Applying the RatWalker System for Gait Analysis in a Genetic Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Kelly L. Stauch; Steven Totusek; Trey Farmer; Benjamin G. Lamberty; Kelsey N. Dyball; Mohannad A. Almikhlafi; Howard S. Fox

doi:10.3791/62002

Aplicación del sistema RatWalker para el análisis de la marcha en un modelo genético de ratas de ...

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Applying the RatWalker System for Gait Analysis in a Genetic Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Aplicación del sistema RatWalker para el análisis de la marcha en un modelo genético de ratas de la enfermedad de Parkinson

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04:08 min

January 18, 2021

DOI: 10.3791/62002-v

Kelly L. Stauch¹, Steven Totusek¹, Trey Farmer¹, Benjamin G. Lamberty¹, Kelsey N. Dyball¹, Mohannad A. Almikhlafi¹, Howard S. Fox¹

¹Department of Neurological Sciences,University of Nebraska Medical Center

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Overview

This study presents the RatWalker system, designed to analyze gait in freely-walking rats using frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) and high-speed video capture. It enables precise quantification of gait parameters, providing insights into motor impairments, particularly in genetically modified Parkin DKO rats.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Behavioral analysis
Gait assessment

Background

Gait analysis in rodents commonly relies on invasive methods.
Previous studies showed the need for improved non-invasive techniques to assess motor function.
The RatWalker is a modification of the MouseWalker system to accommodate larger rodents.
This system can help identify subtle motor deficits prior to obvious symptoms.

Purpose of Study

To develop a non-invasive method for gait analysis in rats.
To investigate gait differences in wild-type versus Parkin DKO rats.
To establish a reliable protocol for tracking gait parameters over multiple trials.

Methods Used

The RatWalker system was utilized for analyzing the gait of freely-walking rats.
Male wild-type and Parkin DKO rats at two months of age were the biological models.
No multiomics workflows were mentioned in the study.
Rats walked across the walkway a total of seven times, with scoring based on consecutive steps.
Gait parameters were quantified using FTIR and video analysis.

Main Results

Gait analysis revealed significant differences in stance phase and swing duration of DKO rats at slower speeds.
Despite similar walking speeds, DKO rats exhibited altered temporal gait parameters compared to wild-type rats.
Important changes in paw positioning and swing speeds were observed in DKO rats.
The study underscores the importance of equipment consistency for reliable results.

Conclusions

The RatWalker system allows for non-invasive gait analysis with potential for broader applications in various rodent models.
The findings contribute to the understanding of motor dysfunction in genetic models of disease.
Implications extend to investigating gait disturbances related to different neurological conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of the RatWalker system?

The RatWalker provides a non-invasive method for assessing gait in rodents, allowing for detailed analysis without the need for ink or other invasive techniques.

How is the biological model implemented in this study?

Male wild-type and Parkin DKO rats are placed in the RatWalker, where their gait is assessed over multiple trials to quantify parameters accurately.

What types of data are obtained through this method?

This method yields comprehensive gait parameters including step lengths, swing phase durations, and stance durations, enabling comparisons between different genotypes.

How can the RatWalker method be applied beyond this study?

It can be adapted for use in various rodent models to study different aspects of behavior, including anxiety and depression, by correlating gait changes with other experimental outcomes.

What are some key considerations when using the RatWalker system?

Consistent setup of the equipment, including camera positioning, is crucial to ensure reliable data across trials, as environmental factors can influence results.

Aquí describimos el sistema RatWalker, construido mediante el rediseño del aparato MouseWalker para adaptarse al aumento de tamaño y peso de las ratas. Este sistema utiliza reflexión interna total frustrada (FTIR), captura de video de alta velocidad y software de análisis de acceso abierto para rastrear y cuantificar los parámetros de la marcha.

Este método permite cuantificar de forma reproducible las diferencias en los parámetros de la marcha. Los parámetros de la marcha se pueden evaluar en roedores que caminan libremente, y la técnica no se basa en pasos invasivos como sumergir los pies con tinta. Demostrando el procedimiento estará Ben Lamberty.

Comience colocando una jaula casera al final de la pasarela antes del inicio de cada carrera, para que sirva como una señal positiva para que la rata atraviese la pasarela. Apague las luces de la habitación. Encienda la cámara y comience a grabar varios segundos antes de que la rata se coloque en la plataforma.

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