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Haydn N. Allbutt and Jasmine M. Henderson employed the Narrow Beam Apparatus in their research involving the rat model of Parkinson’s disease induced by 6-hydroxydopamine. This test evaluates a rat’s ability to traverse a narrow, elevated beam made of wood or similar material.
In the current experiments, a long acrylic beam was utilized. This beam was supported by acrylic brackets at both ends, with a vertical drop at the “starting” end and a platform at the opposite end. Adjacent to the platform was the home cage of the rat being tested. To ensure safety, a 1-meter-wide foam pad was placed beneath the beam to cushion any falls and prevent injury.
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Mouse Features | |
Length of beam: 69.3cm | |
Width of beam: 2.6cm | |
Height of beam: 2cm | |
Distance of beam from the ground with supports: 53cm | |
Width of foam padding: 0.6m | |
Thickness of foam padding: 7.9cm |
Rat Features | |
Length of beam: 105cm | |
Width of beam: 4cm | |
Height of beam: 3 cm | |
Distance of beam from the ground with supports: 80cm | |
Width of foam padding: 1m | |
Thickness of foam padding: 12cm |
The Narrow Beam Apparatus is a behavioral task used to assess motor balance and coordination in rodents. In rodents, genetic manipulations, brain injury, and pharmacological treatments may alter motor skills (Luong et al., 2011).
The Narrow Beam Apparatus is designed to assess motor balance and coordination in rodents. The apparatus consists of an elevated beam with a starting area and an exit platform. The subject crosses the beam by utilizing its natural ability to show aversion to open and exposed places. The home cage placed beside the exit platform acts as a motivating factor for the subject to cross the beam. (Doaee et al., 2019). The Narrow Beam task is easy to perform and requires minimum time to perform the task. The Narrow Beam Apparatus can be effectively used to evaluate the role of different pharmaceutical drugs, toxins on the motor dysfunction of Parkinson’s disease rodent models (Doaee et al., 2019; Luong et al., 2011). It can also be used to assess the role of physical training and the role of circadian rhythms on the motor control of rodents. (Allbutt & Henderson, 2007; Cao & Rodgers,1998).
Other apparatuses to understand motor balance and coordination in rodents include the Linear Maze, the Gait test, and the Parallel Bars.
and 3 cm in depth. Supported at each end, the beam is elevated 80 cm above the ground. A starting line is marked 20 cm from the edge of the beam to designate the beginning of the trial. At the opposite end of the beam, there is a platform that can be linked to the subject’s home cage. To protect against injuries from falls, a 1 cm thick foam padding, extending 12 cm in width, is placed beneath the beam.
Ensure the apparatus is thoroughly cleaned before each trial to prevent any residual stimuli from affecting the results. Make sure the testing area is well-lit. For enhanced observation, consider using the Noldus EthoVision XT system.
The Narrow Beam Task
Position the subject’s home cage at the platform end of the Narrow Beam Apparatus. Place the subject at the starting area, ensuring it faces the home cage. Begin the trial by releasing the subject and starting the timer. The subject should cross the start line within one minute. Stop the timer as soon as the subject fully reaches the exit platform and conclude the trial. The entire task should be completed within a maximum of 2 minutes. Return the subject to its home cage and perform a total of five trials.
Additionally, treatment with B. serrata extract at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg led to reductions in both latency and total time (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.01, respectively). Biochemical analysis showed no significant differences in oxidative stress marker levels across the groups. The findings suggest that B. serrata resin extract functions as both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, contributing to improvements in motor deficits associated with Parkinson’s Disease.
| Species | Mouse, Rat |
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DISCLAIMER: ConductScience and affiliate products are NOT designed for human consumption, testing, or clinical utilization. They are designed for pre-clinical utilization only. Customers purchasing apparatus for the purposes of scientific research or veterinary care affirm adherence to applicable regulatory bodies for the country in which their research or care is conducted.
