Nov 23, 2023
Beam test
- 1Vall d'Hebron Research Institute
Protocol Citation: Marina Lorente Picón, Núria Peñuelas, Ariadna Laguna, Miquel Vila 2023. Beam test. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.kxygx322og8j/v1
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: November 23, 2023
Last Modified: November 23, 2023
Protocol Integer ID: 91356
Abstract
Beam test for mice
Mice are placed at the beginning of an elevated horizontal plexiglass beam
bar covered on scotch tape to avoid limb slip (1m length – 2.5cm width- 0.5m
elevation). At the beginning of the beam we place a little lamp and at the end
of the beam we place a dark box to motivate the animal to go towards the dark
side.
Mice are allowed to explore the beam bar and receive two assisted trials to
cross it before the test. After two assisted trials, the test starts and animals
can traverse the entire length of the beam unassisted for two times.
Measure the time the mouse takes to cross the beam. If the mouse has not
crossed the beam in 120 seconds, annotate 120 seconds for that animal. If the mouse
falls down, annotate as well 120 seconds. If the mouse does not cross or goes
backwards, remove them from the analysis. Calculate the average time after the
two trials to obtain the final results.
Count the possible limb errors. An error is counted when, during a forward movement, a
limb (forelimb or hindlimb) slips through the beam. Classify them in right paw
errors or left paw errors.
Clean the beam bar between animals.