A Sensor Based Automated Forced Swimming Test (FST) with User / Expert comparative scoring analysis option: a new instrument for your research work on anxiety and the effect of anxiolytic drugs using mouse models
Presentation
The Forced Swimming Test (FST) is a frequently used behavioral anxiety test, originally developed by Roger Porsolt (Porsoltet al., 1977) as a convenient way to measure the effects of antidepressant drugs in mice. The Forced Swimming Test (FST) was modified and improved to measure not only immobility but mainly the active behaviour (swimming, climbing / struggling (I Lucki et al. 1995, Cryan et al., 2002).
Two types of behaviour can be observed during the Porsolt Test:
Non-depressed rodents (mice), even when unable to escape from the water-filled cylinders, will try to swim out of the containers.
Depressed rodents (mice) will stop trying and float in the cylinders, showing behavioural despair.
The floating or immobility time during the test is an accurate indication of the effects of anti-depressants.
As the scoring of this Forced Swimming Test is time consuming for experts, some automated instruments have been shown, mostly based on image analysis. Although some have been proved efficient in reducing the analysis time, their scoring time accuracy in the swimming / climbing states.
Benefits
The measuring concept developped by BIOSEB for the new Automated Forced Swmimming Test has been proven as :
Highly accurate ( better than 4%) and repeatable (100%)
Having easy to verify results (GLP recording) , at any time by any user or expert, with the idea to allow for inter-users and inter-labs scoring.
Fast and easy to setup, easy to run as a routine test
Cost effective and time efficient (vs current video based instruments)
Operation principle
The Bioseb Automated Forced Swimming Test (AFST) includes 4 instrumented (vibration sensors) beakers (Ø 19 cm ( 7,6 ‘’), 25 cm height ( 10,0’’)) presented on a stand and connected to a PC software via an usb link. Data capture includes the raw datas from the sensors synchronised with the video images from an usb camera (optionnally the user may use 2 cameras for each set of 2 beakers in order to get a better view of the animal tested). Calibration is done at any time (prior, during or after the runs, on site or remotly) by the user or preferably by the lab expert and recorded. The scoring tool allows also for training and inter – users scoring comparisons. For each mouse and each run, the analysis will report the 3 activity levels (immobility, swimming , climbing) in a few minutes, using a highly sophisticated software. The results are exported directly to .xls files.
The raw datas (sensors and video), saved and encrypted in a GLP format, can be replayed, re-scored, re-analysed, at any time, and the results checked again and again, providing valuable information for your research on anxiety and the effect of anxiolytic drugs
System advantages for the new Automated Forced Swimming Test :
Fully automated and secured instrument, as the user is able to visually score, and check, the results from the video recorded, this is not « a black box ».
Using Bioseb's Automated Forced Swimming Test, you'll be able to record the video of your trials, calculate the immobility, swimming and climbing periods for each animal (mouse) and export your results to any software of your choice for further analysis. The scoring tool can be used for lab training and inter – operator scoring vs expert scoring.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS WEB SITE AND IN LINKED PAGES AND DOCUMENTS IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND DOES NOT CREATE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ABOUT EB-INSTRUMENTS OR ITS PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.
Information published on this Web Site as well as services, product specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. EB-INSTRUMENTS may also make improvements and/or changes in the products and/or the programs described in this Web Site at any time without notice.
EB-INSTRUMENTS has made reasonable efforts to verify that the information in this Web site was accurate when first published. Such information may contain errors or omissions, however, and it is subject to change without notice. EB-INSTRUMENTS does not undertake to update this information to include any such changes or to correct errors or omissions. EB-INSTRUMENTS assumes no responsibility for any use of the information in this Web site or for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties that may result. Certain information may be country-specific and may not apply in all countries.
Overall Dimensions (Lx W x H cm), weight kg
70 x 55 x 75, 6kg
Power supply
from PC USB port
Instrumented supplied Beakers (Nalgene type + sensor)
4 x (17.5 cm diameter, 25 cm heigh)
Sensor calibration / accuracy
1 time calibration / expert or user / 4%
Wearing Part
Instrumented beakers
Delivered with
4 instrumented beakers, standing unit , 1 webcam, software BIO-FST, usb interface, mini usb cables.
Software BIO-FST
allows to define 3 activity levels: Immobility, Swimming and Climbing. Raw datas with sampling rate 300Hz, encrypted (glp) averaged and recorded synchronously with video images. Replay and control: at any time, remotly. Scoring tool included, may be used for training purpose and comparison with expert . Results: .xls type, presented per mouse & time period
PC Not supplied
Requires 2GO RAM, Fast processor, Windows XP/Vista , 3x USB port
Technical specifications
(Click here to see our "Information Liability Disclaimer")
Model: Model:
