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Automated Nociception Analyzer/Flinch Monitor

Detailed Technology Description

Several UC San Diego scientists have prepared a device that records actual occurrence of movement of the affected paw. The device records these movements automatically and there need not be constant observation. More subjects can be observed simultaneously by the use of this device. The amount of labor required is decreased and the variability found between individual observers is eliminated.

Supplementary Information

Patent Number: US6996429B2
Application Number: US2001765063A
Inventor: Yaksh, Tony | Ozaki, George
Priority Date: 17 Jan 2001
Priority Number: US6996429B2
Application Date: 17 Jan 2001
Publication Date: 7 Feb 2006
IPC Current: A61B000505 | A61B000511 | G01D000520
US Class: 600407 | 324692
Assignee Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
Title: Apparatus and method for detecting flinch response to nociceptive agents
Usefulness: Apparatus and method for detecting flinch response to nociceptive agents
Summary: For measuring spatial displacement of an animal's paw injected with irritant and for measuring a flinch response to pain by an animal whose paw has been subjected to an irritant.
Novelty: Automated flinch-detection apparatus for measuring spatial displacement of animal's paw injected with irritant, comprising electromagnetic detecting assembly, metal object, and cylindrical observation chamber

Industry

Measurement/Testing

Sub Category

Measurement Tool

Application No.

6996429

Others

Related cases

2012-404

Tech ID/UC Case

19717/1998-024-0

Related Cases

1998-024-0

*Abstract

There are several methods currently employed to quantify the behavioral reaction induced by an insult to an animal, generally to a paw. These include (1) observing the numbers of flinches of the affected paw; (2) measuring the time spent in different behavioral states (elevating, licking, biting, or shaking the affected limb); and (3) the use of weighted scores in which numerical weights are assigned to the different categories. The more complicated measures have not proven superior to the simple expedient of counting flinches. All of these procedures require continuous observation, severely limiting the number of animals that can be observed simultaneously. Since these observations are quantified subjectively, there is variability among individual observers. While several attempts have been made to automate the procedure, most of those attempts measure gross locomotor activity and not the isolated movement of the affected limb.

*IP Issue Date

Feb 7, 2006

*Principal Investigator

Name: Shelle Malkmus

Department:

Name: George T. Ozaki

Department:

Name: Michael Rathbun

Department:

Name: Tony Yaksh

Department:

Country/Region

USA