Head-fixed passive running apparatus for experimental mice

Abstract

This invention discloses a passive running device for a mouse with its head fixed, comprising a base plate, a support assembly, a head fixation component, and a running mechanism. The support assembly is disposed on the base plate. The head fixation component is used to fix the head of the mouse and is detachably connected to the support assembly. The running mechanism is disposed on the base plate and includes a driver and a running belt assembly. The head fixation component is located above the running belt assembly to restrain the mouse on the running belt assembly. The driver is driven by the running belt assembly to drive the running belt assembly, enabling the mouse on the running belt assembly to passively perform running movements. This invention, by fixing the head of the mouse and utilizing the movement of the running belt assembly to passively induce running movements, can assist in observing the two-photon neuronal electrical signals of the mouse during running using a two-photon microscopy system, and observe the cerebellar neuronal firing patterns during movement, thus contributing to neuroscience research.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological research auxiliary tools, and in particular to a passive running device for fixing the head of an experimental mouse. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of neuroscience, two-photon microscopy can observe the firing patterns of individual neurons in the brains of awake mice, providing a powerful dimension for deciphering the nervous system. In existing two-photon imaging systems, the heads of experimental mice are usually fixed with steel head restraints and external frames to ensure stable imaging fields. However, mice with restricted heads cannot make specific movements and can only struggle erratically within the body restraints, making it difficult to observe the firing patterns of cerebellar neurons in motion. There is a lack of auxiliary tools for studying the firing of cerebellar neurons in experimental mice. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a passive running device for a mouse with its head fixed. By fixing the mouse's head, the device uses the movement of a running belt assembly to passively induce running motions in the mouse. This assists a two-photon microscopy imaging system in observing the electrical signals of two-photon neurons during the mouse's running state, and in observing the firing patterns of cerebellar neurons during movement, thus contributing to neuroscience research.

[0004] The passive running device for a head-fixed experimental mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base plate, a support assembly, a head fixation member, and a running mechanism. The support assembly is disposed on the base plate. The head fixation member is used to fix the head of the experimental mouse and is detachably connected to the support assembly. The running mechanism is disposed on the base plate and includes a driver and a running belt assembly. The head fixation member is located above the running belt assembly to restrain the experimental mouse on the running belt assembly. The driver is driven to the running belt assembly to drive the running belt assembly to run, enabling the experimental mouse located on the running belt assembly to passively perform running movements.

[0005] The passive running device for head-fixed experimental mice according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: In use, the head of the experimental mouse is fixed by the head fixation component to restrict the experimental mouse to the running belt assembly. The driver drives the running belt assembly to run, so that the experimental mouse's limbs move backward with the running belt assembly while its head is fixed, thus passively making running movements. After the experimental mouse adapts to the current running speed of the running belt assembly, the passive running device of this utility model is fixed on the stage of a two-photon microscopy system. The two-photon microscopy system is used to observe the two-photon neuronal electrical signals of the experimental mouse in the running state, and to observe the cerebellar neuronal firing patterns in the movement state. This helps to further analyze the relationship between the electrical activity of neurons and the specific behavior of the experimental mouse. In addition, based on this utility model, researchers can also observe the changes in the electrical activity of cerebellar neurons in experimental mice with movement disorders and the potential causes, which is helpful for neuroscience research.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the support assembly includes a support column and a connecting beam. Two support columns are provided and are respectively located on both sides of the running belt assembly. The two ends of the connecting beam are respectively connected to the two support columns. The head fixing member is provided in the middle of the connecting beam. A first threaded member is provided between the head fixing member and the connecting beam and is fixed by the first threaded member.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the connecting beam is provided with a first slot in the middle, and the head fixing member is provided with a second slot on both sides. The head fixing member is engaged in the first slot and the two side walls of the first slot are respectively engaged in the second slot.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the height distance between the head fixing member and the upper side of the running belt assembly is adjustable.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the two ends of the connecting beam are respectively provided with through holes and opening slots, and the upper sides of the two supports are threaded with second threaded parts. One of the two second threaded parts passes through the end of the connecting beam through the through hole, and the other passes through the end of the connecting beam through the opening slot. The connecting beam can move horizontally relative to the support, so that the corresponding second threaded part enters or leaves the opening slot.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the base plate is provided with baffles, and two baffles are provided and respectively located on both sides of the running belt assembly, so as to restrict the experimental mouse on the running belt assembly.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the baffle has a viewing window structure or the baffle is made of a transparent material.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a connecting seat is detachably connected to the base plate, the connecting seat is provided with a slot extending longitudinally, and the side of the baffle is inserted into the slot.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the running mechanism further includes a controller electrically connected to the driver. The controller is provided with a speed adjustment module and a display module. The speed adjustment module is used to adjust the running speed of the running belt assembly, and the display module is used to display the running speed of the running belt assembly.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the base plate is provided with a plurality of mounting holes arranged in an array.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the passive running device for a head-fixed experimental mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top-view structural diagram of the passive running device;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the passive running device;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the passive running device in another state.

[0022] Figure label:

[0023] Base plate 100, slot 101, mounting hole 102, baffle 110, connector 120;

[0024] The bracket assembly 200, the first slot 201, the through hole 202, the opening slot 203, the support column 210, the second threaded component 211, the connecting beam 220, and the base 230;

[0025] Head fixing component 300, second slot 301;

[0026] Running mechanism 400, driver 410, running belt assembly 420, controller 430, speed control module 431, display module 432. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if directional descriptions are involved, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicating the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, it is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and does 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, if words such as several, greater than, less than, exceeding, above, below, or within appear, several means one or more, multiple means two or more, greater than, less than, exceeding, etc. are understood to exclude the number itself, and above, below, or within are understood to include the number itself.

[0030] If the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish technical features, they should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated, or implicitly indicating the order of the technical features indicated.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2A passive running device for fixing the head of a laboratory mouse includes a base plate 100, a support assembly 200, a head fixing member 300, and a running mechanism 400. The support assembly 200 is disposed on the base plate 100. The head fixing member 300 is used to fix the head of the laboratory mouse and is detachably connected to the support assembly 200. The running mechanism 400 is disposed on the base plate 100 and includes a driver 410 and a running belt assembly 420. The head fixing member 300 is located above the running belt assembly 420 so as to restrict the laboratory mouse to the running belt assembly 420. The driver 410 is drivenly connected to the running belt assembly 420 to drive the running belt assembly 420 to run, enabling the laboratory mouse located on the running belt assembly 420 to passively perform running movements.

[0033] Understandably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the running belt assembly 420 is arranged in the front-to-back direction, the driver 410 is located on the rear side of the running belt assembly 420 and is connected to it for driving, and the head fixing member 300 is detachably connected to the bracket assembly 200 and located above the running belt assembly 420. In use, the head of the experimental mouse is fixed by the head fixation piece 300 to restrict the mouse to the running belt assembly 420. The driver 410 drives the running belt assembly 420 to run, so that the mouse's limbs move backward with the running belt assembly 420 while its head is fixed, thus passively making a running motion. After the experimental mouse adapts to the current running speed of the running belt assembly 420, the passive running device of this invention is fixed on the stage of a two-photon microscopy system. The two-photon microscopy system is used to observe the two-photon neuronal electrical signals of the experimental mouse in the running state, and to observe the cerebellar neuronal firing patterns in the movement state. This helps to further analyze the relationship between the electrical activity of neurons and the specific behavior of the experimental mouse. In addition, based on this invention, researchers can also observe the changes in the electrical activity of cerebellar neurons in experimental mice with movement disorders and the potential causes, which is helpful for neuroscience research.

[0034] In practical applications, the head fixation component 300 can be surgically fixed to the head of the experimental mouse. The running belt assembly 420 can be composed of a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and a track drive, or the track can be replaced with a flexible belt such as a synchronous belt. The specific structures of the base plate 100, the support assembly 200, and the head fixation component 300 can be set according to the actual use needs, and will not be described in detail here. They will be explained in detail below.

[0035] In some embodiments, the support assembly 200 includes a support column 210 and a connecting beam 220. Two support columns 210 are provided and are respectively located on both sides of the running belt assembly 420. The two ends of the connecting beam 220 are respectively connected to the two support columns 210. A head fixing member 300 is provided in the middle of the connecting beam 220. A first threaded member is provided between the head fixing member 300 and the connecting beam 220 and is fixed by the first threaded member.

[0036] Understandably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, two support pillars 210 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the running belt assembly 420. The two ends of the connecting beam 220 are connected to the upper parts of the two support pillars 210 respectively. The head fixing member 300 is located in the middle of the connecting beam 220 and is detachably connected to the connecting beam 220 via a first threaded component (not shown in the figure). The above structure is simple and reasonable, with stable and reliable connection, and is easy to use. In practical applications, the support assembly 200 can also adopt a suspension structure, such as using a single support pillar 210 and connecting beam 220 in combination. The head fixing member 300 and the connecting beam 220 can also be detachably connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. The specific design can be varied according to actual usage needs.

[0037] In some embodiments, the connecting beam 220 is provided with a first slot 201 in the middle, and the head fixing member 300 is provided with a second slot 301 on both sides. The head fixing member 300 is engaged in the first slot 201 and the two side walls of the first slot 201 are engaged in the second slot 301 respectively.

[0038] Understandably, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the head fixing component 300 has second slots 301 on both its left and right sides. During assembly, the head fixing component 300 is snapped into the first slot 201, so that the two side walls of the first slot 201 respectively engage with the second slots 301, forming a tenon-and-mortise-like matting structure. This improves the connection stability of the head fixing component 300 and facilitates its use. In practical applications, the first slot 201 and the second slot 301 can be set according to actual usage needs.

[0039] In some embodiments, the height distance between the head fixing member 300 and the upper side of the running belt assembly 420 is adjustable. It is understood that, during use, due to differences in age and sex, the body size of laboratory mice may vary, and therefore the height difference between their heads and the running belt assembly 420 may need to be adjusted to accommodate different mouse sizes. This invention, by making the height distance between the head fixing member 300 and the upper side of the running belt assembly 420 adjustable, can better adapt to laboratory mice of different sizes, thus improving adaptability.

[0040] Specifically, the support assembly 200 also includes a base 230, which has two bases located on both sides of the running belt assembly 420. The support column 210 is connected to the base plate 100 through the base 230, and the support column 210 can be moved up and down relative to the base 230 to adjust its position.

[0041] Understandably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, two bases 230 are located on the left and right sides of the running belt assembly 420 and are connected to two pillars 210 respectively. The pillars 210 are connected to the base plate 100 through the bases 230. In use, the relative position of the pillars 210 and the bases 230 can be adjusted by moving the pillars 210 up and down relative to the bases 230. This changes the height of the connecting beam 220 and the height of the head fixing member 300, so as to better adapt to experimental mice of different sizes and improve adaptability.

[0042] In practical applications, there are several ways to adjust the position of the support column 210 relative to the base 230 vertically. For example, the support column 210 and the base 230 can be connected by a threaded connection. By rotating the support column 210, the position of the support column 210 relative to the base 230 can be adjusted vertically by utilizing the threaded connection. Alternatively, the support column 210 can be inserted longitudinally into the base 230 and can move vertically. The base 230 is equipped with a locking threaded component. By tightening the threaded component, the threaded component presses against the wall of the support column 210 to achieve locking. Loosening the threaded component releases the locking of the support column 210, allowing the support column 210 to move vertically to adjust its position. The specific connection structure between the support column 210 and the base 230 can be set according to actual usage requirements.

[0043] In addition, the support column 210 can be detachably connected to the base 230 or the base plate 100. By disassembling and replacing the support column 210 with different height dimensions, the height distance between the head fixing member 300 and the upper side of the running belt assembly 420 can be adjusted. Alternatively, by setting a pressure bar on the upper side of the running belt assembly 420, the height of the upper side of the running belt assembly 420 can be changed by adjusting the up and down position of the pressure bar, thereby making the height distance between the head fixing member 300 and the upper side of the running belt assembly 420 adjustable.

[0044] In some embodiments, the two ends of the connecting beam 220 are respectively provided with through holes 202 and opening slots 203. The upper sides of the two supports 210 are threaded with second threaded parts 211. One of the two second threaded parts 211 passes through the through hole 202 through the end of the connecting beam 220, and the other passes through the opening slot 203 through the end of the connecting beam 220. The connecting beam 220 can move horizontally relative to the support 210, so that the corresponding second threaded part 211 enters or leaves the opening slot 203.

[0045] Understandably, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the upper sides of both left and right support columns 210 are threaded with second threaded parts 211. The left end of the connecting beam 220 has an opening slot 203, and the right end has a through hole 202. The second threaded part 211 on the right side passes through the through hole 202 and is inserted into the right end of the connecting beam 220, allowing the right end of the connecting beam 220 to rotate relative to the support column 210 it is connected to. The second threaded part 211 on the left side passes through the opening slot 203 and is inserted into the left end of the connecting beam 220. In use, the second threaded parts 211 on both sides can be tightened to press the two second threaded parts 211 against the left and right ends of the connecting beam 220 respectively, thus fixing the connecting beam 220. (Refer to...) Figure 5 When it is necessary to remove / into the laboratory mouse or for unloaded operation / inspection / maintenance, the second threaded parts 211 on both sides can be loosened, and the connecting beam 220 can be rotated horizontally relative to the right-side support 210. Utilizing the opening structure on one side of the slot 203, the second threaded part 211 on the left side can correspondingly disengage from or enter the slot 203, enabling the connecting beam 220 to be quickly rotated open or closed, adapting to different usage scenarios. In practical applications, the through hole 202 can also be located at the left end of the connecting beam 220, with the slot 203 located at the right end, depending on the specific usage requirements.

[0046] In some embodiments, the base plate 100 is provided with baffles 110, two baffles 110 are provided and are respectively located on both sides of the running belt assembly 420, for the purpose of restricting the experimental mouse on the running belt assembly 420.

[0047] Understandably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, two baffles 110 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the running belt assembly 420. During use, the experimental mouse passively runs on the running belt assembly 420. The baffles 110 on both sides prevent the mouse from falling off the treadmill with its entire torso, thus preventing only its head from bearing the load. This effectively confines the mouse to the running belt assembly 420, improving the operational reliability of the device. In practical applications, the specific shape and size of the baffles 110 can be set according to actual usage requirements.

[0048] In some embodiments, the baffle 110 has a viewing window structure or is made of a transparent material. It is understood that in this embodiment, the baffle 110 is made of a transparent material. By making the baffle 110 transparent, researchers can clearly observe the specific gait of the experimental mouse. If necessary, a camera device can also be installed on the outside to record the behavior of the experimental mouse, facilitating gait analysis. In practical applications, the baffle 110 can be an acrylic plate or a glass plate. Of course, the baffle 110 can also be provided with a viewing window, such as a viewing window on the upper half of the baffle 110, to facilitate researchers' observation of the experimental mouse. The specific design can be adjusted according to actual usage needs.

[0049] In some embodiments, a connecting seat 120 is detachably connected to the base plate 100, the connecting seat 120 having a slot 101 extending longitudinally, and the side of the baffle 110 being inserted into the slot 101.

[0050] Understandably, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, four connecting seats 120 are provided, distributed in pairs on the left and right sides of the running belt assembly 420. Two connecting seats 120 on the same side of the running belt assembly 420 are spaced apart. Each connecting seat 120 has a slot 101 on the side corresponding to the baffle 110. The baffle 110 is located between the two connecting seats 120, with its side inserted into the slot 101, thus enabling the installation and connection of the baffle 110. This design is simple and easy to install and use. In practical applications, the specific installation and connection method of the baffle 110 can be varied according to actual usage needs.

[0051] In some embodiments, the running mechanism 400 further includes a controller 430 electrically connected to the driver 410. The controller 430 is provided with a speed adjustment module 431 and a display module 432. The speed adjustment module 431 is used to adjust the running speed of the running belt assembly 420, and the display module 432 is used to display the running speed of the running belt assembly 420.

[0052] Understandably, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a controller 430 is provided on the left side of the base plate 100. The controller 430 includes a speed adjustment module 431 and a display module 432. In use, the running speed of the running belt assembly 420 can be adjusted through the speed adjustment module 431, and the running speed of the running belt assembly 420 can be displayed through the display module 432. By observing the differences in the activity of neurons in the brain of experimental mice at different movement speeds, it is convenient for experimental research. In practical applications, the controller 430 can be composed of a microcontroller, PCB board, and other electrical components with preset programs. The specific configuration can be set according to actual needs. Since the specific configuration of the controller 430, speed adjustment module 431, and display module 432 in this embodiment are known to those skilled in the art, they will not be described in detail here.

[0053] In some embodiments, a plurality of mounting holes 102 are arranged in an array on the base plate 100. It is understood that, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, multiple mounting holes 102 are arrayed and distributed on the base plate 100. During assembly, the mounting positions of components such as the connecting seat 120, base 230, and running belt assembly 420 can be adjusted according to the different mounting holes 102. Alternatively, other components such as camera equipment can be installed through the mounting holes 102 as an extension, increasing expandability and facilitating use. In practical applications, the specific number and size of the mounting holes 102 can be set according to actual usage needs.

[0054] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A passive running device for immobilizing a head of a laboratory mouse, characterized by, include: Base plate; A support assembly, the support assembly being disposed on the base plate; A head fixation component, which is used to fix the head of the experimental mouse and is detachably connected to the support assembly; A running mechanism is provided on the base plate and includes a driver and a running belt assembly. A head fixation member is located above the running belt assembly to restrain the experimental mouse on the running belt assembly. The support assembly includes a support column and a connecting beam. Two support columns are provided and located on both sides of the running belt assembly. The two ends of the connecting beam are respectively connected to the two support columns. The head fixation member is located in the middle of the connecting beam. A first threaded member is provided between the head fixation member and the connecting beam and is fixed by the first threaded member. The driver is driven to the running belt assembly to drive the running belt assembly to run, enabling the experimental mouse located on the running belt assembly to passively perform running movements.

2. The head-fixed experimental mouse passive running apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting beam has a first slot in the middle, and the head fixing member has a second slot on both sides. The head fixing member is locked in the first slot and the two side walls of the first slot are respectively locked into the second slot.

3. The head-fixed experimental mouse passive running apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The height distance between the head fixing member and the upper side of the running belt assembly is adjustable.

4. The head-fixed experimental mouse passive running apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting beam has through holes and opening slots at both ends. The upper sides of the two supports are threaded with second threaded parts. One of the two second threaded parts passes through the through hole to the end of the connecting beam, and the other passes through the opening slot to the end of the connecting beam. The connecting beam can move horizontally relative to the supports, so that the corresponding second threaded part enters or leaves the opening slot.

5. The head-fixed experimental mouse passive running apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The base plate is provided with baffles, two of which are located on both sides of the running belt assembly to restrain the experimental mouse on the running belt assembly.

6. The head-fixed, voluntary running apparatus for laboratory mice according to claim 5, wherein The baffle has a viewing window structure or the baffle is made of transparent material.

7. The head-fixed, voluntary running apparatus for laboratory mice according to claim 5, wherein A connecting seat is detachably connected to the base plate. The connecting seat has a slot extending longitudinally, and the side of the baffle is inserted into the slot.

8. The head-fixed, voluntary running apparatus for laboratory mice according to claim 1, wherein The running mechanism also includes a controller electrically connected to the drive. The controller has a speed adjustment module and a display module. The speed adjustment module is used to adjust the running speed of the running belt assembly, and the display module is used to display the running speed of the running belt assembly.

9. The head-fixed, voluntary running apparatus for laboratory mice according to claim 1, wherein The base plate has multiple mounting holes arranged in an array.

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