Journal of neuroscience methods
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J. Neurosci. Methods · Mar 2016
Modelling affective pain in mice: Effects of inflammatory hypersensitivity on place escape/avoidance behaviour, anxiety and hedonic state.
The place escape/avoidance paradigm (PEAP) has been used to assess the affective component of pain in rats. Using the Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammatory pain, the current study aimed at developing a mouse version of PEAP and investigating the relation between PEAP and other behavioural responses, namely anxiety-like behaviour, locomotor activity, and hedonic state. ⋯ The PEAP results suggest that this paradigm might be successfully applied in mice to study affective pain. CFA treatment was associated with increased anxiety-like behaviour and anhedonia; however, this appeared unrelated to the PEAP responses.
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J. Neurosci. Methods · Feb 2016
ReviewOpportunities for improving animal welfare in rodent models of epilepsy and seizures.
Animal models of epilepsy and seizures, mostly involving mice and rats, are used to understand the pathophysiology of the different forms of epilepsy and their comorbidities, to identify biomarkers, and to discover new antiepileptic drugs and treatments for comorbidities. Such models represent an important area for application of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement of animal use). ⋯ In addition, some model-specific welfare considerations are discussed, and data gaps and areas for further research are identified. The guidance is based upon a systematic review of the scientific literature, survey of the international epilepsy research community, consultation with veterinarians and animal care and welfare officers, and the expert opinion and practical experience of the members of a Working Group convened by the United Kingdom's National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs).
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J. Neurosci. Methods · Jan 2016
In vivo real time non invasive monitoring of brain penetration of chemicals with near-infrared spectroscopy: Concomitant PK/PD analysis.
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive technique that monitors changes in oxygenation of haemoglobin. The absorption spectra of near-infrared light differ for the oxygenation-deoxygenation states of haemoglobin (oxygenate (HbO2) and deoxygenate (Hb), respectively) so that these two states can be directly monitored. ⋯ This work is proposing a further innovation on NIRS preclinical applications i.e. a "chemical" NIRS [chNIRS] approach for determining penetration of drugs in animal brain. Therefore, chNIRS could became a non invasive methodology for studies on neurobiological processes and psychiatric diseases in preclinical but also a translational strategy from preclinical to clinical investigations.
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J. Neurosci. Methods · Jan 2016
Spatially regularized machine learning for task and resting-state fMRI.
Reliable mapping of brain function across sessions and/or subjects in task- and resting-state has been a critical challenge for quantitative fMRI studies although it has been intensively addressed in the past decades. ⋯ The proposed method can provide accurate and reliable mapping of brain function in task- and resting-state, and is applicable to a variety of quantitative fMRI studies.
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J. Neurosci. Methods · Jan 2016
Comparative StudyThe direction of the acceleration and rotational forces associated with mild traumatic brain injury in rodents effect behavioural and molecular outcomes.
The translation of research to clinical application is only as good as the modelling platforms employed. This study sought to improve understanding of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), by examining the importance of acceleration and rotational force directions on behavioural and molecular outcomes. It is believed that many symptoms associated with concussive forms of mTBI are related to white matter and fibre tract damage. Given that rodents have significantly less white matter, could changes in acceleration/rotational force directionality alter outcomes? ⋯ Just as with humans, the direction of the acceleration and rotational forces produced injuries in different networks and connections, resulting in altered functional deficits for rodents as well. These findings suggest that rodents are a valuable resource for the study of mTBI, when appropriately modelled.