Résumé :
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Behavioural and locomotor measurements are important parameters that help to define the phenotypes of mice with neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophies. These assessments are done in an open field Plexiglas chamber equipped with multiple photocell receptors and emitters. Animal activity is measured via a grid of invisible infrared light beams. A number of equally spaced beams traverse the animal cage from front to back, and an equal number of beams traverse the same cage from left to right. The body of the mouse, when placed within the monitor, will cause some of these beams to be broken, thus revealing its position in the (X-Y) plane. Vertical sensors connected to the mainframe monitor rearing or jumping activity. The analyzer collects the beam status information from the activity monitor and subjects it to rapid analysis. Each time it receives the beam status, it is able to determine the position as well as distinguish horizontal and vertical activities. The computer software then calculates multiple variables such as total distance, horizontal activity, vertical activity, and movement time over a preset time period.
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