As described previously, anxiety-like behavior was measured before surgery and on days 14, 28, and 42 after surgery (Fig. 1D ).9 (link),11 (link) We first assessed anxiety-like behavior to avoid stressing the mice.
The open field test (OFT) is one of the most commonly used procedures to assess anxiety-like behavior and motor function in animal psychology and SCI research.13 (link) Mice were individually placed in the open field arena (24 × 24 cm). Their exploratory behavior was recorded using a video tracking system (Capture Star; CleverSys, Inc., Reston, VA) for 10 min.14 (link)When animals are first exposed to the OFT, it is possible to assess the emotional changes induced by exposure to the new environment.14 (link) Mice tend to stay on the edge of the open field device in which they are placed. Emotionally impaired mice have less central arena entry than normal mice. Total distance traveled by the mouse and the percentage of walking distance in the middle 25% of the open field were calculated using analysis software (TopScan; CleverSys). Distance walked in the center 25% area divided by total distance walked was calculated as percentage of time spent in the center 25% (IC-25).10 (link) A decrease in IC-25 value indicates an increase in anxiety. In addition, total walking distance was measured to evaluate locomotor functions.
IC-25 was normalized to pre-surgery and is expressed as a percentage of IC-25 post-surgery compared with pre-surgery because individual differences were observed pre-surgery. Therefore, the percentage of IC-25 post-surgery compared with the percentage pre-surgery was calculated as follows:
The open field test (OFT) is one of the most commonly used procedures to assess anxiety-like behavior and motor function in animal psychology and SCI research.13 (link) Mice were individually placed in the open field arena (24 × 24 cm). Their exploratory behavior was recorded using a video tracking system (Capture Star; CleverSys, Inc., Reston, VA) for 10 min.14 (link)When animals are first exposed to the OFT, it is possible to assess the emotional changes induced by exposure to the new environment.14 (link) Mice tend to stay on the edge of the open field device in which they are placed. Emotionally impaired mice have less central arena entry than normal mice. Total distance traveled by the mouse and the percentage of walking distance in the middle 25% of the open field were calculated using analysis software (TopScan; CleverSys). Distance walked in the center 25% area divided by total distance walked was calculated as percentage of time spent in the center 25% (IC-25).10 (link) A decrease in IC-25 value indicates an increase in anxiety. In addition, total walking distance was measured to evaluate locomotor functions.
IC-25 was normalized to pre-surgery and is expressed as a percentage of IC-25 post-surgery compared with pre-surgery because individual differences were observed pre-surgery. Therefore, the percentage of IC-25 post-surgery compared with the percentage pre-surgery was calculated as follows:
Free full text: Click here
