Thermal Gradient Ring (TGR)

Product Code:35550

Records and analyses thermal preference phenotyping in mice, according to Zimmermann's method. For neuropathic pain studies, temperature sensitivity and insensitivity assessment, always with the animal freely moving and with no user’s intervention.

Novel circular design. Addresses limitations associated with classic devices. Cost effective. Reproducible data.

Detailed description +-

Background

The cellular and molecular mechanisms of temperature sensing and thermoregulation are the subject of intensive studies in neuropathic pain.
The novel circular thermal gradient assay opens new opportunities and addresses limitations imposed by other equipment (lack of animal freedom, limited thermal choice, inability to make discerning exploratory behaviour, experimental biases).
The TGR is based on the paper "Comprehensive thermal Preference Phenotyping in Mice using a Novel Automated Circular Gradient Assay”

Novel device, bias-free data, cost effective

Circular design for bias-free, reproducible data. The mouse is free to move around the track. Overcomes classic challenges of duplicate values, border effects and spatial cues.
Circular gradient track provides a more complex, more informative physiological environment than devices limited to dual thermal preference.
Multi thermal gradient between the two extremes of a cold and a hot zone (respectively 15° and 40°C in Zimmermann's paper). The insulated aluminium runway has an ID of 45cm and 57cm OD.
Each side of the ring is divided into 12 zones, in which the temperature Δ is proportionally divided. For example, in the method paper, the two preset temperatures are respectively 15°C and 40°C, where each sector represents an increment of 2.27°C
Cost effective advantages such as shorter experiment time, reduced requirement for manpower and mice.
A heating and a heating/cooling device (based on proven technology employed in Ugo Basile Hot/Cold Plate), are positioned on opposite sides of the ring to create a symmetrical thermal gradient. 4 embedded thermocouples measure and control the exact temperature gradient in real time.
Data output includes:
- Preference temperature time course ± SD
- Time lag to cover zones above a defined temperature (time course)
- Zone histogram
- Many more measures provided by the automatic analysis of the video tracking data
Visual thermal preference behaviour is recorded by ANYmaze video tracking software using the USB camera and 4 dual lights (visible and I.R.) supplied with the system.

Features & Benefits +-

Features	Benefits
New circular design, internal diameter 45cm, outer diameter 57cm	Duplicate values, no border effects, no spatial cues
Thermal Insulated Ring-shaped Aluminum Runway	More sensitive than previous methods: bias-free, reproducible data
Heater and cooler on opposite sides, to establish a symmetric gradient	Gradient setup superior to two-plate choice design
12 zones per side (specular), 40cm² each	Temperature Δ proportionally divided into 12 (in the method paper 15°C-40°C = 2.27°C per zone)
4 thermocouples embedded in the thermal gradient ring	The exact temperature gradient measured in real time
CCD-camera (included in the standard package, with its dedicated support) and ANYmaze video-tracking software	Behavior recorded automatically during 60 minutes
The system includes a set of 4 dual (visible/I.R.) lights	Ideal for videotracking: perfect view even in the dark

Specifications +-

General
Controls	Commands on the heater/cooler front panel
Preset Temperature Read-out	On LCD display on the front panel of the thermal units
Detection	Via ANY maze specific protocol for TGR
Sound	< 60 dB (A)
Power	Universal input 85-264 VAC, 50-60Hz, 40W max
Operation
Temperature Range	Heating Plate: from 20°C to 65°C Heating/cooling Plate: from 4°C to 65°C
Precision	0.5°C
Temperature feedback	By 4 thermocouples monitored in real time by ANYmaze
Light Intensity (I.R.)	Set by potentiometer with graded scale
Light Intensity (visible)	Set by potentiometer with graded scale
Physical
Internal diameter	45 cm
Outer diameter	57,5 cm
Corridor Width	6 cm
Wall Height	24 cm
Material	IR transparent acrylic
Dimensions	87x64x64(h)cm
Weight	39Kg
Shipping Weight	57Kg
Packing Dimensions	100x80x70(h)cm (wooden pallet)
Warranty
Warranty	35550 is covered by a 12-months warranty + 12 months after product registration
UB-Care	Additional UB-Care can be added for other 12 or 24 months

Application +-

"Currently available behavioral assays to quantify normal cold sensitivity, cold hypersensitivity and cold hyperalgesia in mice have betimes created conflicting results in the literature. Some only capture a limited spectrum of thermal experiences, others are prone to experimenter bias or are not sensitive enough to detect the contribution of ion channels to cold sensing because in mice smaller alterations in cold nociception do not manifest as frank behavioral changes. To overcome current limitations we have designed a novel device that is automated, provides a high degree of freedom, i.e. thermal choice, and eliminates experimenter bias. The device represents a thermal gradient assay designed as a circular running track. It allows discerning exploratory behavior from thermal selection behavior and provides increased accuracy by providing measured values in duplicate and by removing edge artifacts. Our custom-designed automated offline analysis by a blob detection algorithm is devoid of movement artifacts, removes light reflection artifacts and provides an internal quality control parameter which we validated. The assay delivers discrete information on a large range of parameters extracted from the occupancy of thermally defined zones such as preference temperature and skew of the distribution. We demonstrate that the assay allows increasingly accurate phenotyping of thermal sensitivity in transgenic mice by disclosing yet unrecognized details on the phenotypes of TRPM8-, TRPA1- and TRPM8/A1-deficient mice."

from "Comprehensive thermal preference phenotyping in mice using a novel automated circular gradient assay"

Ordering informations +-

35550 Thermal Gradient Ring
35550-001	Runway and Thermal Device Assembly
35550-035	Visibile and IR Light
35550-050	Light and Camera Support
35550-325	Camera
E-AU 101	USB Key including Instruction Manual
Control
60000	Dedicated Video-tracking Software