An animal olfactory evaluation device and an evaluation method

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of animal olfactory evaluation, and discloses an animal olfactory evaluation device and an evaluation method. Among them, the animal olfactory evaluation device includes: a transparent housing; a transparent partition plate disposed inside the transparent housing and dividing the interior of the transparent housing into an independent first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is communicated with the outside world, and an opening for an animal to move between the first cavity and the second cavity is provided on the transparent partition plate; a container disposed in the second cavity, and the interior of the container is communicated with the second cavity, and the container is used for containing an olfactory stimulant. The animal olfactory evaluation device can be used to evaluate the olfaction of an animal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of animal olfactory evaluation, and particularly to an animal olfactory evaluation device and an evaluation method. Background Art

[0002] Smell enables us to distinguish a large number of volatile chemical substances in the environment. A keen sense of smell is a precious gift. However, in life, the number of patients with olfactory disorders has been high. Data shows that among the middle-aged and young people over 20 years old, those with reduced olfactory function or complete loss of smell account for more than 30%. At present, olfactory disorder has become an independent disease and a research hotspot in the medical field. In this field, rodent models of olfactory disorders, such as mouse models, have been widely used. However, animals cannot communicate directly with researchers. Therefore, how to evaluate the olfaction of animals has become an urgent problem for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides an animal olfactory evaluation device and an evaluation method capable of evaluating the olfaction of animals.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions:

[0005] The present invention provides an animal olfactory evaluation device, including: a transparent housing; a transparent partition disposed inside the transparent housing and dividing the interior of the transparent housing into an independent first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is communicated with the outside, and an opening for an animal to move between the first cavity and the second cavity is provided on the transparent partition; a container disposed in the second cavity, and the interior of the container is communicated with the second cavity. The container is used for containing an olfactory stimulant.

[0006] Optionally, the number of the containers is two, and both of the two containers are disposed in the second cavity. The transparent partition is detachably disposed inside the transparent housing. The transparent partition has a normal installation state and an inverted installation state. When in the normal installation state, the opening is close to one of the containers, and there is a first preset distance between them. When in the inverted installation state, the opening is close to the other container, and there is a second preset distance between them. The first preset distance is equal to the second preset distance.

[0007] Optionally, the animal olfactory evaluation device further includes a transparent door for opening and closing the opening. Two first sliding grooves and two second sliding grooves are respectively provided on two opposite sides of the transparent partition. Both the two first sliding grooves and the two second sliding grooves are respectively provided on two opposite sides of the opening. When the transparent partition is in the normal installation state, the two first sliding grooves are arranged opposite to the first cavity. Opposite sides of the transparent door are respectively arranged in the two first sliding grooves, and the sum of the frictional forces between the two first sliding grooves and the transparent door is greater than the self-weight of the transparent door. When the transparent partition is in the reverse installation state, the two second sliding grooves are arranged opposite to the first cavity. Opposite sides of the transparent door are respectively arranged in the two second sliding grooves, and the sum of the frictional forces between the two second sliding grooves and the transparent door is greater than the self-weight of the transparent door.

[0008] Optionally, the animal olfactory evaluation device further includes a support net. The support net is arranged in the second cavity. The support net divides the second cavity into an upper cavity and a lower cavity up and down. The container is arranged in the lower cavity. The support net is used to support the animal.

[0009] Optionally, the container is a drawer-type container, and an insertion opening matching the shape of the drawer-type container is provided on the side wall of the transparent housing.

[0010] Optionally, the animal olfactory evaluation device further includes a heating device. The container is made of a heat-conducting material. The heating device is connected to the container to heat the container.

[0011] Optionally, a sampling hole communicating with the second cavity is provided on the transparent housing.

[0012] Optionally, the transparent housing includes a main body, a bottom plate and a top cover. The top and bottom of the main body are both open. The bottom plate is arranged at the bottom of the main body to seal the bottom of the main body. The top cover is arranged at the top of the main body. The top cover is used to open and close the second cavity.

[0013] Optionally, the olfactory stimulant is naphthol or peppermint oil.

[0014] The present invention also provides an animal olfactory evaluation method. Using the animal olfactory evaluation device for animal olfactory evaluation includes the following steps:

[0015] Place the animal in the second cavity, and use the olfactory stimulant to drive the animal to pass through the opening and enter the first cavity.

[0016] The present invention has achieved the following technical effects compared with the prior art:

[0017] The animal olfactory evaluation device provided by the present invention includes: a transparent housing; a transparent partition disposed inside the transparent housing and dividing the interior of the transparent housing into an independent first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is in communication with the outside world, and an opening for the animal to move between the first cavity and the second cavity is provided on the transparent partition; a container disposed inside the second cavity, and the interior of the container is in communication with the second cavity, and the container is used to contain an olfactory stimulant.

[0018] In the specific use process, the animal to be evaluated is placed in the second cavity. Under the stimulation of the olfactory stimulant, a normally smelling animal, out of the instinct to escape danger, will find the opening through smell and enter the first cavity through the opening. For an animal with olfactory impairment, due to the reduction of its olfactory recognition ability, its escape time will be longer, its escape path will be longer, and it may even fail to escape. Accordingly, animals with olfactory impairment can be identified, and the degree of their impairment can be quantitatively evaluated. In this way, the animal olfactory evaluation device provided by the present invention can achieve animal olfactory evaluation. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the following described drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional view of the animal olfactory evaluation device provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a sectional view of the animal olfactory evaluation device provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 It is a top view of the animal olfactory evaluation device provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation mode of the drawer-type container of the animal olfactory evaluation device provided in the embodiment of the present invention with the main body and the peripheral side plate.

[0024] Figures 1 - 4 Explanation of the reference numerals: 100, animal olfactory evaluation device; 1, top cover; 2, second cavity; 3, opening; 4, support net; 5, container; 6, bottom plate; 7, main body; 8, first cavity; 9, transparent partition; 10, sampling hole; 11, transparent door; 12, heating device; 13, animal; 14, peripheral side plate. Detailed Embodiments

[0025] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0026] The object of the present invention is to provide an animal olfactory evaluation device and an evaluation method capable of evaluating the olfaction of animals.

[0027] To make the above objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] Referring Figures 1 - 4 As shown, an animal olfactory evaluation device 100 is provided in an embodiment of the present invention, including: a transparent housing, a transparent partition 9, and a container 5.

[0029] Specifically, both the transparent housing and the transparent partition 9 are made of transparent materials, such as transparent glass. The transparent partition 9 is disposed inside the transparent housing and divides the interior of the transparent housing into an independent first cavity 8 and a second cavity 2. The first cavity 8 is in communication with the outside world, and an opening 3 is provided on the transparent partition 9 for the animal 13 to move between the first cavity 8 and the second cavity 2.

[0030] The container 5 is disposed inside the second cavity 2, and the interior of the container 5 is in communication with the second cavity 2. The container 5 is used to hold an olfactory stimulant. The olfactory stimulant refers to a substance that can stimulate the olfaction of the animal 13. The olfactory stimulant is, for example, a volatile chemical substance with a pungent smell. More specifically, the olfactory stimulant is, for example, naphthol or peppermint oil.

[0031] The animal olfactory evaluation device 100 provided in the embodiment of the present invention is applicable to the evaluation of the olfaction of animals, especially animals with sensitive olfaction. The animal is, for example, a gnawing animal 13. More specifically, for example, a mouse. The inventor's research found that volatile chemical substances with pungent smells such as naphthol and mint have a good repelling effect on mice, and the time for mice to escape from the second cavity 2 is negatively correlated with the concentration of such chemical substances.

[0032] During the specific use process, the animal 13 to be evaluated is placed inside the second cavity 2. Under the stimulation of the olfactory stimulant, a normal-smelling animal 13 will, out of the instinct to escape danger, find the opening 3 through olfaction and enter the first cavity 8 through the opening 3. For an animal 13 with olfactory impairment, due to the reduction of its olfactory recognition ability, its escape time will be longer, the escape path will be longer, and even the escape may fail. Accordingly, an animal 13 with olfactory impairment can be identified, and the degree of its impairment can be quantitatively evaluated.

[0033] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, in order to make the experimental results more accurate, the number of containers 5 is two, and both of the two containers 5 are arranged in the second cavity 2. The transparent partition 9 is detachably arranged inside the transparent housing. For example, a through groove matching the shape of the transparent partition 9 is arranged on the transparent housing, and the detachable connection between the transparent partition 9 and the transparent housing is realized by installing the transparent partition 9 into the through groove from one end of the through groove. The transparent partition 9 has a normal installation state and a reverse installation state. When in the normal installation state, the opening 3 is close to one of the containers 5, and there is a first preset distance between them. When in the reverse installation state, the opening 3 is close to the other container 5, and there is a second preset distance between them. The first preset distance is equal to the second preset distance, and the magnitudes of the first preset distance and the second preset distance are determined according to the actual situation.

[0034] During the specific use process, by horizontally rotating the transparent partition 9 by 180 degrees, the switching between the two installation states of the normal installation state and the reverse installation state of the transparent partition 9 can be realized. By switching the installation state of the transparent partition 9 and conducting experiments respectively in the normal installation state and the reverse installation state of the transparent partition 9, the interference of the memory of the animal 13 on the experimental results can be excluded.

[0035] Furthermore, the animal olfactory evaluation device 100 further includes a transparent door 11 for opening and closing the opening 3. The transparent door 11 is made of a transparent material, such as transparent glass.

[0036] Furthermore, two first sliding grooves and two second sliding grooves are respectively arranged on the opposite sides of the transparent partition 9, and both the two first sliding grooves and the two second sliding grooves are respectively arranged on the opposite sides of the opening 3. When the transparent partition 9 is in the normal installation state, the two first sliding grooves are arranged opposite to the first cavity 8. The opposite sides of the transparent door 11 are respectively arranged in the two first sliding grooves, and the sum of the frictions between the two first sliding grooves and the transparent door 11 is greater than the self-gravity of the transparent door 11. When the transparent partition 9 is in the reverse installation state, the two second sliding grooves are arranged opposite to the first cavity 8. The opposite sides of the transparent door 11 are respectively arranged in the two second sliding grooves, and the sum of the frictions between the two second sliding grooves and the transparent door 11 is greater than the self-gravity of the transparent door 11. With such a setting, no matter the transparent partition 9 is in the normal installation state or the reverse installation state, the transparent door 11 is always located in the first cavity 8. Since the first cavity 8 is always connected to the outside, the user can conveniently adjust the opening degree of the opening 3.

[0037] Taking the example that the two opposite sides of the transparent door 11 are respectively arranged in two first sliding grooves, in the specific using process, by applying a certain force to the transparent door 11, the transparent door 11 can slide along the length direction of the first sliding groove. As the transparent door 11 slides along the length direction of the first sliding groove, the opening degree of the opening 3 will change accordingly. In the specific using process, the opening and closing of the opening 3 and the adjustment of the opening degree of the opening 3 are completed by inserting and removing the transparent door 11.

[0038] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, as Figure 2 shown, in order to prevent the animal 13 from stepping on the container 5 or the animal feces from polluting the olfactory stimulant, the animal olfactory evaluation device 100 further includes a support net 4. The support net 4 is arranged in the second cavity 2. The support net 4 divides the second cavity 2 into an upper first cavity and a lower second cavity up and down. The container 5 is arranged in the second cavity. The support net 4 is used to support the animal 13, and the container 5 is located below the support net 4.

[0039] Further, in order to make the service life of the support net 4 longer, the support net 4 is a metal net.

[0040] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, in order to facilitate adding the olfactory stimulant into the container 5, the container 5 is a drawer-type container. An insertion opening matching the shape of the drawer-type container is arranged on the side wall of the transparent shell. One end of the drawer-type container is placed in the second cavity, and the other end of the drawer-type container just plugs the insertion opening.

[0041] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, as Figure 3 shown, in order to accelerate the release of the olfactory stimulant, the animal olfactory evaluation device 100 further includes a heating device 12. The container 5 is made of a heat-conducting material. The heating device 12 is connected to the container 5 to heat the container 5. In the specific using process, after the container 5 is heated, it can transfer the heat to the olfactory stimulant. For chemical olfactory stimulants, by raising the temperature of the olfactory stimulant, the volatilization of chemical substances can be accelerated.

[0042] Further, the heating device 12 is arranged at the bottom end of the container 5.

[0043] Further, the heating device 12 includes but is not limited to a self-heating patch. The temperature of the self-heating patch generally does not exceed 60 degrees Celsius, and the situation that the chemical substance burns dry and releases smoke to interfere with the sense of smell will not occur.

[0044] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, as Figure 1 shown, a sampling hole 10 communicating with the second cavity 2 is arranged on the transparent shell. In the specific using process, the user can collect and detect samples of volatile chemical substances through the sampling hole 10. By setting the sampling hole 10, accurate quantitative evaluation can be realized.

[0045] In some embodiments provided by the present invention, the transparent housing includes a main body 7, a bottom plate 6, and a top cover 1. Both the top and bottom ends of the main body 7 are open. The bottom plate 6 is disposed at the bottom end of the main body 7 to seal the bottom end of the main body 7. The top cover 1 is disposed at the top end of the main body 7, and the top cover 1 is used to open and close the second cavity 2. Both the main body 7 and the top cover 1 are made of a transparent material, for example, both are made of transparent glass.

[0046] Further, the top cover 1 is directly placed on the top end of the main body 7, and there is no connection relationship between the top cover 1 and the main body 7. In this way, the second cavity 2 can be conveniently opened and closed.

[0047] Further, as Figure 4 shown, the transparent housing further includes a peripheral side plate 14. The peripheral side plate 14 is disposed at the top end of the bottom plate 6 and is arranged along the circumference of the bottom plate 6. The outer side wall of the main body 7 is attached to the inner side wall of the peripheral side plate 14. The drawer-type container 5 passes through the side wall of the main body 7 and the peripheral side plate 14. Openings matching the shape of the drawer-type container 5 are provided on both the side wall of the main body 7 and the peripheral side plate 14. With such a setting, relative shaking between the main body 7 and the bottom plate 6 is not likely to occur, and the container 5 can be stably inserted.

[0048] The present invention also provides an animal olfactory evaluation method in an embodiment. Using the animal olfactory evaluation device 100 provided in the above embodiment for animal olfactory evaluation includes the following steps:

[0049] Place the animal 13 in the second cavity 2, and use an olfactory stimulant to drive the animal 13 to pass through the opening 3 and enter the first cavity 8.

[0050] Further, before placing the animal 13 in the second cavity 2, the following steps are further included:

[0051] Add an appropriate amount of olfactory stimulant into the container 5;

[0052] Close the opening 3;

[0053] After a preset time, open the opening 3, place the animal 13 in the second cavity 2, and start timing;

[0054] When the animal 13 enters the first cavity 8, press the timer to complete the timing.

[0055] The following combines a specific example to introduce in detail the animal olfactory evaluation method provided by the present invention:

[0056] The animal 13 uses male mice not less than 8 weeks old. The estrus period of female mice will affect their recognition of odors. Before the experiment, the mice drink water freely and their diet is not restricted.

[0057] Since this method involves the use of volatile chemical substances with pungent odors, it is recommended to use the evaluation device in an experimental space with good ventilation.

[0058] Close the opening 3, add an appropriate amount of volatile chemical substance into one of the containers 5, and quickly place the container 5 into the second cavity 2 after the addition is completed.

[0059] After the volatile chemical substance has volatilized for 30 seconds (the volatilization time can be appropriately adjusted according to the volatility), open the opening 3 semi-openly, remove the top cover 1, place the mouse into the support net 4 of the second cavity 2 from the top of the second cavity 2, then use the top cover 1 to re-close the top of the second cavity 2 and start timing.

[0060] With the opening 3 in a semi-open state, a concentration gradient of the volatile chemical substance will be formed between the container 5 and the opening 3, and the animal 13 can identify the low-concentration area through olfaction and escape to the first cavity 8.

[0061] When all four limbs of the animal 13 enter the first cavity 8, press the timer to complete the timing.

[0062] If the animal 13 still does not enter the first cavity 8 after 60 seconds, open the top cover 1 and take the animal 13 out of the second cavity 2.

[0063] After the animal 13 has rested for half an hour, switch the installation state of the transparent partition 9, change the position of the opening 3, add an equal amount of olfactory stimulant into another container 5, and repeat the test once.

[0064] If the results of both measurements are greater than 60 seconds, it is determined that the escape time of the animal 13 is greater than 60 seconds.

[0065] After the test of one animal 13 is completed, the container 5 and the heating device 12 should be replaced, the second cavity 2 should be wiped, and after adding an equal amount of volatile chemical substance, start the test of the next animal 13.

[0066] If it is necessary to further quantify the degree of olfactory impairment, volatile chemical substances with different concentrations can be used as olfactory stimulants to conduct multiple tests on the animal 13.

[0067] When necessary, gas samples of the volatile chemical substance in the second cavity 2 can be collected through the sampling hole 10, and the concentration of the gas samples can be measured to determine the olfactory threshold concentration of the mouse for the volatile chemical substance.

[0068] The evaluation of the olfactory disorder of the mouse can be determined according to the ratio of the escape time of the mouse to the average escape time of the mice in the normal control group. If it is greater than 2, it is judged as olfactory disorder.

[0069] The animal olfactory evaluation device and evaluation method provided in the embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0070] 1. The test results are more accurate and the test speed is faster. Olfaction is of great significance for the survival and reproduction of animals. The escape behavior of animals after using olfaction to recognize toxic chemicals and the smell of natural enemies is the olfactory repulsion behavior, and the approach behavior of animals after using olfaction to recognize food or mates is the olfactory attraction behavior. Traditional animal olfactory assessment methods all use the olfactory attraction behavior of animals to evaluate animal olfaction. The animal olfactory assessment device and assessment method provided in the embodiments of the present invention are developed based on the characteristics that animals can use olfaction to recognize danger and escape from danger. Escape is an inevitable behavior driven by olfaction. If there is an olfactory disorder, the driving force for escape behavior is lost. Therefore, the accuracy of measuring animal olfactory disorders based on this is high. In addition, animals escape due to their instinct for survival, and the reaction is faster. Therefore, the test speed is also faster. Compared with the traditional method of evaluating animal olfaction using the principle of olfactory attraction, the animal olfactory assessment device and assessment method provided in the embodiments of the present invention can complete animal olfactory assessment more efficiently and quickly, and the animal olfactory assessment device and assessment method provided in the embodiments of the present invention can realize the quantitative assessment of animal olfaction.

[0071] 2. It can avoid the interference of sensory abilities such as taste, vision, and hearing on the experimental results. The animal olfactory assessment device and assessment method provided in the embodiments of the present invention do not use bedding, which can avoid animals 13 discovering danger through taste (the bedding can adsorb irritating gases); the olfactory stimulant is placed under the support net 4, which can avoid animals 13 discovering danger through vision; a multi-channel experimental mode using a single animal 13 instead of multiple animals 13 can avoid animals 13 detecting danger through hearing.

[0072] 3. The experimental operation is simple and takes a short time. Animals 13 do not need to be fasted overnight and pre-trained. It can avoid the influence of the degree of hunger on the experimental results and shorten the test time.

[0073] 4. It can quantify the degree of olfactory disorder of animals 13. The animal olfactory assessment device and assessment method provided in the embodiments of the present invention can use volatile chemicals with different concentrations to test olfaction (collect air samples through the sampling holes 10 for concentration detection), comprehensively consider the escape time of animals 13, and observe the dose-effect (response) relationship, so as to realize the quantitative assessment of the olfaction of animals 13 and determine the olfactory threshold.

[0074] Specific examples are used in this specification to elaborate on the principle and implementation manner of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and its core idea of the present invention; at the same time, for those of ordinary skill in the art, according to the idea of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation manner and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation on the present invention.

Claims

1. An animal olfactory evaluation device, characterized in that, Comprising: A transparent housing; A transparent partition, disposed inside the transparent housing and dividing the interior of the transparent housing into an independent first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is in communication with the outside. An opening is provided on the transparent partition for an animal to move between the first cavity and the second cavity; Containers, disposed inside the second cavity and the interior of the containers is in communication with the second cavity. The containers are used to hold olfactory stimulants. The number of the containers is two, and both of the two containers are disposed inside the second cavity. The transparent partition is detachably disposed inside the transparent housing. The transparent partition has a normal state and a reverse state. When in the normal state, the opening is close to one of the containers and there is a first preset distance therebetween. When in the reverse state, the opening is close to the other container and there is a second preset distance therebetween. The first preset distance is equal to the second preset distance; and, A transparent door for opening and closing the opening. Two first chutes and two second chutes are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the transparent partition, and both of the two first chutes and the two second chutes are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the opening. When the transparent partition is in the normal state, the two first chutes are disposed opposite to the first cavity. Two opposite sides of the transparent door are respectively disposed in the two first chutes, and the sum of the frictions between the two first chutes and the transparent door is greater than the self-gravity of the transparent door. When the transparent partition is in the reverse state, the two second chutes are disposed opposite to the first cavity. Two opposite sides of the transparent door are respectively disposed in the two second chutes, and the sum of the frictions between the two second chutes and the transparent door is greater than the self-gravity of the transparent door.

2. The animal olfactory evaluation device according to claim 1, characterized in that It further includes a support net, which is disposed inside the second cavity. The support net divides the second cavity into an upper cavity and a lower cavity up and down. The container is disposed in the lower cavity. The support net is used to support the animal.

3. The animal olfactory evaluation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container is a drawer-type container, and an insertion opening matching the shape of the drawer-type container is provided on the side wall of the transparent housing.

4. The animal olfactory evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein It further includes a heating device. The container is made of a heat-conducting material, and the heating device is connected to the container to heat the container.

5. The animal olfactory evaluation device according to claim 1, characterized in that A sampling hole communicating with the second cavity is provided on the transparent housing.

6. The animal olfactory evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein The transparent housing includes a main body, a bottom plate and a top cover. The top and bottom of the main body are both open. The bottom plate is disposed at the bottom of the main body to seal the bottom of the main body. The top cover is disposed at the top of the main body. The top cover is used to open and close the second cavity.

7. The animal olfactory evaluation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The olfactory stimulant is naphthol or peppermint oil.

8. A method for animal olfactory evaluation, characterized in that, Performing animal olfactory evaluation by using the animal olfactory evaluation device according to any one of claims 1-7 includes the following steps: Placing the animal in the second cavity and using the olfactory stimulant to drive the animal to pass through the opening and enter the first cavity.

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