Diseño e implementación de un prototipo que permita evaluar la actividad ansiolítica en ratones de laboratorio (Mus musculus) mediante la prueba de campo abierto usando procesamiento de imágenes.

Abstract

The objective of the present work was to develop a prototype of an electronic system based on image processing that allows automating the obtaining of the parameters of the test, which traditionally were obtained by simple observation. The Open Field model is a test used to determine the anxiolytic impact caused by substances or drugs in laboratory mice. Evaluate anxiety by weighing certain behavioral parameters: distance traveled, average speed, number of bowel movements and elevations. It began analyzing the techniques of image processing based on the theoretical basis for its subsequent implementation. The system is composed of an acrylic box where the mouse is located, support for the IP camera that wirelessly sends the images to the computer with the recording program and the software developed in Matlab that processes the videos. The result is indicated through the graphical interface and can be saved in a spreadsheet. The prototype was validated statistically with a group of animals giving a probability of success over 99% obtaining the parameters of the test correctly. It is recommended to have a controlled lighting during the test, to avoid errors in the analysis of the videos.