Fig. 1.
(a) Thumb and forefinger secure the sides of the head, while the palm contacts the dorsal aspect of animal torso, and opposite hand secures hind limbs, (b) trap the forelimb which is not being tested underneath, using the middle and ring fingers, (c) unilateral vibrissae stimulation to table-top, (d) independent forelimb placing.
1.
Place the rodent upon the table-top and gently handle it until the animal relaxes to examiner’s touch.
2.
The thumb and forefinger need to confidently secure the sides of the head, and the palm should be placed into light contact with the dorsal aspect of the animal torso.
3.
The examiner’s middle and ring fingers should wrap around the anterior aspect of the animal rib-cage, trapping the forelimb which is not being tested underneath securely and out of the way.
4.
The opposite hand can be used to support the hind-limbs and secure the animal’s body during testing.
4.3 Mouse Handling (Fig. 2)
Fig. 2.
(a) Place animal upon secure surface and gently grasp the tail, (b) when the mouse extends away from your grasp, use the other hand to clutch the scruff behind the neck and between the shoulders, (c) unilateral vibrissae stimulation to table-top, (d) independent forelimb placing.
1.
The animal may be initially anxious, due to transport of the cage or handling of cage mates, so begin by allowing a few moments for the animal to calm down, before restraint for the placement exercise.
2.
Place the animal onto a cage top or food hopper/grate so it has something to grab onto and less likely to jerk, move or bite.
3.
With one hand: grasp the mouse by the tail until it grips and extends to get away from your grip, this will allow better extension and positioning of the animal. (The grasp should be close to the base of the tail, so to gain more control against jerking movements.)
4.
With the other hand: clutch the skin/scruff of the neck between the shoulders, so the head is controlled and the head movement at the shoulders is limited. (Do not grasp the skin/scruff too deeply, as to restrict breathing or forelimb use.)
4.4 Technical Points (for Rats and Mice)
1.
During each placing trial the motion should be from below the table and towards the table surface in an up-and-down motion. Motions directed toward-and-back from the table top are not the correct technique.
2.
Only count the trials in which the animal completes one full flexion–extension movement. Initial: forelimb along body side (flexion); final: forelimb resting upon the table-top (extension).
3.
Hold the animal 45° to the side from the table-top so that isolated unilateral vibrissae stimulation may occur without an opposite (crossed) response.
4.
Ensure that the majority of unilateral whiskers are touched along the table-top. Otherwise the sensory input to the unilateral striatum will be insufficient, and the motor response can be incomplete.
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