A Low-Cost Computerized System to Monitor Running Performance and Circadian Rhythms of Twenty Mice Simultaneously

Dik Van Leenen; Agnes G. A. Bijvoet; Pim Visser; Gerard F. M. Heuvelsland; Anton Verkerk; Gijsbertus T. J. Van Der Horst; Arnold J. J. Reuser

A Low-Cost Computerized System to Monitor Running Performance and Circadian Rhythms of Twenty Mice Simultaneously

Contemp Top Lab Anim Sci. 1999 Nov;38(6):29-32.

Authors

Dik Van Leenen¹, Agnes G. A. Bijvoet, Pim Visser, Gerard F. M. Heuvelsland, Anton Verkerk, Gijsbertus T. J. Van Der Horst, Arnold J. J. Reuser

Affiliation

¹ Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Paediatrics, Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

PMID: 12086444

Abstract

This paper describes the design and functioning of a low-cost computerized system for monitoring the voluntary activity of mice in running wheels. The required software is written in Turbo Pascal(r) and provided via the Internet (http://www.eur.nl/fgg/ch1/rodent.html). The system accommodates the simultaneous monitoring of 20 animals over a virtually unlimited period. Two applications of the system are presented; one monitors the circadian rhythm of mice, and the other tests muscle strength and endurance.