Tru scan system

The rotarod test was used to measure balance and motor coordination in mice. Before EA stimulation and MPTP injections, rotarod testing recorded the length of time a mouse stayed on a rotating rod (Ugo Basile S.R.L., Monvalle, Italy) with auto acceleration from 0 rotation per minute (rpm) to 40 rpm in 5 min (every 10 s plus 5 rpm), to obtain latency-to-fall baseline values. On the last day (day 8), rotarod testing was performed again to study the effect of EA stimulation. Eight days after MPP⁺ administration in rats, the effects of EA on motor asymmetry were examined via apomorphine-induced rotation behavior and locomotor activity (5 mg/kg, i.p.; Sigma-Aldrich). Rotation to the lesioned side within 30 min was measured according to the method described in our previous study [24 (link)]. The net rotation asymmetry score is expressed as the number of full body turns per minute. Apomorphine-induced locomotor activity was recorded for 30 min as the total movement distance (mm) by an automated system (Tru Scan system, Coulbourn Instruments, Whitehall, PA, USA).

Horizontal and vertical locomotor activities were assessed by an automated system (Tru Scan system, Coulbourn Instruments, USA) as previously described [11 (link)]. Mice were placed in a closed individual cage (25.4 × 25.4 inch) which contains a grid of infrared beams mounted horizontally every 2.5 cm. Spontaneous locomotor activity was recorded as the total movement distance (cm). All experiments were performed from 9:00 to 12:00 am and lasted for 30 min. The environment was kept dark and quiet during entire procedures.