Touch sensitivity in unrestrained animals is traditionally tested with Von Frey filaments, which is a tedious and experimenter-dependent assay.
The Electronic Von Frey system solves the multiple measurement (i.e. multiple filaments) issue and the experimenter bias by using a hand-held force sensor with a rigid metal. The scientist gradually increases the force applied to the animal paw, until the peak detector scores the animal paw withdrawal (or the user scores it manually with the included pedal).
Force ranges are selectable in the 0-50, 0-200 and 0-1500 grams with a 0.1 grams sensitivity and software tools are included to aid a linear application of the force (rate-meter and slope).
The system is battery or mains powered and comes with software included and data export in CSV. One model for Mice or Rats in modular enclosures (up to 6 rats or 12 mice; optional with Modular Animal Enclosures and Grid Platform, available in 2 heights, 40 or 80 cm).
The Electronic Von Frey Ugo Basile system comes complete with:
Features include:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
|
Embedded force sensor |
No need for multiple filament measurements but just one application of the force |
| Force Peak detector for automated scoring of paw withdrawal | Higher throughput and improved accuracy, thanks to decrease in experimenter bias |
| Force Rate Control aids via electronic unit or PC-software | Allows to apply the force at a desidere and adjustable rate |
|
Large force range (0-1500 grams) and high time resolution (0.1 seconds) |
Flexibility for performing many types of experiments from severe allodynia to hyperalgesia |
|
Battery powered, small electronic unit with display for settings and results |
The system can be easily positioned even away from the mains and can be used with or without software |
|
Grid platform and animal enclosures (optional) |
Can be provided as a complete, “ready to go system”. Works with rats and mice in high throughput (6 rats and 12 mice at the time) and it is easy to clean |
|
Optional manual scoring of paw withdrawal |
Allows for scoring animals which present an unusual position of the paw, and do require the experimenter to visually score |
|
Operation | |
|---|---|
|
Commands |
Via soft buttons and pedal |
|
Read-out |
LCD Screen, via the DCA3 Software on the PC |
|
Start |
Automatic start at pressure adjustable threshold |
| Stop | Automatic at end of pressure, Automatic after a time limit (adjustable from 5 to 25 seconds), Manual by pedal |
|
Force Ranges |
o.50, 0-200, 0-1500gf |
|
Force Increasing Rate |
Monitored via e-VF Electronic Unit or via the DCA3 Software on the PC |
|
Force Response |
in 0.1gf steps |
|
Latency Time |
in 0.1s steps |
|
Connection to PC |
via USB cable (A to mini-B) and e-VF Software (DCA3) |
|
Power Requirement |
Either battery operated, via USB cable connected to PC, included power supply (100-240 VAC, 50-60Hz) |
|
Operating Temperature |
10°C to 40°C; 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing) |
|
Sound Level |
Negligible |
The Electronic Von Frey has been used in a variety of neuropathy applications in nerve injury, from partial sciatic nerve ligation (PNL, to chronic constriction injury (CCI) and spinal nerve ligation (SNL) to screen phenotypes and drugs to treat allodynia and hyperalgesia.
Altogether this brings about a high reproducibility, sensitivity and accuracy which no other mechanical stimulation application can provide. The sensitivity and accurancy is by far the result of the fact that the force application does not rely on hand movement.
Moreover, the Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer, differently than Von Frey filaments, provide a linear and not logarithmic scale of stimulation.
| 38450 EVF Electronic Von Frey | |
|---|---|
| 38450-001 | Electronic Unit |
| 38450-004 |
Von Frey Applicator, with Prism to locate the aimed area on the animal paw. Complete with transducer, Glass Prism and Rigid metal Filaments with magnetic fixing |
| 37215-323 | Pedal Switch |
| 52010-325 | USB Lead |
| E-AU 059 | Universal Power Supply |
| E-AU 101 | USB pen-drive, including instruction manual and software |
|
Optional | |
| 37450-278 | Base assembly for plantar stimulation, including support with columns, perforated metal sheet and multiple-configuration animal-enclosure, from 3 to 12 spaces |
| 37450-005 | Large Perforated Metal Sheet |
| 37450-045 | Large Perforated Metal Sheet, with 4 legs, 40cm height (animal enclosure 37000-007 is not included and should be ordered separately) |
| 37450-085 | Large Perforated Metal Sheet, with 4 legs, 80cm height (animal enclosure 37000-007 is not included and should be ordered separately) |
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In addition to the one-year Regular Warranty and in addition to the one-year product registration extended warranty, Ugo Basile offers an Optional Extended Warranty that extends the warranty period for the product for additional one or two years called “UB Care12”/“UB Care24”. Customers may purchase the “UB Care” at the maximum of 3 months after buying. For more detailed information, please contact your local representatives.
