An instrumented centrifuge for studying mouse locomotion and behaviour under hypergravity

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Animal Locomotion
• Gravitational Physiology

Background:

• Gravity significantly impacts legged locomotion, influencing limb pendulum dynamics and muscle force requirements for body support.
• Understanding locomotion under altered gravity is crucial for space exploration and terrestrial research.
• Previous methods often restrict animal movement, limiting comprehensive analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel system for exposing mice to controlled hypergravity conditions using a centrifuge.
• To investigate the effects of hypergravity on mouse locomotion and activity patterns.
• To detail the acclimatization process of mice to varying hypergravity levels.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a specialized centrifuge capable of imposing multiple hypergravity levels concurrently.
• Utilizing instrumented exercise wheels with force and speed sensors to measure locomotion parameters.
• Employing infrared high-speed cameras for detailed kinematic analysis and welfare monitoring.

Main Results:

• The system successfully exposed mice to controlled hypergravity, allowing for free movement.
• Example data demonstrate measurable changes in locomotion and activity under hypergravity.
• Observations on mouse acclimatization to different hypergravity levels were recorded.

Conclusions:

• The developed centrifuge system is effective for studying hypergravity's impact on mammalian locomotion.
• This research provides valuable insights into biomechanical adaptations to increased gravitational forces.
• The system facilitates further investigation into gravity's role in physiological and behavioral responses.