SensiTrak: Automated Assessment of Forelimb Sensation

项目摘要 目前临床前啮齿动物模型体感功能的常用测量方法 通常依赖于对不舒服或痛苦的刺激的撤退反应。这些测试可以是 对动物有压力，同时在测量的反应中也产生高变异性，以及 在纵向模型中的重复测试甚至可能导致慢性疼痛状态。为了更好地 理解触摸和本体感觉的生理学和知觉之间的联系， 研究人员需要一个现代化的现成评估系统来管理和量化训练有素的、 意志行为。根据这一第二阶段STTR项目，Vulintus，Inc.将继续开发和 验证“SensiTrak”，这是一个自动化、高吞吐量的行为系统，旨在精细地 在啮齿动物模型中测量体感功能。SensiTrak满足以下需求 通过支持复杂的机电反馈，专注于体感的研究人员 与动物的交互、与可互换的任务模块、行为外围设备和 开源控制软件。Vulintus的第二阶段活动包括定稿和认证 用于评估触觉、振动和本体感觉的通用控制器和模块 歧视阈值。同时，SensiTrak系统将在两个月内进行Beta测试 哥伦比亚大学和维尼弗雷德·马斯特森·伯克医学院的不同实验室 研究所。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制定规程，以便在下列情况下遵循 在他们的研究中采用SensiTrak。在第二阶段结束时，一个完全发展的 SensiTrak产品线将为研究人员提供前所未有的能力，以可靠地 在早期临床前动物模型中测量触觉和本体感觉功能，将有助于 提高临床前研究中有希望的疗法的成功转化率 到临床实践。

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.