Stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiment

Abstract

The utility model provides a stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiment, which comprises a stimulation signal source, a signal source installation unit and an animal connection unit, the signal source installation unit comprises an upper installation part and a lower installation part, the animal connection unit comprises a tube body and a signal source fixing part, and when the lower installation part is connected with the connection part of the tube body, the signal source fixing part is fixed on the tube body. The stimulation signal source enters the tube body, the upper end of the stimulation signal source is fixed by the upper mounting part and the lower end of the stimulation signal source is fixed by the signal source fixing part in the state, and when the experimental part of the sober experimental animal moves in the experimental process, the stimulation signal source can be kept still relative to the animal connecting unit; the stimulation signal source is prevented from shaking back and forth in the hollow tube body to influence the accuracy of the experiment; the fixing seat is connected with the experimental part of the experimental animal through the adhesive, and compared with the mode that the fixing seat is embedded into a skeleton, the operation difficulty is low, and the pain degree of the experimental animal is small.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of animal experimental technology, specifically to a stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments. Background Technology

[0002] The purpose of animal stimulation experiments is usually to study the effects of specific stimuli on the nervous system or behavior. Commonly used forms of stimulation include mechanical and physical stimuli such as light, electricity, magnetism, sound, and temperature, as well as chemical stimuli. These stimuli act on the nervous system (organs, tissues, cells, body fluids, etc.) of an organism and elicit a response. Taking transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in mice as an example, its main purpose includes evaluating the potential therapeutic effects of tDCS on neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease) or other nervous system diseases.

[0003] Animal stimulation experiments require the use of stimulation terminals fixed to the animal to transmit specific stimuli. A Chinese invention patent application (CN107693962A) discloses a technical solution for a stimulation terminal, in which the fixator includes a cranial connector whose front end can be embedded in the skull of the experimental animal. Multiple cranial connectors embedded in the skull of the experimental animal ensure good connection reliability of the fixator. However, embedding multiple cranial connectors into the skull of the experimental animal not only increases the operational difficulty but also increases the animal's suffering. Furthermore, some animal experiments need to be conducted while the animal is awake. When the tested area of ​​the experimental animal moves, the stimulation signal source within the stimulation terminal is affected by the shaking, thus affecting the accuracy of the experiment. Utility Model Content

[0004] The problem this invention aims to solve is to provide a stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments that is easy to operate when connected to the experimental site of an experimental animal, causes less pain to the experimental animal, and minimizes shaking of the stimulation signal source.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the above problems is: a stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments, comprising:

[0006] One stimulus signal source;

[0007] A signal source mounting unit, wherein the signal source mounting unit includes an upper mounting portion disposed at an upper end and a lower mounting portion disposed at a lower end; the upper end of the stimulation signal source is disposed at the upper mounting portion; and

[0008] An animal connection unit, wherein the animal connection unit includes a hollow tube and a signal source fixing part disposed within the tube; the tube includes a fixing seat and a connecting part disposed within the fixing seat; when the lower mounting part is installed to the connecting part, the stimulation signal source enters the tube and is fixed by the signal source fixing part; the fixing seat is fixed to the experimental site of the experimental animal by adhesive.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, this utility model includes a stimulation signal source, a signal source mounting unit, and an animal connection unit. The signal source mounting unit includes an upper mounting part and a lower mounting part, and the animal connection unit includes a tube body and a signal source fixing part. When the lower mounting part is connected to the connecting part of the tube body, the stimulation signal source enters the tube body. In this state, the upper end of the stimulation signal source is fixed by the upper mounting part, and the lower end is fixed by the signal source fixing part. When the experimental site of the conscious experimental animal moves during the experiment, the stimulation signal source can remain stationary relative to the animal connection unit, avoiding the stimulation signal source from shaking back and forth in the hollow tube body and affecting the accuracy of the experiment. The fixing seat is connected to the experimental site of the experimental animal by adhesive. Compared with embedding in bones, the operation is less difficult and the degree of pain to the experimental animal is less.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing base includes at least one adhesive attachment portion disposed on the outer wall, the adhesive attachment portion being for contact area with the adhesive.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive attachment portion includes a plurality of adhesive sheets arranged circumferentially; an adhesive receiving space is provided between every two adjacent adhesive sheets.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing base further includes a heightening portion; the heightening portion includes at least one adhesive ring disposed on the outer wall.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower mounting portion and the connecting portion are configured to be detachably connected by threads.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one set of signal source fixing parts are provided along the axial direction on the inner wall of the tube; when the stimulation signal source enters the tube, the lower end of the stimulation signal source is limited by the signal source fixing parts so that the central axis of the stimulation signal source is aligned with the central axis of the tube.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the signal source fixing part includes a plurality of fixing blocks; the plurality of fixing blocks are arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the tube; the fixing block has a contact surface; the contact surface is configured to abut against the side wall of the stimulation signal source.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing block further has a guide surface disposed at the upper end.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stimulation signal source includes a stimulation end and a lead wire disposed on the stimulation end; the upper end of the stimulation end is fixed by the upper mounting part, and the upper end of the stimulation end is fixed by the signal source fixing part; the stimulation end is used to emit at least one of sound, light, electricity, and magnetic stimulation.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tube further includes an auxiliary conductive portion disposed on the inner wall; the auxiliary conductive portion is used to enhance the stimulation emitted by the stimulation end. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an animal connection unit.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a top view of the animal connection unit.

[0023] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an animal connection unit.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the present invention in conjunction with an adhesive.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the auxiliary transmission section in some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the auxiliary conductive section in some other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Before describing any embodiment of this invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is intended to cover the items set forth below and their equivalents, as well as any additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “installation,” “connection,” “support,” and “linkage,” and variations thereof are used broadly and cover both direct and indirect installation, connection, support, and linking. Moreover, “connection” and “linkage” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or links.

[0029] Furthermore, firstly, in the disclosure of this utility model, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as a limitation on this utility model. Secondly, the term "a" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more," that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element can be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element can be multiple. The term "a" should not be construed as a limitation on the quantity.

[0030] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present invention described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. The purpose of the present invention has been fully and effectively achieved. The functions and structural principles of the present invention have been shown and explained in the embodiments. Without departing from the stated principles, the implementation of the present invention may have any variations or modifications.

[0031] The embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Please see Figure 1-9The diagram illustrates a stimulation end structure for an animal stimulation experiment, comprising a stimulation signal source 1, a signal source mounting unit 2, and an animal connection unit 3. The signal source mounting unit 2 includes an upper mounting portion 21 at the upper end and a lower mounting portion 22 at the lower end. The upper end of the stimulation signal source 1 is located in the upper mounting portion 21. The animal connection unit 3 includes a hollow tube 31 and a signal source fixing portion 32 disposed within the tube 31. The tube 31 includes a fixing seat 311 and a connecting portion 312 disposed within the fixing seat 311. When the lower mounting portion 22 is installed into the connecting portion 312, the stimulation signal source 1 enters the tube 31 and is fixed by the signal source fixing portion 32. The fixing seat 311 is fixed to the experimental site of the experimental animal using adhesive.

[0033] In practical use, this utility model includes a stimulation signal source 1, a signal source mounting unit 2, and an animal connection unit 3. The signal source mounting unit 2 includes an upper mounting part 21 and a lower mounting part 22. The animal connection unit 3 includes a tube body 31 and a signal source fixing part 32. When the lower mounting part 22 is connected to the connecting part 312 of the tube body 31, the stimulation signal source 1 enters the tube body 31. In this state, the upper end of the stimulation signal source 1 is fixed by the upper mounting part 21, and the lower end is fixed by the signal source fixing part 32. When the experimental site of the conscious experimental animal moves during the experiment, the stimulation signal source 1 can remain stationary relative to the animal connection unit 3, avoiding the stimulation signal source 1 from shaking back and forth in the hollow tube body 31 and affecting the accuracy of the experiment. The fixing seat 311 is connected to the experimental site of the experimental animal by adhesive. Compared with embedding in bones, the operation is less difficult and the degree of pain to the experimental animal is less.

[0034] Please continue reading. Figure 7 Specifically, the preferred adhesive is dental cement, whose main components include zinc oxide, phosphoric acid, resin, and silicate. Among these components, zinc oxide and phosphoric acid form hardened substances during hydration reactions, while resin-based cements are cured through chemical cross-linking or photocuring. When using the adhesive, the experimenter places the fixation seat 311 on the experimental site of the experimental animal, opens the skin at that site to allow the fixation seat 311 to contact the bone at that site, and then applies dental cement to form a firm connection between the fixation seat 311 and the bone. Because experimental animals are relatively small, the existing technology for embedding multiple cranial connectors into the skeleton of small experimental animals is difficult and can cause significant harm to the animals. For example, when embedding multiple cranial connectors into the skull of an experimental animal, improper operation may damage the brain, leading to inaccurate experimental results or experimental failure. Using adhesive to fix the fixation seat 311 can reduce the difficulty of operation, reduce the difficulty of the experiment, reduce damage to the experimental animal, and make the experimental results more accurate.

[0035] Please continue reading. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 The fixing seat 311 includes at least one adhesive attachment portion 3111 disposed on the outer wall, the adhesive attachment portion 3111 being the contact area with the adhesive.

[0036] Specifically, the bottom of the tube 31 is hollow so that the stimulation signal emitted by the stimulation signal source 1 can be transmitted to the experimental site of the experimental animal through the bottom of the tube 31. Therefore, the bottom of the tube 31 cannot be fitted with adhesive. In order to increase the adhesive load of the fixing seat 311, the outer wall of the fixing seat 311 is provided with at least one layer of adhesive attachment part 3111, so that the fixing seat 311 can attach more adhesive and make the connection more secure.

[0037] Please continue reading. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 The adhesive attachment portion 3111 includes a plurality of adhesive sheets 31111 arranged circumferentially; each pair of adjacent adhesive sheets 31111 has an adhesive receiving space 31112 between them.

[0038] It is understood that, based on having at least one adhesive attachment portion 3111, the adhesive attachment portion 3111 includes a plurality of adhesive sheets 31111 arranged circumferentially, and there is an adhesive receiving space 31112 between each two adjacent adhesive sheets 31111. This arrangement makes the contact area between the adhesive sheet 31111 and the adhesive larger, and the adhesive has stronger adhesion after solidification.

[0039] Please refer to further information. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The fixing base 311 further includes a heightening portion 3112; the heightening portion 3112 includes at least one adhesive ring 31121 disposed on the outer wall.

[0040] It is understandable that the stimulation signal source 1 has a variety of different sizes or distance requirements relative to the stimulation site. In this case, the elevation part 3112 can meet the aforementioned requirements. Furthermore, the elevation part 3112 and at least one adhesive ring 31121 disposed on the outer wall can further increase the adhesion of the adhesive, resulting in a larger contact area with the adhesive and stronger adhesion after the adhesive solidifies.

[0041] Please refer to further information. Figure 2 In some embodiments, the lower mounting portion 22 and the connecting portion 312 are configured to be detachably connected by threads; during installation, the experimenter only needs to turn the connecting portion 312 to complete the connection between the lower mounting portion 22 and the connecting portion 312, and allow the stimulation signal source 1 to enter the tube body 31.

[0042] It is understood that in other embodiments, the lower mounting portion 22 and the connecting portion 312 may also be configured as a snap-fit ​​or slot structure, which can also serve the function of connecting the lower mounting portion 22 and the connecting portion 312.

[0043] Please continue reading. Figure 6 The inner wall of the tube body 31 is provided with at least one set of signal source fixing parts 32 along the axial direction. When the stimulation signal source 1 enters the tube body 31, the lower end of the stimulation signal source 1 is limited by the signal source fixing part 32 so that the central axis of the stimulation signal source 1 is aligned with the central axis of the tube body 31.

[0044] In actual use, in order for the stimulus signal source 1 to enter the tube 31 smoothly, the space inside the tube 31 is larger than the external dimensions of the stimulus signal source 1. When a conscious animal moves during the experiment, it may cause the stimulus signal source 1 to shake and hit the inner wall of the tube 31, which may lead to a large error in the experimental results. By setting the signal source fixing part 32, when the stimulus signal source 1 enters the tube 31, its lower end is limited by the signal source fixing part 32, which restricts the shaking of the stimulus signal source 1 inside the tube 31 when the animal moves, which helps to improve the accuracy of the experiment.

[0045] Please continue reading. Figure 5 In some embodiments, the signal source fixing part 32 includes a plurality of fixing blocks 321; the plurality of fixing blocks 321 are arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the tube body 31; the fixing block 321 has a contact surface 3211; the contact surface 3211 is configured to abut against the side wall of the stimulation signal source 1; in this embodiment, three fixing blocks 321 are provided, and the three fixing blocks 321 are distributed at a 120° angle to each other; there is a gap between the three fixing blocks 321 so as to reduce the obstruction to the stimulation signal while fixing the stimulation signal source 1; it is understood that in other embodiments, the fixing block 321 may also be constructed as an annular shape.

[0046] Please refer to further information. Figure 5 The fixing block 321 further has a guide surface 3212 disposed at the upper end so that the stimulation signal source 1 can smoothly enter between the multiple fixing blocks 321.

[0047] Please continue reading. Figure 2 , Figure 6 The stimulation signal source 1 includes a stimulation end 11 and a lead 12 disposed on the stimulation end 11; the upper end of the stimulation end 11 is fixed by the upper mounting part 21 and the upper end of the stimulation end 11 is fixed by the signal source fixing part 32; the stimulation end 11 is used to emit at least one of sound, light, electricity and magnetic stimulation.

[0048] In use, lead 12 is used to connect to an external signal source generating device, which can be at least one of transcranial electrical stimulation device, transcranial magnetic stimulation device, near-infrared light stimulation device, ultrasound stimulation device, or other devices. After these devices emit stimulation signals, they are transmitted to the stimulation end 11 via lead 12, and finally applied to the experimental site of the experimental animal via the stimulation end 11, thereby completing the animal stimulation experiment.

[0049] Furthermore, the tube body 31 includes an auxiliary conduction portion 313 disposed on the inner wall; the auxiliary conduction portion 313 is used to enhance the stimulation emitted by the stimulation end 11.

[0050] Please continue reading. Figure 8 In some embodiments, the device connected to the lead 12 is a transcranial direct current stimulation device. The direct current is transmitted to the stimulation end 11 through the lead 12. At this time, the stimulation end 11 is the direct current release electrode. The auxiliary conduction part 313 is a conductive liquid. The direct current is transmitted through the conductive liquid, so that the direct current released by the stimulation end 11 can stably and smoothly act on the cranium of the experimental animal, thereby enabling the transcranial direct current stimulation experiment of the animal to be successfully completed.

[0051] Please continue reading. Figure 9 In other embodiments, the device connected to the lead 12 is a near-infrared light stimulation device. Near-infrared light is transmitted to the stimulation end 11 through the lead 12. At this time, the stimulation end 11 is the light-emitting element of near-infrared light, and the auxiliary conduction part 313 is a reflective layer disposed on the inner wall of the tube 31. This allows the near-infrared light emitted by the stimulation end 11 to be concentrated on the experimental site of the experimental animal through reflection, while also avoiding interference from external light to the experiment, thereby enabling the near-infrared light stimulation experiment of the animal to be completed smoothly.

[0052] Please continue reading. Figure 9 In other embodiments, the device connected to the lead 12 is a transcranial magnetic stimulation device or an ultrasonic stimulation device. The magnetic signal or ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the stimulation end 11 through the lead 12. At this time, the stimulation end 11 is the transmitting element of the magnetic signal or ultrasonic signal. The auxiliary conduction part 313 is a shielding layer set on the inner wall of the tube body 31 in order to reduce the interference of external electromagnetic or sound wave signals, so that the transcranial magnetic stimulation experiment or ultrasonic stimulation experiment of the animal can be successfully completed.

[0053] The above description only illustrates the preferred embodiment of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. This utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and variations in its specific structure are permitted. All changes made within the scope of the independent claims of this utility model are also within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments, characterized in that, include: One stimulus signal source (1); A signal source mounting unit (2), wherein the signal source mounting unit (2) includes an upper mounting part (21) disposed at the upper end and a lower mounting part (22) disposed at the lower end; the upper end of the stimulation signal source (1) is disposed at the upper mounting part (21); and An animal connection unit (3) is provided, wherein the animal connection unit (3) includes a hollow tube (31) and a signal source fixing part (32) disposed in the tube (31); the tube (31) includes a fixing seat (311) and a connecting part (312) disposed in the fixing seat (311); when the lower mounting part (22) is installed to the connecting part (312), the stimulation signal source (1) enters the tube (31) and is fixed by the signal source fixing part (32); the fixing seat (311) is fixed to the experimental site of the experimental animal by adhesive.

2. The stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting base (311) includes at least one adhesive attachment portion (3111) disposed on the outer wall, the adhesive attachment portion (3111) being the contact area with the adhesive.

3. The stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adhesive attachment portion (3111) includes a plurality of adhesive sheets (31111) arranged circumferentially; there is an adhesive receiving space (31112) between each pair of adjacent adhesive sheets (31111).

4. The stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting base (311) further includes a heightening portion (3112); the heightening portion (3112) includes at least one adhesive ring (31121) disposed on the outer wall.

5. The stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower mounting portion (22) and the connecting portion (312) are configured to be detachably connected by threads.

6. The stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the tube (31) is provided with at least one set of signal source fixing parts (32) along the axial direction; when the stimulation signal source (1) enters the tube (31), the lower end of the stimulation signal source (1) is limited by the signal source fixing part (32) so that the central axis of the stimulation signal source (1) is aligned with the central axis of the tube (31).

7. The stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments according to claim 6, characterized in that: The signal source fixing part (32) includes a plurality of fixing blocks (321); the plurality of fixing blocks (321) are arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the tube body (31); the fixing block (321) has a contact surface (3211); the contact surface (3211) is configured to abut against the side wall of the stimulation signal source (1).

8. The stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fixing block (321) further has a guide surface (3212) disposed at the upper end.

9. The stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stimulation signal source (1) includes a stimulation end (11) and a lead wire (12) disposed on the stimulation end (11); the upper end of the stimulation end (11) is fixed by the upper mounting part (21), and the upper end of the stimulation end (11) is fixed by the signal source fixing part (32); the stimulation end (11) is used to emit at least one of sound, light, electricity and magnetic stimulation.

10. The stimulation end structure for animal stimulation experiments according to claim 9, characterized in that: The tube (31) further includes an auxiliary conduction section (313) disposed on the inner wall; the auxiliary conduction section (313) is used to enhance the stimulation emitted by the stimulation end (11).

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