Refined movement analysis in the Staircase test reveals differential motor deficits in mouse models of stroke

• DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.23.563529
• Publication Date: 2023-10-24T03:05:14Z
• Authors: Matej Skrobot; Rafael De Sa; Josefine Walter; Arend Vogt; Raik Paulat; Janet Lips; Larissa Mosch; Susanne Mueller; Sina Dominiak; Robert Sachdev; Philipp Böhm-Sturm; Ulrich Dirnagl; Matthias Endres; Christoph Harms; Nikolaus Wenger
• Keywords: Stroke; Motor Learning; Stroke Recovery

Abstract Accurate assessment of post-stroke deficits is vital in translational research. Recent advances machine learning provide unprecedented precision quantifying rodent motor behavior post-stroke. However, the extent to which these tools can detect lesion-specific upper extremity remains unclear. Using proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and cortical photothrombosis (PT), we assessed impairments mice through Staircase test. Lesion locations were identified using 7T-MRI. Machine was applied reconstruct kinematic trajectories MouseReach , a data-processing toolbox. This yielded 30 refined outcome parameters effectively capturing deficits. reconstructions located ischemic centers striatum sensorimotor cortex (PT). Pellet retrieval altered both cases but did not correlate with stroke volume or ischemia extent. Instead, characterized by increased hand slips modified reaching success. Striatal led progressively prolonged reach durations, mirroring delayed symptom onset basal ganglia strokes. In summary, learning-based movement analysis revealed specific after striatal ischemia. These findings emphasize importance thorough behavioral profiling preclinical research increase validity assessments.