A system to measure the Optokinetic and Optomotor response in mice

摘要: Abstract Background Visually evoked compensatory head movements (Optomotor responses) or eye (Optokinetic are extensively used in experimental mouse models for developmental defects, pathological conditions, and testing the efficacy of therapeutic manipulations. New method We present an automated system to measure Optomotor Optokinetic responses under identical stimulation enabling a direct comparison two reflexes. A semi-automated calibration procedure commercial tracker record angular velocity restrained animal. Novel video tracking algorithms determine location real time allow repositioning stimulus relative head. Results yield comparable results with respect determining visual acuity mice. Our new enable far more accurate analysis angle determination, reveal individual retractions, analogous saccadic observed during Nystagmus. Comparison existing methods To our knowledge this is first apparatus allowing algorithms, which objective determination significant increment over systems rely on subjective human observation. The increased accuracy novel increases robustness response determinations reveals aspects reflex. Conclusions provide blueprints inexpensive hardware, release open source software system, describe accessible