Conscious Mouse Stereotaxic Precision Locator
Stereotaxic positioning system for awake mice enabling optogenetics, electrophysiology, and microscopy in freely moving animals with precise skull fixation and brain area localization.
| product_series | SCM100D |
| animal_state | Awake/Conscious |
| positioning_type | Skull fixation with brain area localization |
| compatible_techniques | Optogenetics, Electrophysiology, Microscopy |
| behavioral_compatibility | Freely moving animals in behavioral experimental scenarios |
| Automation Level | semi-automated |
The Conscious Mouse Stereotaxic Precision Locator (SCM100D Series) enables neurophysiological investigations in awake, freely moving mice through precise skull fixation and brain area localization. This positioning system addresses the critical limitation of anesthetized animal studies by maintaining natural behavioral states while providing stereotaxic accuracy for optogenetics, electrophysiology, and microscopy applications. The system supports multiple behavioral experimental scenarios through interchangeable positioning platforms including turntable, rolling ball, roller, and rotary drum configurations.
The apparatus facilitates real-time neural activity recording and manipulation in conscious animals, enabling researchers to study authentic brain function without anesthesia-induced confounds. This capability is essential for investigating complex behaviors, neural circuitry dynamics, and disease mechanisms in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy where natural neural activity patterns are crucial for understanding pathophysiology.
How It Works
The system operates through precise skull fixation that maintains stereotaxic coordinates while permitting natural movement within defined behavioral paradigms. The positioning apparatus secures the animal's head using a custom mounting system that interfaces with chronically implanted head plates or stereotaxic anchors. This approach preserves neural circuit integrity while providing stable access for recording electrodes, optical fibers, or imaging systems.
Multiple platform configurations accommodate different experimental requirements: turntable systems enable rotational movement studies, rolling balls provide omnidirectional locomotion, rollers support linear movement paradigms, and rotary drums create controlled exercise environments. Each platform maintains consistent head positioning relative to recording equipment while the animal engages in species-appropriate behaviors.
The digital display system provides real-time feedback on positioning coordinates and movement parameters, ensuring experimental reproducibility. The single-arm design minimizes mechanical constraints while maintaining the precision required for targeted brain region access, enabling researchers to correlate specific neural activity with behavioral outputs in conscious animals.
Features & Benefits
Positioner
- Turntable
- Rolling Ball
- Roller
- Rotary Drum
- 3-Piece set
product_series
- SCM100D
animal_state
- Awake/Conscious
positioning_type
- Skull fixation with brain area localization
compatible_techniques
- Optogenetics, Electrophysiology, Microscopy
behavioral_compatibility
- Freely moving animals in behavioral experimental scenarios
Behavioral Construct
- Locomotion
- Spatial navigation
- Motor learning
- Balance and coordination
- Voluntary movement
- Exercise behavior
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Species
- Mouse
Research Domain
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Motor Function
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
Weight
- 17.64 kg
Dimensions
- L: 30.0 mm
- W: 25.0 mm
- H: 25.0 mm
Comparison Guide
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal State During Recording | Conscious/awake animals with natural behavioral expression | Most systems require anesthesia for stable recordings | Eliminates anesthesia-induced neural suppression and enables study of authentic brain activity patterns |
| Platform Configuration Options | Five models with turntable, rolling ball, roller, rotary drum, and 3-piece set options | Limited to single behavioral paradigms | Accommodates diverse experimental designs within a standardized positioning framework |
| Movement Freedom | Skull fixation with preserved body mobility for behavioral tasks | Complete immobilization or unconstrained movement | Balances recording stability requirements with natural behavior expression for physiologically relevant data |
| Recording Modality Compatibility | Supports optogenetics, electrophysiology, and microscopy simultaneously | Often limited to single recording techniques | Enables comprehensive neural circuit analysis through multimodal approaches in conscious animals |
| Digital Coordinate Display | Real-time positioning feedback with digital readout | Manual coordinate systems or basic displays | Improves experimental reproducibility and enables precise documentation of recording locations |
| Single-Arm Design | Minimized mechanical constraints with maintained stereotaxic precision | Multi-arm systems with greater mechanical bulk | Reduces interference with natural movement patterns while preserving targeting accuracy |
The SCM100D series provides unique capability for neural recordings in conscious mice through specialized skull fixation that preserves behavioral authenticity. The multiple platform configurations and digital coordinate system offer experimental flexibility and precision not available in traditional anesthetized preparations or completely unrestrained recording approaches.
Practical Tips
Perform coordinate system calibration before each experimental session to account for minor mechanical variations and ensure consistent stereotaxic accuracy.
Why: Temperature changes and mechanical settling can introduce small positioning errors that affect recording site precision.
Clean behavioral platforms with appropriate disinfectants between animals and inspect mechanical joints for wear or loose connections weekly.
Why: Contamination between subjects can affect behavioral responses and mechanical degradation compromises positioning accuracy.
Implement gradual habituation protocols over multiple sessions before beginning experimental recordings to minimize stress-related neural artifacts.
Why: Acute stress responses can mask experimental effects and reduce the physiological relevance of conscious animal preparations.
Document platform configuration, coordinate settings, and behavioral parameters for each recording session to enable experimental replication.
Why: Conscious animal studies involve more variables than anesthetized preparations, making detailed documentation critical for reproducibility.
If animals show excessive movement artifacts, verify head fixation security and consider additional habituation training before adjusting restraint force.
Why: Movement artifacts often indicate inadequate training rather than insufficient restraint, and over-constraining animals introduces stress confounds.
Monitor baseline neural activity during non-task periods to assess recording stability and animal stress levels throughout experimental sessions.
Why: Conscious preparations can show gradual changes in signal quality or stress responses that affect data interpretation.
Establish emergency protocols for rapidly releasing head fixation if animals show signs of distress or breathing difficulties during positioning.
Why: Conscious animal preparations require immediate response capabilities to ensure animal welfare and prevent experimental complications.
Verify platform-specific settings and coordinate system alignment when switching between turntable, rolling ball, roller, or rotary drum configurations.
Why: Each platform type has unique mechanical properties that affect coordinate system relationships and recording site accuracy.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Stereotaxic positioning apparatus (typical)
- Selected behavioral platform (turntable, rolling ball, roller, rotary drum, or 3-piece set)
- Digital display control unit (typical)
- Mounting hardware and fixation components (typical)
- Calibration tools and alignment guides (typical)
- User manual and setup protocols (typical)
- Coordinate reference system documentation (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for setup, calibration, and operational guidance. Extended warranty options and on-site service may be available for institutional customers.
Compliance
What head fixation methods are compatible with this positioning system?
The system accommodates chronically implanted head plates or stereotaxic anchor systems. Consult product datasheet for specific mounting hardware specifications and surgical implantation protocols for optimal compatibility.
Can multiple recording modalities be used simultaneously?
Yes, the single-arm design supports concurrent optogenetics, electrophysiology, and microscopy applications. The positioning system maintains coordinate stability required for multimodal recordings in awake animals.
How does animal stress compare to traditional anesthetized preparations?
Properly habituated animals typically show reduced stress indicators compared to repeated anesthesia exposure. The system enables natural behavioral expression while maintaining necessary experimental control.
What is the coordinate system accuracy for brain region targeting?
The digital display provides real-time positioning feedback with stereotaxic precision. Consult product datasheet for specific coordinate resolution and mechanical tolerance specifications.
Are the behavioral platforms interchangeable during experiments?
Platform changes require system recalibration to maintain coordinate accuracy. The 3-piece set model (CS-SAMP-30-2091) provides maximum flexibility for laboratories using multiple behavioral paradigms.
What maintenance is required for optimal performance?
Regular cleaning of platform surfaces, calibration verification, and mechanical component inspection are recommended. Specific maintenance intervals depend on usage frequency and experimental conditions.
How does this compare to traditional stereotaxic frames?
Unlike conventional anesthetized preparations, this system enables neural recording during natural behaviors. The trade-off is increased complexity in animal training and experimental design compared to immobilized preparations.
What animal weight range is supported?
The system is designed for standard laboratory mice. Consult product datasheet for specific weight limits and platform load specifications to ensure safe operation.
Have a question about this product?
Accessories
Enhance your setup with compatible accessories
Frequently Bought Together
Upgrade Options
