Assessment of locomotion in chlorine exposed mice by computer vision and neural networks

J Appl Physiol (1985). 2012 Mar;112(6):1064-72. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01023.2011. Epub 2011 Dec 29.

Abstract

Assessment of locomotion following exposure of animals to noxious or painful stimuli can offer significant insights into underlying mechanisms of injury and the effectiveness of various treatments. We developed a novel method to track the movement of mice in two dimensions using computer vision and neural network algorithms. By using this system we demonstrated that mice exposed to chlorine (Cl(2)) gas developed impaired locomotion and increased immobility for up to 9 h postexposure. Postexposure administration of buprenorphine, a common analgesic agent, increased locomotion and decreased immobility times in Cl(2)- but not air-exposed mice, most likely by decreasing Cl(2)-induced pain. This method can be adapted to assess the effectiveness of various therapies following exposure to a variety of chemical and behavioral noxious stimuli.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Buprenorphine / pharmacology
  • Chlorine / toxicity*
  • Computers
  • Inhalation Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Locomotion / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neural Networks, Computer*
  • Pain / chemically induced
  • Pain / physiopathology
  • Software

Substances

  • Buprenorphine
  • Chlorine