CatWalk gait analysis in a rat model of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a widely used animal model for multiple sclerosis. The characteristic feature of the MOG-EAE model in Brown Norway rats is consistent involvement of the spinal cord resulting in limb paresis. The aim of the study was to investigate whether early subclinical gait abnormalities are present in this animal model and can be detected by CatWalk XT, a fully automated gait analysis system. Furthermore, we investigated the usability of CatWalk system for treatment studies.ResultsOur gait analysis showed no preclinical abnormalities in MOG-EAE animals. Nevertheless, we characterized a combination of gait parameters that display a high predictive capacity in regard to disease onset. Our detailed histopathological analysis of the spinal cord revealed that lesion formation starts in the lumbar region and propagates toward the cervical part of the spinal cord during the disease course. In the treatment study, the stabilization of gait parameters under the treatment with methylprednisolone was detected in CatWalk as well as in traditional EAE-scoring system.ConclusionsThe results from CatWalk test indicate no benefit of lab-intensive automated gait system in EAE-model with chronic-progressive disease course as well as in therapeutic studies with pronounced effect on the severity of clinical symptoms. However, due to its quantitative and objective nature this system may display a refined test to detect small but functional relevant changes in regeneration-orientated studies.

Swimming Exercise Ameliorates Symptoms of MOG-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Inhibiting Inflammation and Demyelination in Rats

“…MOG33-55 peptide is an important pathogenic component contributing to EAE induction. The EAE rat model of multiple sclerosis is a representative model of multiple sclerosis because this model markedly demonstrates hind-limb paralysis, motor dysfunction and nerve damage [1,15]. MOG33-55 injection caused motor dysfunction by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory exudates [7,21].…”

“…The rats were anesthetized by inhalation of sevoflurane (4%) in oxygen (30%) and nitrogen (70%) delivered through a face mask. As described previously [14,15], 50 μg of purified MOG 33-55 (MOG33-55) was dissolved in 200-μL saline which was homogenized (1:1 v/v) with Freund's complete adjuvant (with mycobacteria). MOG33-55 was injected intradermally through the base of the tail.…”

Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Pathogenesis of Arthritis Pain Using Animal Models

“…Catwalk automated gait analyses measure changes in spontaneous gait due to joint pain. Animals pass an illuminated glass platform while gait is recorded with a video camera connected to a computer, and the changes in gait pattern, such as swing speed and stride length, are analyzed [52]. Thermal hyperalgesia is assessed using the hot plate test, where the rodent is placed on a metal surface maintained at a constant temperature.…”

High Speed Ventral Plane Videography as a Convenient Tool to Quantify Motor Deficits during Pre-Clinical Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

“…Of note, the animal walks across the glass plate voluntarily which is different to the system applied in the current study. This method has been performed in the EAE model using different species such as Lewis rats [46], Brown Norway rats [47], or C57BL/6 mice [48]. In our study, we observed that MOG 35-55 immunization severely influenced the success rate of gait analysis recordings.…”