A Novel Modular Headmount Design for non-invasive Scalp EEG Recordings in Awake Animal Models

We have designed and developed a novel, noninvasive modular headmount to be used for awake animal scalp electroencephalography (EEG). The design is based on a developing rat that will accommodate rapid head growth. Desired characteristics include non-invasiveness, adjustable quantity and positioning, light weight, and tolerability by the animal. Axial Dependent Modular Electrode Mount (ADMEM), as designed here, addresses the aforementioned constraints by using light-weight and adjustable materials. The initial prototype of ADMEM has been tested in vivo with rat pups, using the open field test to assess for stress and anxiety at two post-installation time-points: one day after ADMEM installation (acute time-point) and four days after ADMEM installation (sub-acute time-point). There was no significant difference in normal developmental weight gain between Control and ADMEM rat groups. Although no significant difference was found in the level of anxiety between groups at the acute time-point, the ADMEM group spent significantly less time in the center of the open field test, suggesting higher anxiety. The test also showed no difference in the measured traveled distances between Control and ADMEM groups on either time-points.