Pole Test to assess motor coordination in parkinsonian mice
natalia.lopezgonzalezdelrey, Zachary Gaertner
Abstract
The pole test evaluates the motor coordination ability of a mouse by having them grasp a pole and then descend to its home cage.
Steps
Pole Test
Total duration: 1 day
Three consecutive trials per animals are run.
Protocol
Place the animal cage in the testing room to allow the animals to acclimate. 1h 0m 0s
Mice are placed with their head oriented upward at the top of a 16in tall, 1⁄2in diameter wooden pole coated in tape to allow gripping. The animals normally orient themselves downward and then descend the length of the pole in order to return to their home cage.
Return the mouse to its cage.
Analysis
The time required for the animals to orient themselves facing in a downward direction (time to T turn) and to descend to the base of the pole (total time) is recorded.
Mean times per mouse are compared across groups.
