Grid device for testing mouse muscle strength

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of inverted grid experimental devices, and discloses a grid device for testing mouse muscle strength, which comprises a box body, at least one end along the length direction of the box body is an open end, the open end is provided with a door body, the top of the box body is provided with a top plate, the top plate is provided with a plurality of through grooves arranged at intervals, each through groove is internally hinged with a grid, and the box body is provided with a grid. The grids can be lapped on the top plate in a horizontal posture, a plurality of grids form a plurality of test areas on the top plate, the part, between every two adjacent test areas, of the top plate is an isolation area, and the isolation areas can prevent mice from entering the adjacent test areas. According to the grid device, a plurality of mice are tested in a multi-grid mode, after individual mice are tested, idle test areas can be supplemented in time, the isolation areas are arranged between the adjacent test areas, it is guaranteed that the mice cannot enter the adjacent test areas, and the test efficiency is improved. The influence on the result caused by mutual interference of mice in adjacent test areas is avoided, and the test accuracy is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of inverted grid experimental devices, specifically a grid device for testing the muscle strength of mice. Background Technology

[0002] Muscle strength is a core element of human health and function. It not only determines our ability to perform daily activities but also plays a crucial role in athletic performance, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. With changing lifestyles and an aging population, maintaining and improving muscle strength has become a significant global health issue. In rehabilitation medicine, muscle strength assessment and training are essential tools for helping patients regain function. For example, during rehabilitation after fractures or surgery, strengthening muscles can accelerate recovery and reduce complications. Furthermore, muscle strength training is widely used to prevent and treat sarcopenia, an age-related decline in muscle mass that severely impacts the quality of life and healthy lifespan of older adults.

[0003] With the continuous development of biomedicine, mice are being used more and more widely as experimental subjects and materials. They can be used to simulate many human movement disorders, including physical and central nervous system diseases. The former includes more than thirty types of inherited muscular dystrophy and myasthenia gravis, while the latter includes multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. For all these models, a comprehensive assessment of their movement deficits must include specific strength tests.

[0004] The inverted grid test involves placing an animal upside down on a grid in a grasping manner to assess its upper limb strength and motor coordination. The animal's performance and time on the inverted grid are recorded. This is a muscle strength test using all four limbs. Most normal mice easily achieve a high score on this task, which assesses muscle endurance or fatigue before inactivity.

[0005] However, in traditional inverted grid experiments, when testing and monitoring laboratory mice, researchers face significant time costs because each grid device can only measure one mouse at a time, while most normal mice require testing for several minutes to tens of minutes. Furthermore, to ensure consistency in objective factors among the mice, testing should be completed for all mice within the same timeframe, resulting in excessive time expenditure. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a convenient, reliable, and high-capacity experimental device.

[0006] CN211185359U discloses a mouse inverted suspension apparatus, including an inverted suspension box and a timer; the inverted suspension box includes a base, an outer shell fixed above the base, and a drawer that can be pulled out of the base; a cover plate is movably covered on the top of the outer shell; an iron mesh is movably hinged to the inner side of the cover plate; a partition is fixed below the iron mesh, and the interior of the outer shell is divided into multiple experimental areas by the partition; a sponge pad is laid directly below each of the experimental areas; a gravity sensor switch is built into the sponge pad; the timer includes a proximity switch located on the front top of the outer shell, a timer display fixed on the front of the outer shell, and a voice prompt and a power button located on the side of the base.

[0007] The above-mentioned technical solution uses an iron grid to suspend mice upside down, which can make full use of the mice's foot gripping force to achieve the purpose of testing, and can complete the testing of multiple mice at the same time. However, the above-mentioned technical solution achieves the testing of multiple mice through a single grid. When some mice have finished testing, it is difficult to fill the empty testing positions. Once the grid is opened, it will affect the testing of the remaining mice. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this application is to solve the above problems and provide a grid device for testing the muscle strength of mice. This grid device uses a multi-grid approach to test multiple mice. When an individual mouse has finished testing, the empty test area can be replenished in a timely manner. Moreover, an isolation area is set between adjacent test areas to ensure that mice cannot enter adjacent test areas, avoid interference between mice in adjacent test areas and thus avoid affecting the results, and ensure the accuracy of the test.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0010] A grid device for testing mouse muscle strength includes a box, at least one end of which is open along the length of the box and has a door. The top of the box has a top plate with multiple spaced through slots. Each through slot has a grid hinged to it. The grid can be horizontally attached to the top plate. The multiple grids form multiple corresponding test areas on the top plate. The portion of the top plate between two adjacent test areas is an isolation area, which prevents mice from entering adjacent test areas.

[0011] Preferably, a connecting rod is provided in the through groove, and one end of the mesh along its own length direction is provided with an arc-shaped part formed by bending, and the mesh is hinged to the connecting rod through the arc-shaped part.

[0012] Preferably, the grid has support rods on both sides along its width direction, and the grid is placed on the top plate in an overlapping manner through the support rods.

[0013] Preferably, the top plate is provided with a first groove that matches the support rod. The number of first grooves matches the number of support rods. The length of the first groove extends along the width direction of the box body, and the width of the first groove extends along the length direction of the box body. When the mesh is placed on the top plate, the support rod contacts the first groove.

[0014] Preferably, the top plate is further provided with a second groove, one side of which is connected to the through groove. When the mesh is placed on the top plate, the position of the second groove matches the free end of the mesh, and a bend is provided at the free end of the mesh. The bend matches the position of the second groove, and the bend and the second groove form a receiving part for accommodating the mouse tail.

[0015] Preferably, there are four test areas arranged in a rectangular structure, and the grid device also includes drawers, which may be one or four.

[0016] When there is one drawer, one end along the length of the box is the open end, and the drawer is movably set in the inner cavity of the box. In the projection on the horizontal plane, all four test areas are located in the receiving cavity of the drawer.

[0017] When there are four drawers, both ends along the length of the box are open. All four drawers are movably set in the inner cavity of the box. In the projection on the horizontal plane, the four test areas correspond one-to-one with the four drawers, and the four test areas are located in the receiving cavities of the four drawers respectively.

[0018] Preferably, placement slots are provided on both sides along the width direction of the box, the number of placement slots matches the number of test areas, and the placement slots are evenly distributed on both sides of the box. The placement slots are used to place timers.

[0019] Preferably, the sides of the box are also provided with writable labels, which correspond one-to-one with the placement slots and are located below the placement slots.

[0020] Preferably, the width of the isolation area between adjacent test areas is 1 / 2 the width of the through slot.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are:

[0022] 1. Multiple mice can be measured at the same time. Compared with the traditional method of measuring one mouse at a time, this device greatly improves experimental efficiency. Moreover, when a few mice have been tested, the empty testing area can be replenished in time.

[0023] 2. An isolation zone is set up between adjacent test areas to ensure that mice cannot enter adjacent test areas, thereby avoiding interference between mice in adjacent test areas and affecting the results, and ensuring the accuracy of the test;

[0024] 3. The slots on both sides of the box can hold timers for their respective test areas, which can be timed independently and are not easily confused;

[0025] 4. Simple structure and low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the grid device for testing mouse muscle strength in Example 1;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a front view of the grid device for testing mouse muscle strength in Example 1;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a top view of the grid device for testing mouse muscle strength in Example 1;

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of a portion at point A;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of section B;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a top view of the grid device for testing mouse muscle strength in Example 2;

[0032] The labels for each item are as follows:

[0033] Box body 1; drawer 2; door 11; top plate 12; placement slot 13; label 14; through slot 121; mesh 122; first groove 123; second groove 124; connecting rod 1211; arc-shaped part 1221; support rod 1222; bending part 1223; test area a; isolation area b. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] refer to Figures 1-5A grid device for testing mouse muscle strength includes a box 1, with at least one open end along the length of the box 1 and a door 11 at the open end. The top of the box 1 is provided with a top plate 12, and the top plate 12 is provided with a plurality of spaced through slots 121. Each through slot 121 is hinged with a grid 122, and the grid 122 can be horizontally attached to the top plate 12. The plurality of grids 122 form a corresponding plurality of test areas a on the top plate 12. The part of the top plate 12 between two adjacent test areas a is an isolation area b, which can prevent mice from entering adjacent test areas a.

[0037] In this embodiment, there are four test areas a, arranged in a rectangular structure. Placement slots 13 are provided on both sides along the width of the housing 1. The number of placement slots 13 matches the number of test areas a. The placement slots 13 are evenly distributed on both sides of the housing 1 and are used to place timers. Furthermore, writable labels 14 are also provided on both sides of the housing 1. The labels 14 correspond one-to-one with the placement slots 13 and are located below the placement slots 13.

[0038] In this design, before the experiment begins, the open end of the box 1 is closed through the door 11. Then, the grid 122, hinged to the top plate 12, is opened sequentially. A mouse to be tested is selected, its tail is held close to the grid 122, and once the mouse is confirmed to have a firm grip, the grid 122 is swung until it moves to a point where the mouse cannot leave. The grid 122 is then released, and the mouse is placed on the top plate 12 with its belly facing upwards. For mice that are confirmed to have a firm grip, the timer in the corresponding slot 13 of the box 1 is immediately started. Finally, the information of the experimental mouse is written on the writable label 14 on the corresponding side of the box 1. The timer is stopped once the mouse falls from the grid 122 due to exhaustion. The time it lasts is the score. When a mouse falls due to exhaustion, freeing up the measurement area, the next mouse can be selected after the score is recorded. The operator can repeat the above steps to fill the empty detection area a, making the experiment efficient and saving time and effort.

[0039] It's also important to note that because the mice are positioned belly-up on grid 122, under their own weight, grid 122 only needs to be attached to the top of box 1; the mouse's gravity will automatically pull grid 122 down. This method allows for testing multiple mice. After some mice have finished testing, the remaining testing area a can be replenished promptly. Furthermore, an isolation area b is provided between adjacent testing areas a to prevent mice from entering adjacent testing areas a, thus avoiding interference between mice in adjacent testing areas a and ensuring the accuracy of the test.

[0040] In this embodiment, a connecting rod 1211 is provided in the through groove 121, and an arc-shaped part 1221 formed by bending is provided at one end of the mesh 122 along its own length direction. The mesh 122 is hinged to the connecting rod 1211 through the arc-shaped part 1221.

[0041] Specifically, the arc-shaped part 1221 structure formed by bending is simpler and can also achieve the purpose of hinge. By inserting the connecting rod 1211 into the formed arc-shaped part 1221, the grid 122 can be oscillating.

[0042] Preferably, the grid 122 is provided with support rods 1222 on both sides along its width direction, and the grid 122 is placed on the top plate 12 in an overlapping manner through the support rods 1222.

[0043] In practical use, the function of the support rod 1222 is to limit the grid 122. Under the action of the support rod 1222, the grid 122 can be placed on the top plate 12 in a horizontal position.

[0044] Preferably, the top plate 12 is provided with a first groove 123 that matches the support rod 1222. The number of first grooves 123 matches the number of support rods 1222. The length of the first groove 123 extends along the width direction of the box body 1, and the width of the first groove 123 extends along the length direction of the box body 1. When the mesh 122 is placed on the top plate 12, the support rod 1222 contacts the first groove 123.

[0045] Specifically, since the mesh 122 is only hinged to the connecting rod 1211 through the arc-shaped part 1221, the mesh 122 can still move left and right along the length direction of the connecting rod 1211. The cooperation between the first groove 123 and the support rod 1222 can restrict the left and right movement of the mesh 122 and ensure the stability of the mesh 122.

[0046] Furthermore, the top plate 12 is also provided with a second groove 124. One side of the second groove 124 is connected to the through groove 121. When the mesh 122 is placed on the top plate 12, the position of the second groove 124 matches the free end of the mesh 122. A bent part 1223 is provided at the free end of the mesh 122. The bent part 1223 matches the position of the second groove 124. The bent part 1223 and the second groove 124 form a receiving part for accommodating the tail of the mouse.

[0047] In practical use, because the mouse's tail is too long, a second groove 124 is provided on the top plate 12, and a bending part 1223 is provided at the free end of the grid 122. When the mouse grips the grid 122 and swings the grid 122 to a horizontal position, the receiving part formed by the bending part 1223 and the second groove 124 can accommodate the mouse's tail when the grid 122 is in a horizontal position, thus avoiding the grid 122 and the top plate 12 from clamping the mouse's tail and affecting the test results.

[0048] In this embodiment, there is one drawer 2, with one end open along the length of the box 1. The drawer 2 is movably disposed within the inner cavity of the box 1. In the horizontal projection, all four test areas a are located within the receiving cavity of the drawer 2. This method uses one drawer 2 to receive mice from the four test areas a, which is suitable for situations where the number of mice to be tested is small.

[0049] In this embodiment, the width of the isolation area b between adjacent test areas a is 1 / 2 the width of the through groove 121. The isolation area b is formed by the top plate 12. When the mouse is inverted, the isolation area b is actually the top wall portion of the inner cavity of the box 1. Since the top wall portion is a flat surface, it cannot provide a gripping point for the mouse. Furthermore, the mouse cannot walk using only its legs when inverted. This top wall portion achieves the purpose of isolation. Therefore, the width of the isolation area b mentioned here is actually the width of the top wall portion within adjacent test areas a.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the grid 122 is a rectangular structure, and the grid 122 should be slightly larger than the mouse to restrict the mouse's turning and other activities.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] refer to Figure 6 In this embodiment, there are four drawers 2, with both ends of the drawer 2 being open along the length of the box 1. All four drawers 2 are movably disposed within the inner cavity of the box 1. In the horizontal projection, the four test areas a correspond one-to-one with the four drawers 2, and each of the four test areas a is located within the receiving cavity of one of the four drawers 2. Using different drawers 2 to catch mice falling from different test areas a facilitates the return of the tested mice to the designated location and makes cleaning up mouse excrement easier. Two drawers 2 can be removed from the open end of the box 1 at one end, and the other two drawers 2 can be removed from the open end of the box 1 at the other end. This method is suitable for situations involving a large number of mice to be tested.

[0053] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A grid device for testing mouse muscle strength, comprising a box, at least one end of which is open along the length of the box, the open end being provided with a door, characterized in that, The top of the box is provided with a top plate, and the top plate has multiple spaced through slots. Each through slot is hinged with a mesh, which can be horizontally attached to the top plate. Multiple meshes form multiple corresponding test areas on the top plate. The part of the top plate between two adjacent test areas is an isolation area, which can prevent mice from entering the adjacent test areas.

2. The grid device for testing mouse muscle strength according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting rod is provided in the through groove, and one end of the mesh along its own length direction is provided with an arc-shaped part formed by bending. The mesh is hinged to the connecting rod through the arc-shaped part.

3. The grid device for testing mouse muscle strength according to claim 2, characterized in that, The grid is provided with support rods on both sides along its width direction, and the grid is placed on the top plate in an overlapping manner through the support rods.

4. The grid device for testing mouse muscle strength according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top plate is provided with a first groove that matches the support rod. The number of the first grooves matches the number of the support rods. The length of the first groove extends along the width direction of the box body, and the width of the first groove extends along the length direction of the box body. When the mesh is placed on the top plate, the support rod contacts the first groove.

5. The grid device for testing mouse muscle strength according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top plate is also provided with a second groove, one side of which is connected to the through groove. When the mesh is placed on the top plate, the position of the second groove matches the free end of the mesh, and a bend is provided at the free end of the mesh. The bend matches the position of the second groove, and the bend and the second groove form a receiving part for accommodating the mouse tail.

6. The grid device for testing mouse muscle strength according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test area consists of four rectangular areas, and the grid device also includes drawers, which may be one or four. When there is one drawer, one end along the length of the box is an open end, and the drawer is movably disposed in the inner cavity of the box. In the projection on the horizontal plane, all four test areas are located in the receiving cavity of the drawer. When there are four drawers, both ends along the length of the box are open. All four drawers are movably disposed in the inner cavity of the box. In the projection on the horizontal plane, the four test areas correspond one-to-one with the four drawers, and the four test areas are respectively located in the receiving cavities of the four drawers.

7. The grid device for testing mouse muscle strength according to claim 1, characterized in that, Placement slots are provided on both sides along the width direction of the box body. The number of placement slots matches the number of test areas. The placement slots are evenly distributed on both sides of the box body and are used to place timers.

8. The grid device for testing mouse muscle strength according to claim 7, characterized in that, The box body is also provided with writable labels on both sides, and the labels correspond one-to-one with the placement slots and are located below the placement slots.

9. The grid device for testing mouse muscle strength according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the isolation area between adjacent test areas is 1 / 2 the width of the through slot.

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