No abstract

No abstract

Background: Facial palsyin humans is assessed using facial nerve grading systems. However, there is no standardized tool for the objective assessment of facial palsy in rat models. Here, we propose a novel black light-assisted scoring system (BASS)to assess facial palsy in rats.Methods: BASS has three key components: blacklight, high frame rate videography (iPhone), and motion analysis software (Kinovea). The system can detect movement of a specific whisker and whisker base and automatically assesstheir angular velocity. Our study included 12 male Wistar rats: 6 with normal facial nerve function and 6 witha unilateral facial nervecrush injury. Four angular velocities were investigated using BASS to confirm the accuracy of the system and determine the best parameter to be used for BASS.Results:The total velocity value (sum of maximum protraction velocity and maximum retraction velocity)had the least variation and highest reliability of all tested velocities.Conclusions: BASS allows for repeated quantification of the whisker movements and weekly measurements of the whisker base. Our findings suggest that BASS is reliable, reproducible, and useful for the assessment of facial palsy.