Measuring the Behavioral Parameters of Mouse Following Unilateral Labyrinthectomy in Round Free Field Using an Infrared Lamp and a Simple Webcam Camera

Kim, Mi Joo; Hwang, Hyun Jung; Chung, Seung Won; Han, Gyu Cheol

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
In this research, movements of mouse after labyrinthectomy were analyzed to determine the degree of vestibular dysfunction and compensation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
By using an infrared lamp, mouse movements were recorded for 100 seconds in a dark room. The experimental area was manufactured as a circular space with a diameter of 60 cm. The movements of five mice labyrinthectomized on right side were observed and recorded at 3 hours, 9 hours and 120 hours after the operation, and also the ten mice of control group.
RESULTS
The differences between the total moving distances and the rotating angle from the origin that set the center of round field between groups were analyzed with pictures of 1 frame per second. It is concluded that all 4 groups show significant differences between its mean rotation angle and total moving distances statistically. At 9 hours after right labyrinthectomy, mice tended to turn clockwise; but at 120 hours, there was no significant difference between clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation.
CONCLUSION
Measuring the movement of mouse in round free field can be the proper method to determine the degree of vestibular dysfunction and vestibular compensation. This test was time-saving and cost-effective method.