Related Experiment Videos
Video image analysis of behavior by microcomputer: categorization of turning and locomotion after 6-OHDA injection
A E Bonatz1, H Steiner, J P Huston
1Institute of Physiological Psychology, University of Düsseldorf, F.R.G.
Abstract:
The automated video image analyzing system (VIAS) measures locomotion in meters and turning behavior of rats by digitized video image and microcomputer evaluation. To measure turning behavior the number of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and complete turns are recorded. The turns are classified in different diameter classes. To test the validity of this system rats were administered unilateral 6-OHDA lesions of the substantia nigra and were observed by human rater and VIAS in parallel. Correlation coefficients for the data obtained by both methods were r = 0.98 for locomotion, r = 0.93 for half turns with diameter greater than or equal to 30 cm. Recovery from lesion-induced turning of animals with striatal dopamine depletion of 81.4% to 87.2% was described in detail by VIAS with respect to the diameter of the turns. It is concluded that VIAS provides a potent tool for the analysis of turning behavior and locomotion.