A preformed scleral search coil for measuring mouse eye movements

Mice are excellent subjects for use of genetic-manipulation techniques to study the basis of pathological and normal physiology and behavior; however behavioral analyses of associated phenotypes is often limited. To improve the accuracy and specificity of repeated measurements of vestibular function, we developed a miniaturized, contact-lens scleral search coil to measure mouse eye movements. We describe the physical attributes and document its functionality by measuring vestibuloocular responses in normal mice. This coil should greatly improve the sensitivity and documentation of vestibular dysfunction in mouse models of pathology and dysfunction while allowing screening of significant numbers of subjects.

Research highlights▶ To aid in the assessment of vestibular dysfunction in genetically manipulated mouse models, we developed a new scleral coil for mice. ▶ The pre-formed coil should improve assessment of vestibular dysfunction and allow screening without adding unnecessary technical complication to the measurement. ▶ We tested the coils in normal mice and obtained measurements comparable to those obtained with implanted eye coils.