Rotarod-Test for Mice

To assess motor coordination and balance in mice

A suitable Rotarod system for mice, including a rotating rod with separate lanes and fall sensors (e.g., SD Instruments or Med Associates).* Dim red lighting for the test environment - not more the 50lux

Acclimate mice to the test environment and handler before testing.* Bring mice in their home cage to the behavioral room at least 1 hour before testing to minimize stress.

The goal is for mice to be able to walk forward on the rotating rod.* Place mice in separate lanes on the rod rotating at 5 RPM, allowing them to walk forward to maintain balance.

• After 60 seconds on the rod, return mice to their home cage.
• Clean the Rotarod with diluted ethanol between training rounds.
• Perform a total of three repetitions with a 5-minute interval.
• If a mouse falls off before completing 60 seconds, the round can be repeated, but total rounds should not exceed four.

Place mice in separate lanes on a rod starting at 4 RPM.* Set the Rotarod to accelerate from 4 to 40 RPM over 300 seconds.

• The trial begins with the start of acceleration and ends when a mouse falls off the rod.
• If a mouse clings to the rod and completes a full passive rotation, the timer for that mouse is stopped.
• Return any fallen mice to their home cage, ensuring minimal disturbance to others still in the trial.
• A repeat trial is conducted if the mouse passively rotates or falls off within 5 seconds of the trial start.
• Clean the apparatus with Virkon between trials.
• Repeat the procedure for a total of three trials with a 10-minute interval between trials.

Record and analyze the following parameters* Latency to fall.

• Speed at the time of fall.