor assessment, performance testing on a rotating rod (rotarod) has remained a staple in the neuroscientist's toolbox. Surprisingly, commercially available rotarod instruments offer limited experimental flexibility at a relatively high cost. In order to address these concerns, we engineered a highly-customizable, low-budget rotarod device with increased functionality. Here, we present a detailed guide to assemble this rotarod using simple materials. Our apparatus incorporates a variation of interchangeable rod sizes and designs which provides for adjustable testing sensitivity. Moreover, our rotarod is driven by open-source software enabling bespoke acceleration ramps and sequences. Finally, we report the strengths and weaknesses of each rod design following multiday testing on cohorts of C57BL/6 mice. We expect explorations in deviant rod types to provide a foundation for the development of increasingly sensitive models for motor performance testing along with low-budget alternatives for the research community.
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