The Vermicelli and Capellini Handling Tests: Simple quantitative measures of dexterous forepaw function in rats and mice

Abstract

. The Vermicelli and Capellini Handling Tests: Simple quantitative measures of dexterous forepaw function in rats and mice. J. Vis. Exp. (41), e2076, doi:10.3791/2076 (2010. AbstractPrevious characterizations of rodent eating behavior have revealed that they use coordinated forepaw movements to manipulate food pieces. We have extended upon this work to develop a simple quantitative measure of forepaw dexterity that is sensitive to lateralized impairments and agedependent changes. Rodents learn skillful forepaw and digit movements to manage thin pasta pieces, which they eagerly consume. We have previously described methods for quantifying vermicelli handling in rats and showed that the measures are very sensitive to forelimb impairments resulting from unilateral ischemic lesions, middle cerebral artery occlusions and unilateral striatal dopamine depletion [Allred, R.P., Adkins, D.L., Woodlee, M.T., Husbands, L.C., Maldonado M.A., Kane, J.R., Schallert, T. & Jones, T.A. The Vermicelli Handling Test: a simple quantitative measure of dexterous forepaw function in rats. J. Neurosci. Methods 170, 229-244 (2008)]. Here we present a more detailed protocol for this test in rats and compare it with a newly developed version for mice, the Capellini Handling Test. Rats and mice are videotaped while handling short lengths of uncooked vermicelli or capellini pasta, respectively, with a camera positioned to optimize the view of paw movements. Slow motion video playback allows for the identification of forepaw adjustments, defined as any distinct removal and replacement of the paw, or of any number of digits, on the pasta piece after eating commences. Forepaw adjustments per piece are averaged over trials per each testing session. Repeated testing permits sensitive quantitative analysis of changes in forepaw dexterity over time. Protocols for pre-testing habituation and handling practice, as well as procedures for characterizing atypical handling patterns, are described. Because rats and mice perform the pasta handling tests slightly differently, species-specific differences in administration and scoring of these tests are highlighted. All animal use was in accordance with protocols approved by the University of Texas at Austin Animal Care and Use Committee. Video LinkThe video component of this article can be found at

Mouse Intracerebral Hemorrhage Models Produce Different Degrees of Initial and Delayed Damage, Axonal Sprouting, and Recovery

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“…In this study, we were recording and using data for limb use (left, right or both) and time to eat pasta only. A more detailed analysis including paw adjustments during pasta eating has been described previously in animals with injuries such as unilateral ischemic lesions and unilateral striatal dopamine depletion 20,21,24 . Therefore, it is possible to develop and use a more sensitive analysis from the pasta eating test after cSCI.…”

“…A similar test has been used previously to detect deficits in skilled use of forelimbs in animal models of unilateral stroke and Parkinson's disease 20,21 and after cSCI 19 . At chronic time points after injury (12 weeks post-injury), all sham animals ate pasta using both paws during the test period.…”

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“…The time to eat was defined by when the pasta was first placed in the mouth, ending when the piece was released from both hands and completely consumed. 19,33,34 Trials were ignored if the rat did not consume the entire length of pasta or turned away from the camera in such a way that the pasta and the digits were obscured from view.…”