An automatic experimental apparatus to study arm reaching in New World monkeys

J Neurosci Methods. 2016 May 1:264:57-64. doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2016.02.017. Epub 2016 Feb 27.

Abstract

Background: Several species of the New World monkeys have been used as experimental models in biomedical and neurophysiological research. However, a method for controlled arm reaching tasks has not been developed for these species.

New method: We have developed a fully automated, pneumatically driven, portable, and reconfigurable experimental apparatus for arm-reaching tasks suitable for these small primates.

Results: We have utilized the apparatus to train two owl monkeys in a visually-cued arm-reaching task. Analysis of neural recordings demonstrates directional tuning of the M1 neurons.

Comparison with existing method(s): Our apparatus allows automated control, freeing the experimenter from manual experiments.

Conclusion: The presented apparatus provides a valuable tool for conducting neurophysiological research on New World monkeys.

Keywords: Animal model; Arm reaching; Behavior; Experimental control; Neural recordings; New World monkeys.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aotidae
  • Arm / physiology*
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena / physiology*
  • Equipment Design*
  • Female
  • Models, Animal
  • Motor Cortex / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Platyrrhini / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*