Characterization of spatio-temporal epidural event-related potentials for mouse models of psychiatric disorders

Sci Rep. 2015 Oct 13:5:14964. doi: 10.1038/srep14964.

Abstract

Distinctive features in sensory event-related potentials (ERPs) are endophenotypic biomarkers of psychiatric disorders, widely studied using electroencephalographic (EEG) methods in humans and model animals. Despite the popularity and unique significance of the mouse as a model species in basic research, existing EEG methods applicable to mice are far less powerful than those available for humans and large animals. We developed a new method for multi-channel epidural ERP characterization in behaving mice with high precision, reliability and convenience and report an application to time-domain ERP feature characterization of the Sp4 hypomorphic mouse model for schizophrenia. Compared to previous methods, our spatio-temporal ERP measurement robustly improved the resolving power of key signatures characteristic of the disease model. The high performance and low cost of this technique makes it suitable for high-throughput behavioral and pharmacological studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Mapping
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Electroencephalography
  • Evoked Potentials*
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mental Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Mice
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology