RotoMax Rotometer

The RotoMax Rotometer System is designed to study circling behavior in small animals (rats and mice), commonly used in research on Parkinson’s disease and motor function. It tracks rotational movements in real time, with data recorded at 10ms intervals. The system includes a high-resolution rotation sensor, test chamber (cylinder or bowl), and Fusion software for precise data collection, time binning, and post-experiment analysis. It supports both single-animal and batch experiments, offering customizable settings for rotation thresholds and experiment parameters.

Overview

The RotoMax Rotometer System is an advanced platform designed for studying circling behavior in small laboratory animals, such as rats and mice, under both spontaneous and drug-induced rotation. It is particularly valuable in research involving Parkinson’s disease models (e.g., 6-hydroxydopamine [6-tiHDA]) as well as brain and spinal cord injury studies. The system consists of several components:

Fusion Node
RotoMax Rotation Sensor
Transparent Cylindrical Test Chamber (or translucent bowl)
Tether Harness for rats or mice
Fusion for Windows Software

The Fusion Software records and timestamps every event in the test chamber at 10ms intervals, with rotation thresholds ranging from 1/64th of a turn to a full turn. The system allows flexible experiment setup with customizable parameter settings and dynamic entry of subject information, enabling quick experiment creation and seamless data collection. Time binning for data can be defined post-experiment, and data can be re-exported with varying sample durations as needed. Archived data can be reanalyzed with new features as software updates are released.

Test Chamber Configurations

Cylinder

The cylindrical test chamber is compact and transparent, occupying only a 12” x 12” (30 cm x 30 cm) footprint on the benchtop. The chamber is 30 cm in both diameter and height, with an open bottom, allowing for easy replacement of treated paper (e.g., Ancare Aniboard) between experiments. Additional cylinder diameters are also available for various applications.

Bowl System

The bowl-based test chamber has a diameter of 18″ (46 cm) and features a domed lid. It is recessed into a custom-designed dual-tiered table/rack, allowing for efficient use of space and ease of operation. Each table holds four bowls, and the translucent material of the bowls and lids helps minimize subject distraction. Other bowl diameters can be customized upon request.

Sensor

The RotoMax sensor is a high-resolution ball-bearing rotation sensor that integrates into the removable lid of the cylinder system or mounts on a fixed arm in the bowl system. Data collection can be initiated either manually via the sensor’s push-button switch or automatically through the software. The system supports both single-animal and batch start modes for flexibility in experimental design.

Harness

Harnesses are available for both rats and mice and are designed for effective torsion transfer. Made of stainless steel and partially covered with soft tubing to prevent chafing, the harnesses ensure safe and comfortable attachment.

Cylinder Harness: 30 cm (12”) long
Bowl Harness: 50 cm (20”) long
Each harness is equipped with a loop to securely attach the animal. Custom tethers and harnesses can be specified based on specific experimental requirements.

Features

Two Chamber Models Available:
- Tabletop Cylinder
- 2-Tier Bowl Rack
Easy Entry/Removal of Animal from the test enclosure

RotoMax Sensor

High Resolution: ½ degree sensitivity
Selectable Turn Angle Thresholds: 1/64, 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, or full turn
Staggered Start Switch integrated into each unit
Simultaneous (Batch) Start available via software

Fusion Node

Each Fusion Node can support up to 12 sensors
A maximum of 16 nodes can be connected to a single PC, supporting up to 192 cages
Captures 100 data points per second per cage
USB compatible and CE compliant

Fusion Software

Windows 7/10/11 Compatible
Records complete experimental data
Post-experiment sample duration adjustment (time binning)
Playback of experiments for analysis
Advanced diagnostic utilities
Comprehensive security features

Variables

Clockwise Turns: Number of complete clockwise (CW) turns made by the subject attached to the rotor (positive turns)
Counter-Clockwise Turns: Number of complete counter-clockwise (CCW) turns made by the subject (negative turns)
Net Turns: The difference between clockwise and counter-clockwise turns, indicating the subject’s overall movement direction

Can Be Combined With

Open Field Locomotor Activity: Additional functionality to analyze locomotor behavior in conjunction with the RotoMax system