Recently, Drai et al. (J Neurosci Methods 96 (2000) 119) have introduced an algorithm that segments rodent locomotor behavior into natural units of 'staying in place' (lingering) behavior versus going between places (progression segments). This categorization, based on the maximum speed attained within the segment, was shown to be intrinsic to the data, using the statistical method of Gaussian Mixture Model. These results were obtained in normal rats and mice using very large (650 or 320 cm) circular arenas and a video tracking system. In the present study, we reproduce these results with amphetamine, phencyclidine and saline injected rats, using data measured by a standard photobeam tracking system in square 45 cm cages. An intrinsic distinction between two or three 'gears' could be shown in all animals. The spatial distribution of these gears indicates that, as in the large arena behavior, they correspond to the difference between 'staying in place' behavior and 'going between places'. The robustness of this segmentation over arena size, different measurement system and dose of two psychostimulant drugs indicates that this is an intrinsic, natural segmentation of rodent locomotor behavior. Analysis of photobeam data that is based on this segmentation has thus a potential use in psychopharmacology research.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0165-0270(01)00392-2DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

locomotor behavior
12
natural segmentation
8
rodent locomotor
8
'staying place'
8
tracking system
8
behavior
6
segmentation locomotor
4
behavior drug-induced
4
drug-induced rats
4
rats photobeam
4

Similar Publications

miR-7977 regulates the locomotor behavior by targeting diuretic hormone and SIFamide receptors in Tribolium castaneum.

Int J Biol Macromol

March 2025

Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Institute of Plant Health and Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China. Electronic address:

Insect neuropeptides are crucial for chemical communication, influencing growth, metabolism, and behavior. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as non-coding RNAs, primarily regulate target gene expression. However, the co-regulation between miRNAs and neuropeptides in modulating locomotor behavior remains poorly understood.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

There is great interest in using genetically tractable organisms such as to gain insights into the regulation and function of sleep. However, sleep phenotyping in has largely relied on simple measures of locomotor inactivity. Here, we present FlyVISTA, a machine learning platform to perform deep phenotyping of sleep in flies.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a widespread condition that affects adults and the community considerably. The causes are yet unknown, except from advanced age and genetic predisposition. Natural products provided advantageous advantages for managing AD due to their efficacy, safety, and accessibility.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A significant portion of adolescents suffer from mental illnesses and persistent pain due to repeated stress. The components of the nervous system that link stress and pain in early life remain unclear. Prior studies in adult mice implicated the innate immune system, specifically Toll-like receptors (TLRs), as critical for inducing long-term anxiety and pain-like behaviors in social defeat stress (SDS) models.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Aim: Mitochondria play key roles in neuronal activity, particularly in modulating agouti-related protein (AgRP) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC), which regulates food intake. FAM163A, a newly identified protein, is suggested to be part of the mitochondrial proteome, though its functions remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Fam163a knockdown and mitochondrial dysfunction on food intake, AgRP neuron activity, and mitochondrial function in the hypothalamus.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!