Abstract
BackgroundHead immobilisation is often necessary for neuroscientific procedures. A number of Non-invasive Head Immobilisation Systems (NHIS) for monkeys are available, but the need remains for a feasible integrated system combining a broad range of essential features. New methodWe developed an individualised macaque NHIS addressing several animal welfare and scientific needs. The system comprises a customised-to-fit facemask that can be used separately or combined with a back piece to form a full-head helmet. The system permits presentation of visual and auditory stimuli during immobilisation and provides mouth access for reward. ResultsThe facemask was incorporated into an automated voluntary training system, allowing the animals to engage with it for increasing periods leading to full head immobilisation. We evaluated the system during performance on several auditory or visual behavioural tasks with testing sessions lasting 1.5–2h, used thermal imaging to monitor for and prevent pressure points, and measured head movement using MRI. Comparison with existing methodsA comprehensive evaluation of the system is provided in relation to several scientific and animal welfare requirements. Behavioural results were often comparable to those obtained with surgical implants. Cost–benefit analyses were conducted comparing the system with surgical options, highlighting the benefits of implementing the non-invasive option. ConclusionsThe system has a number of potential applications and could be an important tool in neuroscientific research, when direct access to the brain for neuronal recordings is not required, offering the opportunity to conduct non-invasive experiments while improving animal welfare and reducing reliance on surgically implanted head posts.
Highlights
There was no overall detrimental effect on auditory task performance by implementation of the non-invasive head immobilisation procedures, demonstrating that this is an effective method for training macaques and collecting data on auditory spatial location tasks
Using the facemask alone in this case can mean that the animal self immobilizes by placing its face in the facemask while working on the task. This would potentially increase the quality of the auditory or visual behavioural data than if the animal is free to move its head around. 8) Larger animals: We have shown that the system works well with larger animals (8–16 kg) and is likely to be a viable method for use with most rhesus macaques, and possibly other species of primates, this would need to be separately tested
We designed and systematically tested an individually customisable non-invasive head immobilisation system which is robust and flexible to implement, and, for the first time, combines a facemask with a whole head immobilisation approach providing the option for voluntary engagement
Summary
For approaches that depend on minimal head movement but do not require direct access to the brain, Non-invasive Head Immobilisation Systems (NHIS) could prove beneficial in reducing the reliance on surgical implants. If NHIS are to be broadly accepted as viable alternatives they need to address combinations of scientific and animal welfare requirements and show comparable data quality in relation to surgical implant approaches. Comparison with existing methods: A comprehensive evaluation of the system is provided in relation to several scientific and animal welfare requirements. Conclusions: The system has a number of potential applications and could be an important tool in neuroscientific research, when direct access to the brain for neuronal recordings is not required, offering the opportunity to conduct non-invasive experiments while improving animal welfare and reducing reliance on surgically implanted head posts
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