Voluntary Head
Restraint and Automated in vivo
Imaging System
Princeton Docket
#13-2837-1
Researchers at Department of Molecular Biology and the
Princeton Neuroscience Institute, have developed a rat operated kinematic
restraint clamp and automated in vivo imaging
system.
In neurosciences, measurement of neural activity in
animals by imaging techniques is an essential component for scientific research
and drug development. A major
obstacle for in vivo imaging in awake animals is the need to hold the head
stationary imaging apparatus during imaging. This invention overcomes the obstacle by
training rats to operate a mechanical head restraint system that both
immobilizes the head and move the head to a specified location
automatically. Since the device is
under the control of the animals, the rat does not experience the stress
normally associated with forced head restraint, allowing imaging of the brain
under normal physiological conditions.
Moreover, since this system is automated, it is easily adapted to
high-throughput systems, such as drug screens or training in behavioral tasks
that require higher cognitive functions in a large number of
animals.
This device is the first kinematic registration system
for micron precision head registration to be used in un-anesthetized animals. It
has the stress-free feature of a switch triggered pneumatic clamp for voluntary
head restraint/release that can completely replace the current employed
stress-induced forced head restraint system. An automated imaging fluid delivery
and removal system replaces manual addition and removal of the immersion
fluid.
Applications
- Novel Apparatus for Neurosciences
Research.
- Novel Apparatus for animal drug screening
processes.
Advantages
- Automated
Device.
- Minimized
stress to animals.
- Can be easily
integrated into pre-existing operant conditioning chambers.
- Can be
integrated into MRI machines.
The Faculty
Inventor
David
Tank is the Henry L. Hillman Professor in Molecular Biology, Professor of
Molecular Biology and the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, and Co-Director of
Princeton Neuroscience Institute. The area of Tank Laboratory is Computational
and Systems Neuroscience. One
of the major focuses of Tank Laboratory to develop methodologies and
instrumentation that can provide measurements of chemical and electrical
dynamics of neurons in vivo.
Intellectual Property & Development
status
Patent protection is pending.
Princeton is currently seeking commercial partners for
the further development and commercialization of this opportunity.
Contact:
Laurie
Tzodikov
Princeton University Office of Technology Licensing
(609)
258-7256 tzodikov@princeton.edu
Wenting
Luo
Princeton
University Office of Technology Licensing
(609)
258-5579 wluo@princeton.edu