SensiTrak: Automated Assessment of Forelimb Sensation

项目摘要 目前临床前啮齿动物模型中测量体感功能的常用方法 通常依赖于对不舒服或疼痛刺激的退缩反应。这些测试可 对动物有压力，同时也产生测量反应的高度可变性，以及 纵向模型中的重复测试甚至可能导致慢性疼痛状态。更好地 了解生理学和触觉感知与本体感觉之间的联系， 研究人员需要一个现代的、现成的评估系统来管理和量化受过训练的、 意志行为在该二期STTR项目下，Vulintus，Inc.将继续开发和 验证“SensiTrak”，这是一个自动化的，高通量的行为系统， 测量啮齿动物模型的体感功能。SensiTrak满足了以下需求： 通过支持复杂的机电反馈， 与动物的互动，可互换的任务模块，行为外设， 开源控制软件。Vulintus的第二阶段活动包括完成和认证 用于评估触觉、振动和本体感受的通用控制器和模块 歧视门槛与此同时，Sensitrak系统将在两个月后进行beta测试。 哥伦比亚大学的不同实验室和Winifred Masterson Burke Medical 研究院Beta测试将有助于建立SensiTrak的可靠性和实用性 评估，并将指导其他实验室遵循的协议的制定， 在他们的研究中采用Sensitrak。在第二阶段结束时， SensiTrak产品线将为研究人员提供前所未有的能力， 在早期临床前动物模型中测量触觉和本体感受功能， 提高从临床前研究中成功转化有前景的疗法的比率 临床实践。

Project Abstract Current common methods for measuring somatosensory function in preclinical rodent models generally rely on withdrawal responses to uncomfortable or painful stimuli. These tests can be stressful to the animal, while also yielding a high variability in measured responses, and repetitive testing in longitudinal models may even result in chronic pain states. To better understand the connection between physiology and perception of touch and proprioception, researchers need a modern, off-the-shelf assessment system to administer and quantify trained, volitional behaviors. Under this Phase II STTR project, Vulintus, Inc. will continue to develop and validate ‘SensiTrak,’ an automated, high-throughput behavioral system designed to finely measure somatosensory function in rodent models. SensiTrak meets the needs of somatosensory-focused researchers by supporting complex, electromechanical feedback interactions with animals, with interchangeable task modules, behavioral peripherals, and open-source control software. Vulintus’ Phase II activities included finalization and certification of a common controller and modules for assessing tactile, vibration, and proprioception discrimination thresholds. Concurrently, SensiTrak systems will undergo beta testing at two different laboratories at Columbia University and the Winifred Masterson Burke Medical Research Institute. Beta testing will help establish the reliability and utility of SensiTrak assessments and will guide the development of protocols for other laboratories to follow when adopting SensiTrak in their research. At the conclusion of this Phase II, a fully developed SensiTrak product line will provide researchers with unprecedented capabilities to reliably measure tactile and proprioceptive function in early preclinical animal models, and will help to improve the rate of successful translation of promising therapies from preclinical investigations to clinical practice.