Of mice and motion: Behavioural-EEG phenotyping of Alzheimer’s disease mouse models

Abstract

Combining infrared event-stamping and auto-regressive modelling enables rapid, automated and sensitive phenotyping of AD mouse models. Subtle alterations in brain signalling can be detected prior to overt behavioural impairments.

Miniature Untethered EEG Recorder Improves Advanced Neuroscience Methodologies

“…Some systems, such as DSI TA10ETA-F20 TM are wholly implantable, though this class of device can be limited in terms of channels and sample rates achievable [20]. The alternative method is to record data onboard a removable wireless device for a period of time, then perform offline data access at the end of the experiment [1], [2], [21]- [25]. The use of onboard recorders provides an advantage in terms of reducing power consumption (as data transmission is a power hungry operation), and typically allows a reduction in circuit size, eliminating analog RF circuitry.…”

“…The NAT-1, a view of which is shown in Figure 1, was designed specifically to support neural studies in rodents, and validated by the collaborative team at the University of Aberdeen. A broad range of experimental studies have already been undertaken with the utilization of NAT-1 devices [1], [2], and several are described in more detail, from a circuit/sensor perspective, in this paper.…”

“…Surgical procedures used in studies discussed here are also described in detail in their respective publications [1], [2]. It should be noted that best practice surgical and aftercare procedures are influenced by local (institution), national (home office) and international (Felasa) guidelines.…”

“…This can be accomplished through co-registration of EEG data with measurements of the animals position in space. A recent study [2] has demonstrated the suitability of the NAT-1 IRDB module for this purpose and its application to pre-clinical dementia research. In this study, transgenic mice (PLB2 APP ) expressing the human Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), with the Swedish and London Alzheimers Disease AD risk mutations, underwent electrode implantation surgery at five months of age when disease pathology is known to be relatively subtle [36].…”

“…Experiments described in this paper involve animal models of brain disorders and are part of larger ongoing medical research projects at the University of Aberdeen. Previously established surgical procedures are described in detail elsewhere [1], [2]. Ethical considerations of this work are considered in section V.…”