EXTERNAL OUTPUT CONNECTOR AND CABLE FOR WIRE ELECTRODE RECORDING IN FREELY MOVING MOUSE

Abstract

It is a tricky task to record electrical signals from the subcutaneous fixed tether assembly in freely moving mouse. The thin and pliable skin of the mouse is easily rent at the sutured incision site by dragging of the external output set during movement. We constructed a light weight chassis that made the output plug-in connector tightly fixed at the muscle. It could resist a lot of pulling force produced by the movement of the mouse. Furthermore, the plug-in connector protruded out off the skin only by a silicone tube. The thin cylinder configuration of the silicone tube made it possible for the incision to be sutured finely and the flexible and smooth characteristics of the silicone tube could buffer the pulling force to avoid subjecting the skin to mechanical tear. A shielded external output cable feature which was light weight and flexible was also made, resulting in less loading on the mouse and without impediment during movement.