Journal article
Identifying tinnitus in mice by tracking the motion of body markers in response to an acoustic startle
Frontiers in neuroscience, Vol.18, 1452450
08/07/2024
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1452450
PMCID: PMC11335616
PMID: 39170684
Abstract
Rodent models of tinnitus are commonly used to study its mechanisms and potential treatments. Tinnitus can be identified by changes in the gap-induced prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle (GPIAS), most commonly by using pressure detectors to measure the whole-body startle (WBS). Unfortunately, the WBS habituates quickly, the measuring system can introduce mechanical oscillations and the response shows considerable variability. We have instead used a motion tracking system to measure the localized motion of small reflective markers in response to an acoustic startle reflex in guinea pigs and mice. For guinea pigs, the pinna had the largest responses both in terms of displacement between pairs of markers and in terms of the speed of the reflex movement. Smaller, but still reliable responses were observed with markers on the thorax, abdomen and back. The peak speed of the pinna reflex was the most sensitive measure for calculating GPIAS in the guinea pig. Recording the pinna reflex in mice proved impractical due to removal of the markers during grooming. However, recordings from their back and tail allowed us to measure the peak speed and the twitch amplitude (area under curve) of reflex responses and both analysis methods showed robust GPIAS. When mice were administered high doses of sodium salicylate, which induces tinnitus in humans, there was a significant reduction in GPIAS, consistent with the presence of tinnitus. Thus, measurement of the peak speed or twitch amplitude of pinna, back and tail markers provides a reliable assessment of tinnitus in rodents.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Identifying tinnitus in mice by tracking the motion of body markers in response to an acoustic startle
- Creators
- Mark N. Wallace - University of NottinghamJoel I. Berger - University of IowaAdam Hockley - Universidad de SalamancaChristian J. Sumner - Nottingham Trent UniversityMichael A. Akeroyd - University of NottinghamAlan R. Palmer - University of NottinghamPeter A. McNaughton - King's College London
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in neuroscience, Vol.18, 1452450
- Publisher
- FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
- DOI
- 10.3389/fnins.2024.1452450
- PMID
- 39170684
- PMCID
- PMC11335616
- ISSN
- 1662-453X
- eISSN
- 1662-453X
- Grant note
The authors thank Mark Trussell and Lauren Grantham for practical help with placing markers on the mice and implementing the 3Rs and the late David Baguley for his support and help in facilitating this work.DAS:The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/07/2024
- Academic Unit
- Neurosurgery
- Record Identifier
- 9984696702902771
Metrics
16 Record Views