PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
Quantifying and analyzing licking behavior can offer valuable insights into fundamental neurobiological mechanisms controlling animal consummatory behaviors. Lickometers are typically based on electrical properties, a strategy that comes with limitations, including susceptibility to electrical interference and generation of electrical disturbances in electrophysiological measurements. While optical lickometers offer an alternative method to measure licks and quantify fluid intake in animals, they are prone to false readings and susceptibility to outside light sources. To overcome this problem, we propose a low-cost open-source lickometer that combines a restricted infrared beam defined by optical fibers, with a poke design that allows easy access to the tongue while limiting access of other body parts and external light sources. This device also includes features for detecting nose pokes and presenting visual cues during behavioral tasks. We provide validation experiments that demonstrate the optical lickometer\'s reliability, high-sensitivity and precision, and its application in a behavioral task, showcasing the potential of this tool to study lick microstructure in combination with other techniques, such as imaging of neural activity, in freely moving mice.
摘要：
量化和分析舔行为可以为控制动物消费行为的基本神经生物学机制提供有价值的见解。摇摆仪通常基于电气特性，一个有局限性的策略，包括电生理测量中对电干扰的敏感性和电干扰的产生。虽然光学舔力计提供了一种替代方法来测量舔和量化动物的液体摄入量，它们容易出现错误读数和对外部光源的敏感性。为了克服这个问题，我们提出了一种低成本的开源舔力计，它结合了由光纤定义的受限红外光束，与戳设计，允许轻松访问舌头，同时限制其他身体部位和外部光源的访问。该设备还包括用于在行为任务期间检测鼻子戳和呈现视觉提示的功能。我们提供了验证实验，证明了光学舔力计的可靠性，高灵敏度和高精度，以及它在行为任务中的应用，展示了该工具与其他技术相结合研究舔微观结构的潜力，比如神经活动的成像，自由移动的老鼠。
