Fixing device for conscious imaging of rodents

Abstract

The utility model discloses a fixing device for conscious imaging of rodents, which belongs to the technical field of microscopic imaging and comprises a head fixing frame, and the head fixing frame comprises an auxiliary supporting component, a displacement mechanism and a head fixing device. The auxiliary supporting assembly is composed of a plurality of fixing rods and fixing pieces, and a head fixing device is arranged on the auxiliary supporting assembly and located over the rotating disc. One end of the auxiliary supporting assembly is provided with a displacement mechanism, and the upper end of the displacement mechanism is provided with an optical panel. The position of the head fixing device can be precisely adjusted, so that the head fixing device is located at a position suitable for microscope observation; the head of a rodent in a natural activity state can be fixed, and four limbs of the rodent are allowed to freely move under stress, so that huge body movement caused by conditions of stress, movement and the like can be eliminated when the rodent is fixed under the device after being trained; the physiological activities of the head, the face, the cerebral cortex and the like of the animal can be subjected to high-time and spatial-resolution image recording in a waking state and a sleeping state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of microscopic imaging, and particularly relates to a fixing device for awake imaging of rodents. Background Technique

[0002] The statements in this part only provide background technical information related to the utility model, and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] The spatio-temporal characteristics of brain and craniofacial activities are very important data sources in neuroscience research. In the past two decades, technical means for higher-resolution and deeper imaging have emerged continuously, and the imaging means used in scientific research have developed rapidly. However, due to their extremely high precision, these imaging technologies also have high requirements for the stability of the object to be imaged. More and more studies hope to have means to solve the problems of excessive motion artifacts and strong stress caused by the awake state of animals when imaging the animal brain and craniofacial region in the resting state.

[0004] Since free movement is the nature and natural physiological state of animals, anesthesia is often used to directly eliminate body movement when performing high spatio-temporal resolution imaging of the living animal brain. However, anesthesia has a complete impact on brain activity, which is completely different from the normal waking and sleeping states; while directly fixing the head while awake will put the animal in a stress state, which will bring huge motion artifacts, and it is also difficult to simulate the resting awake and sleeping brain activities under normal physiological conditions. And during observation, it is necessary to align the microscope with the position of the animal to observe in order to accurately observe the state of the animal. At present, the position of the fixing device cannot be adjusted, resulting in insufficient accuracy of the observation results. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] Aiming at the above problems, the utility model provides a fixing device for awake imaging of rodents, which can precisely adjust the position of the head fixing device so that the head fixing device is in a position suitable for microscopic observation; it can fix the head of rodents in the natural activity state and allow the limbs to bear force and move freely, so that after being trained, the animal can eliminate the huge body movement caused by stress, movement and other conditions when fixed under this device, enabling high temporal and spatial resolution imaging records of physiological activities such as the animal's head and face, cerebral cortex, etc. in the awake and sleeping states.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A fixing device for awake imaging of rodents, comprising a head fixing frame, and the head fixing frame includes an auxiliary support assembly, a displacement mechanism and a head fixing device; the auxiliary support assembly is composed of a plurality of fixing rods and fixing pieces, a head fixing device is arranged on the auxiliary support assembly, and the head fixing device is directly above the turntable; a displacement mechanism is arranged at one end of the auxiliary support assembly, an optical flat plate is arranged at the upper end of the displacement mechanism, the end of the auxiliary support assembly is on the optical flat plate, and a microscope is placed on the optical flat plate.

[0008] Further, the auxiliary support assembly includes a first fixing rod, and the first fixing rod sequentially passes through a first fixing piece, a third fixing piece, a fourth fixing piece and a second fixing piece.

[0009] Further, a second fixing rod is arranged on the side of one end of the first fixing rod, and the second fixing rod passes through the first fixing piece; a third fixing rod is arranged on the side of the other end of the first fixing rod, and the third fixing rod passes through the second fixing piece.

[0010] Further, a fourth fixing rod is arranged on the third fixing piece, one end of the fourth fixing rod passes through the third fixing piece, and the fourth fixing rod is on the side of the first fixing rod; a fifth fixing rod is arranged on the fourth fixing piece, one end of the fifth fixing rod passes through the fourth fixing piece, and the fifth fixing rod is on the side of the first fixing rod.

[0011] Further, the side of the other end of the fourth fixing rod passes through a fifth fixing piece, the side of the other end of the fifth fixing rod passes through a sixth fixing piece, and a head fixing device is arranged between the fifth fixing piece and the sixth fixing piece; one end of the head fixing device is connected to the fifth fixing piece, and the other end is connected to the sixth fixing piece.

[0012] Further, the displacement mechanism includes a first support plate, a first moving block is arranged in the middle of the first support plate, the first moving block is sleeved on a first lead screw, and a first adjustment knob is arranged at the end of the first lead screw.

[0013] Further, first guide rods are arranged at both ends of the first support plate, and the first guide rods are parallel to the first lead screw; first support blocks are arranged at both ends of the first guide rods, and the first support blocks are connected to the first support plate; first slide rail blocks are arranged at intervals on the side of the first guide rods.

[0014] Further, a second support plate is arranged at the upper end of the first moving block, and the first moving block and the first slide rail blocks are fixedly connected to the second support plate; a second moving block is arranged in the middle of the second support plate, the second moving block is sleeved on a second lead screw, and a second adjustment knob is arranged at the end of the second lead screw.

[0015] Further, second guide rods are provided at both ends of the second support plate, and the second guide rods are parallel to the second lead screws; second support blocks are provided at both ends of the second guide rods, and the second support blocks are connected to the second support plate; second slide rail blocks are arranged at intervals on the side of the second guide rods, the second slide rail blocks are connected to the optical flat plate, and a plurality of round holes are provided on the optical flat plate.

[0016] Further, it further includes a running plate, the running plate is located below the head fixing device, the running plate includes a running plate body, a plurality of running plate bottom wheels are arranged at the lower end of the running plate body, and a running plate wall is arranged at the upper end of the running plate body.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present utility model are:

[0018] In the present utility model, an auxiliary support assembly is formed by a fixing rod and a fixing piece. The auxiliary support assembly can well fix the head fixing device, and the fixing rod and the fixing piece can be arbitrarily combined, so as to realize the position adjustment of the head fixing device in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions, and then facilitate adjusting the combination mode according to the type of animal, which is convenient for observing the animal; the azimuth of the head piece fixed under the microscope is precisely adjusted through the displacement mechanism, making the observation result of the microscope more accurate.

[0019] The present utility model is provided with a running plate, which reduces the resistance when the animal moves. The head of the rodent animal in the natural movement state is fixed and the limbs are allowed to move freely under force. When the animal can be trained to be fixed under this device, the huge body movement caused by stress, movement and other conditions can be eliminated, so that the physiological activities of the animal's head face, cerebral cortex, etc. can be recorded with high time and space resolution in the awake and sleep states. Description of the Drawings

[0020] The specification drawings constituting a part of the present utility model are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model. The schematic embodiments of the present utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the present utility model and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present utility model.

[0021] Figure 1 is the three-dimensional structure diagram of the fixing device of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 is the three-dimensional structure diagram of the running plate of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 is the disassembled view of the running plate of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 is the structure diagram of the displacement mechanism of the present utility model;

[0025] In the figure: 1. Auxiliary support assembly; 101. First fixing rod; 102. Second fixing rod; 103. Third fixing rod; 104. Fourth fixing rod; 105. Fifth fixing rod; 106. First fixing member; 107. Second fixing member; 108. Third fixing member; 109. Fourth fixing member; 110. Fifth fixing member; 111. Sixth fixing member;

[0026] 2. Displacement mechanism; 201. First support plate; 202. First adjustment knob; 203. First lead screw; 204. First moving block; 205. First support block; 206. First guide rod; 207. First slide rail block; 208. Second support plate; 209. Second adjustment knob; 210. Second lead screw; 211. Second moving block; 212. Second support block; 213. Second guide rod; 214. Second slide rail block;

[0027] 3. Running plate; 301. Running plate wall; 302. Running plate body; 303. Running plate bottom running wheel;

[0028] 4. Optical flat plate; 5. Head fixing device. Detailed implementation mode

[0029] It should be noted that the following detailed description is exemplary and is intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

[0030] Next, in combination with the attached drawings, the present invention will be described in detail. A fixing device for awake imaging of rodents disclosed in this embodiment is shown as follows Figure 1 As shown, it includes a head fixing frame, and the head fixing frame includes an auxiliary support assembly 1, a displacement mechanism 2, and a head fixing device 5; the auxiliary support assembly 1 is composed of several fixing rods and fixing members. The head fixing device 5 is arranged on the auxiliary support assembly 1, and the head fixing device 5 is directly above the turntable; one end of the auxiliary support assembly 1 is provided with a displacement mechanism 2, the upper end of the displacement mechanism 2 is provided with an optical flat plate 4, the end of the auxiliary support assembly 1 is on the optical flat plate 4, and a microscope is placed on the optical flat plate 4.

[0031] To record resting rodents and reduce body movement and physiological state changes caused by animal stress, this protocol is designed from two aspects: fixing the head and allowing the limbs to move freely; during the head fixation recording process, body movement of mice in the resting state (including awake and sleep states) does not affect imaging, and spontaneous sleep (including rapid eye movement sleep and non-rapid eye movement sleep) can be induced in the animals during the recording process. The head fixation device is used to fix the animal's head, enabling the microscope to observe the animal more accurately. The running disc 3 allows the limbs to move freely when the animal's head is fixed, enabling the animal to eliminate large body movements caused by stress, exercise, etc. after training when fixed under this device, so that physiological activities such as the animal's head and face and cerebral cortex can be recorded with high temporal and spatial resolution in both awake and sleep states.

[0032] As Figure 1 shown, the auxiliary support assembly 1 includes a first fixing rod 101. The first fixing rod 101 sequentially passes through a first fixing member 106, a third fixing member 108, a fourth fixing member 109, and a second fixing member 107. A second fixing rod 102 is provided on the side of one end of the first fixing rod 101, and the second fixing rod 102 passes through the first fixing member 106; a third fixing rod 103 is provided on the side of the other end of the first fixing rod 101, and the third fixing rod 103 passes through the second fixing member 107. A fourth fixing rod 104 is provided on the third fixing member 108. One end of the fourth fixing rod 104 passes through the third fixing member 108, and the fourth fixing rod 104 is on the side of the first fixing rod 101; a fifth fixing rod 105 is provided on the fourth fixing member 109. One end of the fifth fixing rod 105 passes through the fourth fixing member 109, and the fifth fixing rod 105 is on the side of the first fixing rod 101. The side of the other end of the fourth fixing rod 104 passes through a fifth fixing member 110, and the side of the other end of the fifth fixing rod 105 passes through a sixth fixing member 111. A head fixation device 5 is provided between the fifth fixing member 110 and the sixth fixing member 111; one end of the head fixation device 5 is connected to the fifth fixing member 110, and the other end is connected to the sixth fixing member 111.

[0033] The head fixing frame includes an auxiliary support component 1, a displacement mechanism 2, and a head fixing device 5; the head fixing device 5 is used to fix the head of the animal so that the head of the animal is fixed and immovable. The head fixing device 5 can be customized according to the type of the animal, so as to be applicable to different types of animals; the auxiliary support component 1 is composed of a plurality of fixing parts and fixing rods. Round holes are provided on the fixing parts. When assembling, the fixing rods are inserted into the round holes of the fixing parts. The number of the fixing rods and the fixing parts can be adjusted according to needs. The position adjustment of the head fixing device 5 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions can be realized through any combination of the fixing parts and the fixing rods of the auxiliary support component 1; if adjustment in the Z-axis direction is required, the fourth fixing rod 104 and the fifth fixing rod 105 are pulled, so that the fourth fixing rod 104 moves in the third fixing part 108 and the fifth fixing rod 105 moves in the fourth fixing part 109; if adjustment in the X-axis direction is required, the first fixing rod 101 is pulled, so that the first fixing rod 101 moves in the first fixing part 106, the third fixing part 108, the fourth fixing part 109, and the second fixing part 107; if adjustment in the Y-axis direction is required, the positions of the second fixing rod 102 and the third fixing rod 103 need to be adjusted.

[0034] If the head fixing device 5 needs to be replaced, when the size of the head fixing device 5 increases, the third fixing part 108 and the fourth fixing part 109 can be pulled to move on the first fixing rod 101. At this time, the third fixing part 108 and the fourth fixing part 109 move in opposite directions. When the size of the head fixing device 5 decreases, the third fixing part 108 and the fourth fixing part 109 are made to approach each other, and adaptive adjustment is made in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions according to the replaced head fixing part, and thus the replacement of the head fixing part can be realized. The head fixing device 5 is suspended directly above the running disc 3. After the head of the animal is fixed, the four limbs are inside the running disc 3, so that the four limbs can move freely, which is convenient for subsequent observation.

[0035] As Figure 4 shown, the displacement mechanism 2 includes a first support plate 201. A first moving block 204 is arranged in the middle of the first support plate 201. The first moving block 204 is sleeved on a first lead screw 203. A first adjustment knob 202 is arranged at the end of the first lead screw 203. First guide rods 206 are arranged at both ends of the first support plate 201. The first guide rods 206 are parallel to the first lead screw 203; first support blocks 205 are arranged at both ends of the first guide rods 206. The first support blocks 205 are connected to the first support plate 201; first slide rail blocks 207 are arranged at intervals on the side of the first guide rods 206.

[0036] In use, turning the first adjustment knob 202 drives the first lead screw 203 to rotate. The rotation of the first lead screw 203 causes the first moving block 204 to move in the X-axis direction. The two ends of the first guide rod 206 are supported by the first support blocks 205, so that the first guide rod 206 is located above the first support plate 201. The first moving block 204 drives the second support plate 208 to move in the X-axis direction. At this time, the first guide rail block slides along the first guide rod 206, and then the structure on the upper part of the second support plate 208 moves, finally achieving precise adjustment in the X-axis direction.

[0037] The second support plate 208 is arranged at the upper end of the first moving block 204, and the first moving block 204 and the first slide rail block 207 are fixedly connected to the second support plate 208; the second moving block 211 is arranged in the middle of the second support plate 208, the second moving block 211 is sleeved on the second lead screw 210, and the second adjustment knob 209 is arranged at the end of the second lead screw 210. The two ends of the second support plate 208 are provided with second guide rods 213, and the second guide rods 213 are parallel to the second lead screw 210; the two ends of the second guide rods 213 are provided with second support blocks 212, and the second support blocks 212 are connected to the second support plate 208; second slide rail blocks 214 are arranged at intervals on the side of the second guide rods 213, and the second slide rail blocks 214 are connected to the optical flat plate 4, and a plurality of round holes are provided on the optical flat plate 4. Turning the second adjustment knob 209 drives the second lead screw 210 to rotate. The rotation of the second lead screw 210 causes the second moving block 211 to move in the Y-axis direction. The two ends of the second guide rods 213 are supported by the second support blocks 212, so that the second guide rods 213 are located above the second support plate 208. The second moving block 211 drives the optical flat plate 4 to move in the Y-axis direction. At this time, the second guide rail block slides along the second guide rod 213, achieving precise adjustment in the Y-axis direction. The displacement mechanism 2 can achieve precise adjustment of the position of the head fixing part in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The precision adjustment head part is fixed in the orientation under the mirror and cooperates with the auxiliary support assembly 1 to jointly bear the head fixing device 5 from both ends.

[0038] As Figure 2 shown, it further includes a turntable 3. The turntable 3 is located below the head fixing device 5. The turntable 3 includes a turntable body 302. A plurality of turntable bottom wheels 303 are arranged at the lower end of the turntable body 302, and a turntable wall 301 is arranged at the upper end of the turntable body 302. As Figure 3As shown in the figure, the running wheel includes a running wheel body 302, a running wheel wall 301, and a running wheel bottom wheel 303. The running wheel body 302 is made of carbon fiber material, which has the characteristics of being firm, not easily deformed, light, and having a large friction force, facilitating small rodents with light body weight to drive the running wheel 3 through the friction force of their four limbs; the wheel wall is made of a thin-layer flexible light-impermeable organic material, which has the function of restricting the animal's field of vision and the boundary of limb movement; the running wheel bottom wheel 303 is composed of multiple universal wheels and is connected to the wheel body, which has the function of reducing the friction force between the running wheel 3 and the contact surface, giving the animal a feeling of free movement. In addition, since the supporting microscope may be placed on a porous optical platform and the imaging focal length is uncertain, a bottom plate with a certain thickness can be selected and fixed on the platform below the running wheel 3, and different thicknesses can be selected. It can be fixed on a non-smooth platform (such as a porous optical platform) for contacting the bottom of the universal wheel and adjusting the imaging distance.

[0039] Usage method: Assemble the fixing rod and the fixing part. The upper part and the side part of the fixing part are provided with round holes, the fixing rod passes through the round holes, the side part of the fixing part is provided with a threaded hole, the threaded hole is located on the side of the round hole, the threaded hole communicates with the round hole, and a bolt is screwed into the threaded hole. The end of the bolt abuts against the side surface of the fixing rod to limit the fixing rod after the fixing rod is inserted into the fixing part. The position adjustment of the head fixing device in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions can be realized through any combination of the fixing part and the fixing rod of the auxiliary support component 1; after the fixing rod and the fixing part are assembled, install the head fixing device 5. The head fixing device 5 is connected to the side surface of the fixing part, and a threaded connection or other detachable connection forms can be selected; connect the bottom of the fixing rod on one side to the optical flat plate 4. The fixing rod and the optical flat plate 4 are selected to be detachably connected. Place the microscope on the optical flat plate 4, install the displacement mechanism 2 at the lower end of the optical flat plate 4. The displacement mechanism 2 is connected to the optical flat plate 4, and the precise adjustment of the position of the head fixing part in the X-axis and Y-axis directions can be realized through the displacement mechanism 2; place the running wheel 3 directly below the head fixing device 5, and then fix the head of the mouse on the head fixing device 5 to monitor the state of the mouse.

[0040] Although the specific implementation manners of the present invention are described above in conjunction with the drawings, it is not a limitation to the protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that based on the technical solution of the present invention, various modifications or deformations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative labor are still within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fixation device for awake imaging of rodents, characterized in that: The head fixing frame includes an auxiliary support assembly, a displacement mechanism and a head fixing device; the auxiliary support assembly is composed of a plurality of fixing rods and fixing members, the head fixing device is arranged on the auxiliary support assembly, and the head fixing device is located directly above the turntable; A displacement mechanism is arranged at one end of the auxiliary support assembly, an optical plate is arranged at the upper end of the displacement mechanism, an end of the auxiliary support assembly is located on the optical plate, and a microscope is placed on the optical plate.

2. A fixation device for awake imaging of rodents as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary support assembly includes a first fixing rod, and the first fixing rod passes through a first fixing member, a third fixing member, a fourth fixing member and a second fixing member in sequence.

3. A fixation device for awake imaging of rodents as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: A second fixing rod is disposed on the side of one end of the first fixing rod, and the second fixing rod passes through the first fixing member; A third fixing rod is arranged on the side of the other end of the first fixing rod, and the third fixing rod passes through the second fixing piece.

4. A fixation device for awake imaging of rodents as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: A fourth fixing rod is arranged on the third fixing member, one end of the fourth fixing rod passes through the third fixing member, and the fourth fixing rod is located at the side of the first fixing rod; a fifth fixing rod is arranged on the fourth fixing member, one end of the fifth fixing rod passes through the fourth fixing member, and the fifth fixing rod is located at the side of the first fixing rod.

5. A fixation device for awake imaging of rodents as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The side portion of the other end of the fourth fixing rod passes through the fifth fixing piece, and the side portion of the other end of the fifth fixing rod passes through the sixth fixing piece. A head fixing device is arranged between the fifth fixing piece and the sixth fixing piece; one end of the head fixing device is connected to the fifth fixing piece, and the other end is connected to the sixth fixing piece.

6. A fixation device for awake imaging of rodents as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The displacement mechanism comprises a first support plate, a first moving block is arranged in the middle of the first support plate, the first moving block is sleeved on a first screw rod, and a first adjusting knob is arranged at the end of the first screw rod.

7. A fixation device for awake imaging of rodents as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: First guide rods are arranged at both ends of the first support plate, and the first guide rods are parallel to the first screw rod; first support blocks are arranged at both ends of the first guide rod, and the first support blocks are connected to the first support plate; first slide rail blocks are arranged at intervals on the sides of the first guide rod.

8. A fixation device for awake imaging of rodents as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: A second support plate is arranged at the upper end of the first moving block, and the first moving block and the first slide rail block are fixedly connected to the second support plate; a second moving block is arranged in the middle of the second support plate, and the second moving block is sleeved on the second screw rod, and a second adjustment knob is arranged at the end of the second screw rod.

9. A fixation device for awake imaging of rodents as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: Second guide rods are arranged at both ends of the second support plate, and the second guide rods are parallel to the second screw rod; second support blocks are arranged at both ends of the second guide rod, and the second support blocks are connected to the second support plate; second slide rail blocks are arranged at intervals on the side of the second guide rod, and the second slide rail blocks are connected to the optical plate, and a plurality of circular holes are arranged on the optical plate.

10. A fixation device for awake imaging of rodents as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a running disc, which is located below the head fixing device. The running disc includes a running disc body, a plurality of running disc bottom running wheels are arranged at the lower end of the running disc body, and a running disc wall is arranged at the upper end of the running disc body.

Images