Behavioural tests
Behavioural tests may be the first indication of underlying molecular changes in disease models.
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Nociception
Applications in brief
Hargreave's test (thermal nociception)
The Hargreave's test (plantar test) consists of a movable infrared beam generator placed below a glass pane upon which the rodent is placed in an animal container. The infrared beam is directed towards the paw of the animal and when it feels pain and withdraws its paw, the infrared source switches off and the reaction time counter stops, reflecting the thermal nociception threshold.
von Frey test (mechanical nociception)
Thin calibrated plastic filaments (von Frey filaments) of different stiffness (gauges) are applied to the plantar surface of the hind paw(s) to determine the threshold that elicits a hind paw withdrawal response. The withdrawal threshold is defined as the minimum gauge von Frey filament that elicits a withdrawal response.
Which species may I use?
- Mice (number depends on setup, at least 8 simultaneously)
- Rats (number depends on setup, ensure presence of suitable test containers)
Location
The equipment for both the Hargreave's test and von Frey test is placed in the Skou building animal facility. Therefore, please familiarize yourself with guidelines and regulations regarding animals as well as user quarantine regulations.
Training and Manual
Quick-guides for both tests can be found on-site.
Tips and Tricks
Baseline tests
- Ensure to include baseline tests, allowing animals to get familiar with the testing procedure. These may be performed one and/or two days prior to onset of the experiment.
Habituation
- Ensure that your animals are calm before test intitiation. The duration until calm may vary between strains and treatments.
- Ensure that your animals are not asleep when you perform the nociceptive test as this may affect your data.
Test facility
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The room should be silent and ambiently lit. Loud noises, e.g. from neighbouring rooms, may affect your data.
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Consider testing only one sex at a time, as odors may change the behavior of your test animals.
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Ensure to disinfect equipment and containers thoroughly between individuals.
Foot pads
- Avoid directing the infrared beam of the Hargreave's test or the von Frey filaments to the food pads (small thickened areas) as sensitivity of these areas differ from the rest of the paw.
Specifications
Hargreave's test (thermal nociception)
| Full equipment name | Plantar Test (Hargreaves Apparatus), Ugo Basile, Cat.No. 37370 |
| I.R. source | Movable infrared source (emitter/detector), Ugo Basile, Cat.No. 37370-002 |
| Glass pane | Glass pane, Ugo Basile, Cat.No. 37360-005 |
| Animal enclosures | Custom-made individual red plexiglass containers for mice; for rats upon request |
Von Frey test (mechanical nociception)
| Full equipment name | Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (Stoelting) |
| Available filaments (pressure at filament bending) | 0.002 g - 300 g (applied filament range depends on e.g. species/strain/treatment) |
| Metal grid | Metal grid, Ugo Basile, or custom-made table + grid |
| Animal enclosures | Custom-made individual red plexiglass containers for mice; for rats upon request |
FAQ
Animal Facility
- How do I get access to the Skou animal facility?
- In order to access the Skou animal facility, you will need to book a training session with the stable personnel first. Please directly contact the stable personnel for this matter.
- May I bring animals into the stables?
- You are NOT allowed to bring animals from other facilities to the Skou animal facility.
- Please contact the stable personnel for information on which and how to house your animals in the Skou animal facility.
Equipment
- How should I book the equipment?
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For booking von Frey and Hargreaves tests, please remember to
1) book the room, in which you will perform your experiment, via the usual Outlook calendar
2) book the equipment in the Teams calendar, clearly stating which equipment you will be using. Upon your introduction session, the Phenotyping Core Facility staff will send you an invite to the Teams calendar
- How should I clean the equipment after use?
- After use, please clean the equipment (table and animal containers) by wiping with ethanol on a tissue.
- Please leave the equipment neat and clean for the next user.
Data
- How can I get my data?
- For both Hargreave's test and von Frey test, you will have to manually note your recordings. Data sheets may be printed inside the stables via FollowMe printer service (printer located next to the staff lunch room).
Publications
- How shall I refer to the equipment?
- Please ensure to acknowledge the Phenotyping Core Facility. For guidance consult Publications & Acknowledgements.
Booking
- For booking von Frey and Hargreaves tests, please remember to:
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1) book the room, in which you will perform your experiment, via your Outlook calendar. In case of doubts on how to book a room, contact IT Support.
2) book the equipment in the designated Teams calendar, clearly stating which equipment you will be using. Upon your introduction session, the Phenotyping Core Facility staff will send you an invite to the designated Teams calendar.
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For general information on booking procedures, go to Booking