Knowledge Base

AHCODA Testing Protocols and Data Analysis

Your raw tracking data is automatically processed, quality-checked and analysed by our cloud-based analysis software AHCODA™. Within 24 hours, all relevant parameters are visualized on your private website, with publish-ready art and statistics. In addition to activity and motor function during spontaneous behaviour, you can assess cognition and anxiety in PhenoTyper® automated home-cages using our optimized testing protocols.

Our validated testing protocols and cloud-based data analysis let you take full advantage of PhenoTyper home-cages in your facility.

Key Testing Areas

In-Depth Analysis of Spontaneous Behaviour

Spontaneous behaviour is dissected into a diverse set of parameters representing motor function, circadian rhythm, feeding and drinking patterns, novelty response and activity. This analysis is highly sensitive to detect manipulations, such as the administration of compounds, induction of gene mutations, and ageing. A thorough analysis of spontaneous behaviour is therefore a highly valuable component of preclinical efficacy and safety studies and for phenotyping of novel models.

Cognitive Function

For assessment of cognitive function in an automated home-cage environment, a range of tests has been developed. Each test makes use of a unique learning stimulus, such as a food reward (appetitive operant conditioning) or an aversive light stimulus (avoidance learning). In addition, the CognitionWall™ was developed for advanced cognitive testing, including discrimination learning and reversal learning. These automated tests detect changes in cognitive function in mouse models of cognitive decline, common inbred strains, and after pharmacological challenges.

Evaluation of Anxiety-Like Behaviour

The PhenoTyper is equipped with a bright LED in the top unit. The one-night anxiety test measures an animal's response to this anxiogenic stimulus. When switched on during the dark phase, it induces anxiety-like behaviour observed as avoidance behaviour. The typical anxiolytic diazepam reduces this anxiety response.

References

1. Loos et al., PLoS One. 2014; 9:e108563
2. Maroteaux et al., Genes Brain Behav. 2012; 11:772
3. Remmelink et al., Behav Brain Res. 2015; doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.01.020
4. Aarts et al., Behav Brain Res. 2015; doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.06.011

Source: Sylics AHCODA, Noldus Information Technology