Allen Yin1, Jehi An1, Gary Lehew2, Mikhail A Lebedev1, Miguel A L Nicolelis3. 1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. 2. Duke Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. 3. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience of Natal, Natal, Brazil; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. Electronic address: nicoleli@neuro.duke.edu.
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.
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.