Suspension tail test device

Abstract

The invention relates to a tail suspension test device. The suspension tail test device comprises a support module, a suspension adjusting module, a fixing module and a control module. The suspension adjusting module is installed on the support module and comprises a cross beam capable of moving in the vertical direction relative to the support module and a sliding block capable of moving on the cross beam in the horizontal direction. The fixing module is connected with the suspension adjusting module and comprises a sleeve with a flexible lining, and the fixing module is configured to apply radial force to the flexible lining of the sleeve to fix the tail of the animal; the control module is configured to receive input of a user and control the suspension adjusting module to adjust the suspension position of the fixing module in the tail suspension test device in response to the input of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure belongs to the technical field of animal experimental equipment, specifically, it relates to a tail suspension testing device, particularly a tail suspension testing device for constructing an animal model of sarcopenia, and more specifically, it relates to a tail suspension testing device that assists in the construction of an animal model of sarcopenia by inducing and monitoring muscle atrophy in the hind limbs of animals through controllable mechanical braking. Background Art Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by reduced skeletal muscle mass, decreased muscle strength, and impaired bodily function. Its occurrence is often closely related to factors such as aging, chronic diseases, or prolonged immobilization (e.g., prolonged bed rest, weightlessness in space). Establishing stable, reliable, and reproducible animal models is crucial for in-depth research into the pathogenesis of sarcopenia and effective intervention measures.

[0002] In related technologies, inducing disuse atrophy of hind limb muscles through "tail suspension" is a common method for preparing animal models of sarcopenia. The principle of this method is to suspend the animal's tail, causing its forelimbs to bear weight while its hind limbs are de-weighted, thus simulating the pathological process of muscle atrophy caused by prolonged bed rest or weightlessness. However, currently widely used tail suspension experimental devices have significant technical shortcomings, severely restricting the standardization of models and the accuracy of scientific research, mainly reflected in: (1) Insufficient precision in parameter control: The suspension angle and braking time of the device rely on manual operation, which makes it difficult to achieve precise control and reproducibility, resulting in poor consistency of animal models in different batches or even within the same batch, and low reliability and comparability of experimental results.

[0003] (2) Lack of real-time monitoring function: Existing devices generally lack the ability to monitor the physiological state of animals in real time and cannot dynamically record key indicators that directly reflect muscle activity and atrophy process, such as hind limb electromyography signals and struggle intensity. Therefore, it is difficult to establish a correlation between braking parameters and the degree of muscle atrophy.

[0004] (3) If the fixation strength is insufficient (i.e., the fixation is too loose), the animal is very likely to detach from the restraint when struggling in the air, leading to the interruption of the experiment. This not only seriously affects the efficiency of the experiment, but may also cause additional stress and injury to the animal due to repeated operations. Conversely, if the fixation strength is excessively increased to prevent detachment (i.e., the fixation is too tight), it is very easy to compress the blood vessels in the tail, causing tail ischemia, edema, or even tissue necrosis and tail detachment, which are serious injuries. In addition, if the animal is fixed in a rigid manner, it is easy to cause the animal to struggle violently and feel uncomfortable during the tail suspension process, which will lead to an abnormal increase in the level of stress hormones (such as corticosterone), ultimately affecting the accuracy of experimental data and the credibility of the model.

[0005] (4) Low data collection efficiency: The recording of experimental data relies on manual observation and manual entry. This method is not only inefficient and time-consuming, but also inevitably introduces subjective errors, affecting the objectivity and accuracy of the data. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, in view of the shortcomings of the prior art, this disclosure aims to provide a tail suspension test device to assist in the preparation of animal models of sarcopenia, so as to achieve the functions of stable and flexible fixation of the tail, precise control of suspension parameters, real-time monitoring of muscle status, reduction of animal stress and / or automated data collection.

[0007] A tail suspension testing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a support module; a suspension adjustment module mounted on the support module and including a crossbeam movable in a vertical direction relative to the support module and a slider movable in a horizontal direction on the crossbeam; a fixing module connected to the suspension adjustment module and including a sleeve with a flexible liner, the fixing module being configured to apply a radial force to the flexible liner of the sleeve to fix the animal tail; and a control module configured to receive user input and, in response to the user input, control the suspension adjustment module to adjust the suspension position of the fixing module within the tail suspension testing apparatus.

[0008] By adjusting the suspension module's movement in the horizontal and vertical directions (or up and down directions), combined with command control from the control module, precise, flexible, and repeatable positioning of the animal's suspension position is achieved. This eliminates random errors caused by manual operation and ensures consistency of conditions between different experimental batches. Simultaneously, the use of a flexible liner and radial force fixation method ensures reliable tail clamping and prevents slippage while effectively avoiding tissue damage that might be caused by rigid clamping, thus improving animal welfare and the standardization of procedures.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixing module may further include a rotary clamping unit, which may include a rotating unit and a clamping unit. When the rotating unit rotates, it can drive the clamping unit to move from a first position to a second position. In the second position, the clamping unit radially inwards compresses the flexible liner to fix the animal tail.

[0010] By introducing a rotary clamping unit, the fixing action can be linked to the rotational motion, allowing the clamping force applied to the animal's tail to be precisely controlled by adjusting the rotation angle (such as the number of rotations or the degree of rotation). This transforms the previously "fixed" steps, which relied on the operator's feel and experience, into a controllable and repeatable mechanical process, significantly improving the consistency and convenience of operation and further reducing subjective operational variables.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, as the rotating unit rotates, the clamping unit generates radial movement through the inclined thread structure.

[0012] The inclined thread structure can smoothly convert the axial (or circumferential) motion of the rotating unit into the radial linear motion required by the clamping unit.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the securing module also includes a pressure sensor embedded in the flexible liner and configured to monitor restraint pressure on the animal's tail.

[0014] With its built-in pressure sensor, the device can monitor and provide feedback on the restraint pressure applied to the animal's tail in real time. This allows the initial fixation conditions for each experiment to be precisely set and recorded, completely avoiding the risk of animals slipping due to excessively loose fixation or causing additional stress or even tissue damage due to excessively tight fixation. This ensures the reliability and comparability of experimental results and also provides data support for quality control of the experimental process.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixing module also includes a temperature-controlled pad embedded in the flexible liner.

[0016] The built-in thermostatic pad can effectively maintain the temperature stability of the tail area, preventing excessive cold from interfering with the animal's physiological state and behavioral responses (such as the intensity of struggle) for non-experimental purposes. This ensures that the observed data more accurately reflects the effect of the experimental treatment itself, thus guaranteeing the reliability of the experimental data.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the suspension adjustment module further includes a vertical beam with a sliding guide rail. A servo motor drives a horizontal beam to move vertically along the sliding guide rail. The horizontal beam also has a sliding guide rail, and a servo motor drives a slider to move horizontally along the sliding guide rail of the horizontal beam. The suspension adjustment module further includes an angle adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the suspension angle of the fixed module relative to the vertical direction.

[0018] Based on the aforementioned technical features, the suspension process achieves full automation and precise control in the spatial dimension. Servo motors drive vertical and horizontal movement, ensuring the animal is quickly and smoothly positioned at the target point. The introduction of an angle adjustment mechanism allows researchers to flexibly set different suspension angles according to experimental needs, which can be used to investigate the effects of different body postures on animal stress responses.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the tail suspension testing apparatus further includes a monitoring module, which includes a tension sensor disposed between the suspension adjustment module and the fixing module and configured to monitor the intensity of the animal's struggle.

[0020] The tension sensor can continuously record the magnitude, trend and frequency spectrum of the tension applied by the animal while it is suspended in the air, thus providing a more accurate data background (such as average struggling force, maximum explosive force, struggling rhythm, etc.), effectively avoiding errors and biases caused by human subjective judgment, and making the acquisition of behavioral data more scientific.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the monitoring module further includes at least one of an electromyography (EMG) signal acquisition electrode, a camera, and an environmental sensor. The EMG signal acquisition electrode is disposed on the muscles of the animal's hind limb and configured to acquire EMG signals from the animal's hind limb. The camera is configured to acquire images of the animal's movement trajectory. The environmental sensor is configured to sense environmental data around the animal, including light, temperature, and humidity.

[0022] By introducing electromyography (EMG) signal acquisition electrodes, the tail suspension test device enables direct monitoring of the physiological activity of the hind limb muscles in animals. EMG signals are indicators for assessing neuromuscular function and the process of disuse atrophy; this capability allows researchers to correlate braking parameters with the physiological responses of the muscles in real time. Behavioral trajectories recorded by cameras (e.g., struggling states) can complement data from the tension sensor. Environmental sensors ensure that all data are acquired under known and controlled environmental conditions. This eliminates the interference of environmental fluctuations on the data, making all acquired data more comparable.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the control module is configured to receive electromyographic signals, images of the activity trajectory, struggle intensity, and environmental data from the monitoring module, and to perform correlation analysis and storage of these data with braking parameters input by the user, including at least one of suspension position, braking time, and cycle.

[0024] The control module's correlation analysis and storage functions can correlate braking parameters, physiological responses (such as electromyography and struggle), and environmental data. This helps to automatically generate comprehensive reports and improves the efficiency of data analysis and interpretation.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the tail suspension test apparatus further includes a stress relief module, which includes a soundproof enclosure and / or a white noise generator.

[0026] By using soundproof enclosures and white noise generators, a quieter and more stable experimental environment with minimal acoustic interference can be created for laboratory animals. This effectively reduces stress responses caused by sudden external noise, ensuring that animal behavior and physiological data more accurately reflect the effects of the experimental treatment itself, rather than external interference, thus further improving the stability of the model.

[0027] The above-disclosed technical solutions only need to achieve one of the aforementioned effects, and it is not required that each technical solution achieve all of the aforementioned technical effects.

[0028] Furthermore, the effects of this disclosure include not only those set forth herein, but also other effects that will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the claims, the specification, and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] These and / or other aspects will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a tail suspension test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing module of a tail suspension test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the fixing module of the tail suspension test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated. However, this disclosure may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be more detailed and thorough, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0033] It will be understood that the numerical values ​​or ranges mentioned herein are merely examples, and the numerical values ​​or ranges can be any other values ​​or ranges, as long as they do not affect the implementation of the technical solution of this application.

[0034] It will also be understood that throughout the specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same parts, modules, or sections. Each feature of the various embodiments of this disclosure can be combined partially or entirely with each other, and various technical associations and drives are possible. Each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or can be implemented together in association.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined or implied herein, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and in this disclosure, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0036] The tail suspension test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a tail suspension test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing module of a tail suspension test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the fixing module of the tail suspension test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, a tail suspension test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a support module 1; a suspension adjustment module 2, mounted on the support module 1 and including a crossbeam movable in a vertical direction relative to the support module 1 and a slider movable in a horizontal direction on the crossbeam; a fixing module 3, connected to the suspension adjustment module 2 and including a sleeve 301 with a flexible liner, the fixing module 3 being configured to apply a radial force to the flexible liner of the sleeve to fix the tail of an animal (e.g., a C57BL / 6 mouse); and a control module 5, configured to receive user input and, in response to the user input, control the suspension adjustment module 2 to adjust the suspension position of the fixing module 3 within the tail suspension test apparatus.

[0039] The main body of the support module 1 is constructed from industrial-grade aluminum alloy profiles, a material that ensures structural stability while achieving lightweight design. A counterweight base is provided at the bottom of the support module 1, effectively lowering the overall center of gravity of the device. The tail-hanging test device may include a glass or transparent plastic plate disposed on the exterior of the support module 1. The tail-hanging test device has a cuboid shape. At least one side of the tail-hanging test device is covered with a transparent glass or plastic plate, while the other sides may be covered with translucent or opaque glass or plastic plates.

[0040] The suspension adjustment module 2 can adopt an "I"-shaped structure. The suspension adjustment module 2 can be equipped with a linear motor drive system. For example, its two vertical beams (or columns) are equipped with linear motors, which can drive the crossbeam to move smoothly in the longitudinal (vertical) direction; while the crossbeam itself is equipped with another set of linear motors, which can precisely control the slider on its slide rail to achieve lateral movement. The travel distance in both the horizontal and vertical directions can be 0 to 50 centimeters, giving the fixed module the ability to move and position in two different directions within a two-dimensional plane. The fixation module 3 can be a sleeve structure specifically designed for animal tails. The innermost layer of the fixation module 3 is a flexible, high-friction silicone liner, which gently wraps the tail to prevent tissue damage while providing sufficient friction to prevent slippage. The fixation module 3 can apply uniform and controllable radial compression to the silicone liner, thereby achieving non-destructive fixation of the tail. Furthermore, the fixation module 3 may include a body temperature maintenance unit, a constant temperature pad that maintains the temperature of the tail contact surface at 37±0.5℃ to eliminate interference from low or high temperature stress on experimental data. The pull rope or rod connecting the sleeve can be equipped with a tension sensor, which can continuously and in real time convert the force of the animal's struggle into an objective, quantifiable electrical signal, providing data for subsequent analysis.

[0041] Control module 5 (e.g., the control and data processing module) may include a programmable logic controller (PLC) responsible for executing all motion control and timing logic. Experimenters can pre-set parameters including suspension position (e.g., height, angle), braking time, and experimental cycle. Control module 5 may also include a human-machine interface system, whose built-in control and analysis software provides users with an intuitive operating interface and data processing tools. All experimental parameters and collected data can be stored in the data storage unit of control module 5. Furthermore, control module 5 may have 5G and Wi-Fi wireless communication capabilities, supporting remote monitoring and control via mobile terminals (such as tablets and mobile phones). This not only improves operational convenience but also helps reduce potential interference to experimental animals caused by human presence in specific experimental environments.

[0042] By adjusting the suspension module's movement in the horizontal and vertical directions (or up and down directions), combined with command control from the control module, precise, flexible, and repeatable positioning of the animal's suspension position is achieved. This eliminates random errors caused by manual operation and ensures consistency of conditions between different experimental batches. Simultaneously, the use of a flexible liner and radial force fixation method ensures reliable tail clamping and prevents slippage while effectively avoiding tissue damage that might be caused by rigid clamping, thus improving animal welfare and operational standardization.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixing module 3 may further include a rotary clamping unit, which may include a rotating unit 302 and a clamping unit 303. When the rotating unit 302 rotates, it can drive the clamping unit 302 from a first position (e.g., Figure 3 Move the solid line position to the second position (e.g., the position of the solid line). Figure 3 (in the dotted line position), in the second position, the clamping unit 303 radially inwardly presses the flexible liner to secure the animal's tail.

[0044] By introducing a rotary clamping unit, the fixing action can be linked to the rotational motion, allowing the clamping force applied to the animal's tail to be precisely controlled by a 302-degree rotation angle (such as the number of rotations or the degree of rotation) marked on the control surface. This transforms the "fixing" step, which originally relied on the operator's feel and experience, into a controllable and repeatable mechanical process, significantly improving the consistency and convenience of operation and further reducing subjective operational variables.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, as the rotating unit 302 rotates, the clamping unit 303 generates radial movement through the inclined thread structure.

[0046] The use of a beveled thread structure can smoothly convert the axial (or circumferential) motion of the rotating unit into the radial linear motion required by the clamping unit.

[0047] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fixing module, such as an animal fixing module, may include a hollow rigid sleeve 301 and a rotating mechanism 302 rotatable relative to it. The inner wall of the sleeve 301 is provided with or integrated with a flexible rubber liner with a high coefficient of friction. When initially fitted onto the animal's tail, the material properties provide basic friction to prevent the tail from easily slipping off.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown in the innermost layer, the flexible liner can be integrally molded from high-friction medical-grade silicone. The inner surface of the flexible liner can be textured or have regular protrusions to increase static friction with the tail surface, effectively preventing relative sliding or slippage between the tail and the liner when the animal struggles. At the same time, the flexibility of the liner gently wraps around the tail, evenly distributing pressure and avoiding excessive local pressure that could lead to tissue ischemia or damage.

[0049] The rotary clamping unit may include, but is not limited to, a three-jaw chuck or helical clamping device similar to those used in electric drills to clamp drill bits. For example, the rotary clamping unit may include a rotatable outer sheath that the user can use to secure the sleeve 301 to the animal's tail. For example, when the outer sheath rotates, the rotational motion is converted into radial linear motion of the internal clamping elements through the bevel or threads on its inner side.

[0050] The rotary clamping unit may include a rotary unit 302 and a clamping unit 303. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the rotating unit 302 can have a hollow plate shape. The inner surface of the rotating unit 302 is inclined relative to the outer surface, and a thread is provided on this surface. This thread connects with the thread on the clamping unit 303 at their contact surfaces. The clamping unit 303 can include multiple movable clamping blocks, for example, three rigid but smooth clamping blocks symmetrically distributed at 120°. Driven by the rotating unit 302, these blocks can synchronously and equidistantly retract or move away from the center. When fixing the tail, the operator first places the tail in the high-friction liner and then manually rotates the outer rotating unit 302. The rotational motion drives the movable clamping blocks to move smoothly radially inward through the internal inclined plane or thread mechanism. These clamping blocks then uniformly squeeze the internal flexible silicone liner from the outside, causing it to deform in a controllable manner, thereby uniformly fixing (e.g., clamping) the tail from all sides.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the clamping unit 303 may include, but is not limited to, three circumferentially evenly distributed clamping claws (spaced 120° apart from each other), each clamping claw having a ramp on its back, or being movable along a ramp track provided within the rotating unit 302. When the rotating unit 302 is manually rotated, driven by a threaded or cam structure, the three clamping claws are forced to move simultaneously axially. Due to the ramp action, this axial movement is converted into radial movement of the clamping claws toward the axis (i.e., the animal's tail), moving them from an initial, relaxed first position to a clamped, restraining second position. In the second position, the clamping claws do not directly contact the tail, but rather uniformly compress the flexible rubber liner inward, causing controlled deformation, thereby gently but forcefully securing the animal's tail.

[0052] In another exemplary embodiment, the securing module 3 may include a hollow silicone sleeve and a restraint strap configured to apply radial restraint force to the silicone sleeve. The silicone sleeve increases the contact area with the tail, dispersing pressure, and combined with the radial restraint force of the restraint strap, effectively preventing the animal from slipping while minimizing pressure and damage to the tail tissues.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the securing module further includes a pressure sensor embedded in the flexible liner and configured to monitor the restraint pressure applied to the animal's tail. The embedded pressure sensor enables real-time monitoring and feedback of the restraint pressure applied to the animal's tail.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixing module 3 further includes a temperature-regulating pad embedded in the flexible liner. The embedded temperature-regulating pad can effectively maintain temperature stability in the tail region.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the suspension adjustment module further includes a vertical beam with a sliding guide rail. A servo motor drives a horizontal beam to move vertically along the sliding guide rail. The horizontal beam also has a sliding guide rail, and a servo motor drives a slider to move horizontally along the sliding guide rail of the horizontal beam. The suspension adjustment module further includes an angle adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the suspension angle of the fixed module relative to the vertical direction.

[0056] In another exemplary embodiment, the top crossbeam of the support module 1 may be provided with a sliding guide rail, and the vertical beam of the suspension adjustment module 2 may be connected to the sliding guide rail via a slider driven by a servo motor. Furthermore, the suspension adjustment module 2 may include a lifting rod instead of a sliding guide rail, and the lifting rod is configured to drive the crossbeam to move up and down along the vertical beam.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the tail suspension testing device further includes a monitoring module 4, which includes a tension sensor 6 disposed between the suspension adjustment module 2 and the fixing module 3 and configured to monitor the intensity of the animal's struggle. The tension sensor 6 can continuously record the magnitude, trend, and frequency spectrum of the tension exerted by the animal during suspension.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the monitoring module 4 further includes at least one of an electromyography (EMG) signal acquisition electrode, a camera, and an environmental sensor. The EMG signal acquisition electrode is disposed on the hind limb muscles of the animal and configured to acquire EMG signals from the hind limb. The camera is configured to acquire images of the animal's movement trajectory. The environmental sensor is configured to sense environmental data around the animal, including light, temperature, and humidity.

[0059] Electromyography (EMG) signal acquisition electrodes can be implanted minimally invasively into the major hind limb muscle groups (such as the gastrocnemius) of experimental animals, enabling direct and real-time capture of minute bioelectrical signals generated by muscle fibers under stress. Unlike tension sensors that only record macroscopic limb movements, EMG signals can reflect the intensity of neural commands and muscle activation patterns earlier and more sensitively. Infrared cameras can be positioned above or to the side of the experimental area, continuously recording the animal's full-body posture and spatial position changes at high frame rate and resolution under conditions completely free of visible light interference or low illumination. Subsequent analysis using computer vision algorithms can not only track the animal's center of gravity trajectory but also accurately analyze the subtle movements, twisting angles, and movement sequences of various body parts such as the head, neck, trunk, and limbs.

[0060] Environmental sensors can continuously monitor and record the temperature, humidity, and light intensity of the animal's microenvironment. These environmental factors are variables that affect the animal's physiological state and behavior. Continuous recording of this data allows researchers to ensure environmental consistency across different batches of experiments, or to effectively eliminate spurious behavioral signals caused by environmental fluctuations (such as sudden temperature changes or abnormal lighting) during data analysis.

[0061] By synchronously collecting and aligning data from electromyography, infrared video, and environmental sensors with timestamps, the accuracy and reliability of assessing tail-hanging stress in animals can be improved.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the control module 5 is configured to receive electromyographic signals, images of the activity trajectory, struggle intensity, and environmental data from the monitoring module 4, and to perform correlation analysis and storage with braking parameters input by the user. The braking parameters include at least one of suspension position, braking time, and cycle.

[0063] The control module's correlation analysis and storage functions can correlate braking parameters, physiological responses (such as electromyography and struggle), and environmental data. This helps to automatically generate comprehensive reports and improves the efficiency of data analysis and interpretation.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the tail suspension test apparatus further includes a stress relief module, which includes a soundproof enclosure and / or a white noise generator.

[0065] The stress mitigation module can provide a standardized testing environment with low interference for laboratory animals, thereby effectively improving the signal-to-noise ratio and reliability of experimental data.

[0066] The soundproof enclosure can be made of high-performance composite soundproofing materials, forming a closed or semi-closed acoustic isolation space. This physically isolates laboratory animals from unpredictable and sudden noise interference from the external laboratory environment (such as conversations, equipment operation, door opening and closing). By blocking these irregular auditory stressors, it is possible to significantly prevent animals from exhibiting violent struggling or alert behavior for non-experimental purposes due to sudden fright, ensuring that the observed behavioral responses are more attributable to the experimental treatment itself rather than random interference from the external environment.

[0067] A white noise generator can continuously produce a "hissing" sound that contains frequencies audible to all ears and has a uniform intensity distribution. This white noise can actively mask or fill in residual ambient noise that the soundproof enclosure cannot completely eliminate, as well as the weak noise that the experimental setup itself may generate during operation.

[0068] By using soundproof enclosures and white noise generators, a quieter and more stable experimental environment with minimal acoustic interference can be created for laboratory animals. This effectively reduces stress responses caused by sudden external noise.

[0069] To improve experimental efficiency, multiple tail suspension test devices can be combined into an array system and connected to a unified remote management system, enabling multiple sets of experiments to be conducted in parallel. Because each tail suspension test device incorporates sound insulation design, the influence between the devices is almost negligible.

[0070] For example, multiple tail suspension testing devices (such as 4, 8, or 16 devices) can be arranged in physical space to form a tail suspension testing device array system. In the array system, each tail suspension testing device is equipped with a stress mitigation module, especially a soundproof enclosure, so that each tail suspension testing device forms a relatively independent acoustic environment. This effectively isolates the noise interference generated by animals struggling and moving in adjacent tail suspension testing devices, minimizing the mutual influence between tail suspension testing devices and ensuring the independence and accuracy of parallel experimental data.

[0071] All independent devices in this array system can be connected to a remote central management system with centralized control, parallel monitoring, and data processing functions via wired or wireless communication methods (such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, etc.).

[0072] For example, a remote central management system can distribute standardized experimental parameters, such as suspension height, angle, braking time, and cycle, to all or part of the devices in the array system to ensure consistent experimental conditions across different experimental groups. For example, the remote central management system can receive, display, and store various monitoring data sent by all devices in real time, covering electromyographic signals, struggle intensity, activity trajectory, and environmental parameters. For example, the remote central management system can automatically integrate, correlate, and statistically process parallel experimental data, generating standardized and detailed experimental reports to improve the efficiency of the entire process from experimental operation to data output, saving researchers' time and effort.

[0073] The working steps of the tail suspension test device can be as follows: At the start of the experiment, the operator gently inserts the animal's tail into the sleeve of the fixation module. The innermost flexible, high-friction silicone liner of the sleeve ensures comfort and safety upon initial contact. Subsequently, by rotating the rotating unit on the outside of the sleeve, the internal inclined plane or clamping unit is driven to achieve a uniform and appropriate radial locking force on the tail, thus securing it. After fixation, the operator sets the experimental conditions through an integrated human-machine interface (such as a touchscreen or connected host computer software). Control software commands drive the linear motor in the suspension adjustment module to precisely adjust the position of the slider on the horizontal and vertical beams, suspending the animal at a preset angle and height. Simultaneously, braking parameters are set, such as the experimental period (e.g., 8 hours of suspension per day for 14 consecutive days). All parameters can be digitally input into the control system.

[0074] Once the parameters are set and the device is started, the experiment can enter the automatic operation phase. At this time, the monitoring module integrated into the system can synchronously collect multi-channel data at a preset frequency: electromyographic electrodes implanted in the animal's hind limbs capture the electrical signals of the muscles in real time; the tension sensor connected to the sleeve continuously records the dynamic changes in the intensity of the struggle; and simultaneously, the environmental sensor array continuously monitors and records the temperature, humidity, and illuminance inside the chamber. All these electromyographic signals, struggle intensity, and environmental data are transmitted to the control module in real time and precisely timestamped to form a multi-dimensional dataset.

[0075] When the preset experimental period ends, the system will automatically stop data acquisition and enter the data post-processing stage. The algorithm built into the control module will process and analyze the raw data, and automatically export the processed data to a common Excel spreadsheet format for researchers to conduct further analysis. Based on the collected physiological data (such as changes in the characteristic values ​​of electromyography signals) and combined with the preset model, a preliminary statistical report on indicators related to the muscle atrophy process (such as muscle mass / body weight ratio and muscle fiber cross-sectional area) will be automatically generated.

[0076] The following describes the preparation of a sarcopenia model in SD rats based on a tail suspension test apparatus. 1. Animal preparation and restraint Healthy SPF-grade SD rats, weighing between 250 and 300 grams, were used in the experiment. Before fixation, the rat's tail was shaved to eliminate interference from hair on the fixation effect and sensor readings. The tail was then fitted into a flexible, high-friction silicone sleeve with an inner diameter of 8 mm. The rat's tail was secured using a clamping unit by rotating the rotating unit, or an elastic restraint strap was used at the base of the tail for auxiliary fixation. During this process, the pressure sensor threshold could be preset to 5 Newtons (N). The system would issue a prompt when the fixation operation approached this threshold.

[0077] 2. Parameter Settings The parameters are set through the human-computer interaction system: the hanging height is set to 30 cm, the hanging angle is set to 30 degrees with the vertical direction, and it is hung continuously for 12 hours a day (from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm) for 21 consecutive days.

[0078] 3. Indicator Monitoring It can automatically record and store electromyographic signals every 24 hours, with a sampling frequency set to 500Hz. The number of daily struggles is counted; a valid struggle is recorded when the real-time tension sensor reading exceeds 2N. The wet weight of the rat's hind limb gastrocnemius muscle can be measured at fixed weekly times.

[0079] 4. Data Results After the experiment, the collected data were statistically analyzed. Compared with the control group that was normally fed, the ratio of gastrocnemius muscle weight to body weight in the model group rats was significantly reduced (P < 0.01).

[0080] Further morphological analysis of muscle tissue sections showed that the cross-sectional area of ​​muscle fibers in the model group rats was reduced by an average of 35% ± 5% compared with the control group. These data indicate that after 21 days of tail suspension intervention, the experimental rats exhibited typical muscle mass loss and muscle fiber atrophy, meeting the criteria for a sarcopenia animal model.

[0081] The tail suspension testing device according to embodiments of this disclosure eliminates human variables by digitally controlling suspension parameters (including height, angle, and braking time), and its control error can be stabilized within the range of ≤±1%. By simultaneously recording electromyographic signals of the hind limb muscles and the overall struggle intensity, the process of muscle atrophy can be dynamically assessed. The fixation module uses a flexible, high-strength silicone rubber with a high coefficient of friction as the inner lining material, combined with a rotating clamping device, to stably fix the animal's tail with appropriate force. Through the synergy of fixation comfort, physiological homeostasis (e.g., thermoregulation), and environmental disturbances, the secretion of stress hormones (such as corticosterone) due to fear, pain, or discomfort in animals can be significantly reduced. Through integrated control and monitoring modules, most of the workflow that traditionally relied on manual timing, visual observation, and manual recording is automated, significantly improving the overall efficiency of data acquisition.

[0082] This disclosure also provides: 1. A tail suspension test device for assisting in the creation of an animal model of sarcopenia, comprising a support module, a suspension adjustment module, an animal fixation module, a monitoring module, and a control and data processing module; the suspension adjustment module realizes digital control of suspension height (0-50cm) and angle (0°-90°) through an electric lifting rod and an angle adjustment mechanism; the monitoring module integrates electromyography signal acquisition electrodes, a tension sensor, and an environmental sensor for real-time monitoring of animal muscle activity and struggle intensity.

[0083] 2. According to the device of paragraph 1, the animal restraint module includes a flexible silicone sleeve and a body temperature maintenance unit, wherein the sleeve has a built-in pressure sensor to avoid excessive restraint.

[0084] 3. According to the device in item 1, the control and data processing module supports preset braking time and cycle, and automatically generates statistical reports on muscle atrophy-related indicators.

[0085] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0086] Although preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this disclosure.

[0087] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents, this disclosure is also intended to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A tail suspension test apparatus, characterized by, The tail suspension test device comprises: a support module; a suspension adjustment module mounted on the support module and comprising a crossbeam capable of moving in a vertical direction relative to the support module and a slider moving along the crossbeam in a horizontal direction; a fixing module connected with the suspension adjustment module and comprising a sleeve with a flexible lining, the fixing module being configured to apply a radial force to the flexible lining of the sleeve to fix the tail of an animal; and a control module configured to receive input from a user and control the suspension adjustment module to adjust the suspension position of the fixing module in the tail suspension test device in response to the input from the user.

2. The tail suspension apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The fixing module further comprises a rotary clamping unit, the rotary clamping unit comprising a rotary unit and a clamping unit, the rotary unit being capable of driving the clamping unit to move from a first position to a second position when the rotary unit rotates, in the second position, the clamping unit radially presses the flexible lining to fix the tail of an animal.

3. The tail suspension apparatus according to claim 2, wherein When the rotary unit rotates, the clamping unit generates radial movement through a bevel thread structure.

4. The tail suspension apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The fixing module further comprises a pressure sensor built in the flexible lining and configured to monitor the restraint pressure on the tail of an animal.

5. The tail suspension apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The fixing module further comprises a constant temperature pad built in the flexible lining.

6. The tail suspension apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The suspension adjustment module further comprises a vertical beam provided with a sliding guide, the crossbeam being driven to move in a vertical direction along the sliding guide by a servo motor, the crossbeam is provided with a sliding guide, the slider being driven to move in a horizontal direction along the sliding guide of the crossbeam by a servo motor, The suspension adjustment module further comprises an angle adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the suspension angle of the fixing module relative to the vertical direction.

7. The tail suspension apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The tail suspension test device further comprises a monitoring module, the monitoring module comprising a tension sensor arranged between the suspension adjustment module and the fixing module and configured to monitor the struggling intensity of the animal.

8. The tail suspension apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The monitoring module further comprises at least one of an electromyographic signal acquisition electrode, a camera and an environmental sensor, The electromyographic signal acquisition electrode is arranged at the hind limb muscle of the animal and is configured to acquire the electromyographic signal of the hind limb of the animal, The camera is configured to acquire images of the activity trajectory of the animal, The environmental sensor is configured to sense environmental data around the animal, including illumination, temperature and humidity.

9. The tail suspension apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The control module is configured to receive the electromyographic signal, the image of the activity trajectory, the struggling intensity and the environmental data from the monitoring module, and to perform correlation analysis and storage with the braking parameters input by the user, the braking parameters including at least one of the suspension position, the braking time and the period.

10. The tail suspension apparatus of claim 1, wherein The tail suspension test device further comprises a stress relief module, the stress relief module comprising a soundproof cover and / or a white noise generator.

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