Measurement of atactic and paretic gait in neuropathies of rats based on analysis of walking tracks.

In 23 Lewis rats 2 forms of neuropathy both with atactic gait were studied by morphometric analysis of walking tracks. In one group of animals experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) was induced which leads to both sensory and motor dysfunction. Clinical symptoms are atactic gait and hindlimb paresis. In another group pyridoxine (vitamin B6) neuropathy was induced which is a purely sensory neuropathy clinically presenting with gait ataxia, too. Track analysis is a simple method that requires no visualisation process and produces significant and reproducible data. The findings were compared with the clinical scores and electrophysiological data. In EAN, toe spreading was impaired early, and at a later stage stride width, print length and outward rotation of the hind feet changed. Pyridoxine-induced neuropathy produced only an increase in stride width. Track analysis correlated well with clinical grading and electrophysiological recordings. We propose track analysis as a reliable and accurate indicator of neuropathy symptoms in rats.