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Updated: Aug 1, 2026
Measuring Motor Coordination in Mice
Published on: May 29, 2013
Impaired motor coordination on static rods in BSE-infected mice
S Kempster1, M E Collins, R Deacon
1Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK. skempster@rvc.ac.uk
Abstract:
Scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) are both progressive neurodegenerative diseases that are transmissible to mice. The onset of clinical symptoms is more subtle and variable in murine BSE than in murine scrapie. Assessment of behavioural changes that occur throughout disease would aid early diagnosis of disease so that more consistent end points could be made and potential therapies could be investigated. C57BL/6J mice inoculated via the intraperitoneal route with 301C BSE or control inoculum were monitored on a fortnightly basis. The end point was when a mouse showed clinical signs as opposed to behavioural signs of BSE for two consecutive observations. Significant loss of motor function, as assessed by mice balancing on a static rod, was observed consistently from approximately 40 days prior to death. No significant differences in home cage activity (locomotion, rearing) or cognitive function (T-maze alternation) were observed. However, there was an increase in digging by BSE-infected mice from an early stage. This data will aid the standardisation of behavioural tests to characterise and assess the onset of BSE.
Insights
Early detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in mice is possible through behavioral analysis. Motor function decline and increased digging indicate disease onset, aiding diagnosis and therapeutic research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) are transmissible neurodegenerative diseases.
- Clinical symptoms in mice are subtle and variable, complicating diagnosis and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify reliable behavioral markers for early diagnosis of murine BSE.
- To establish consistent endpoints for disease progression studies and therapeutic investigations.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with 301C BSE or control inoculum.
- Behavioral assessments, including motor function (rod balancing), home cage activity, cognitive function (T-maze), and digging, were conducted fortnightly.
- Disease endpoint was defined by sustained clinical signs over two observations.
Main Results:
- Significant motor function loss was observed approximately 40 days before death.
- Increased digging behavior was noted from an early disease stage in BSE-infected mice.
- No significant changes in home cage activity or cognitive function were detected.
Conclusions:
- Motor function decline and increased digging are reliable indicators of early BSE onset in mice.
- Standardized behavioral tests can aid in characterizing BSE progression and evaluating potential therapies.
