Here, we present a protocol to introduce a rat model of central fatigue using the modified multiple platform method (MMPM).
In this article, we introduced a rat model of central fatigue using the modified multiple platform method (MMPM). The Multiple Platform box was designed as a water tank with narrow platforms on the bottom. The model rats were put into the tank and stood on the platforms for 14 h (18:00 – 8:00) per day for a consecutive 21 days, with a blank control group set for contrast. At the end of modeling, rats in the model group showed an obvious fatigued appearance. To assess the model, we performed several behavioral tests, including the open field test (OFT), the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and the exhaustive swimming (ES) test. The results showed that anxiety, spatial cognition impairment, poor muscle performance, and declined voluntary activity presented in model rats confirm the diagnosis of central fatigue. Changes of the central neurotransmitters also verified the result. In conclusion, the model successfully simulated central fatigue, and future study with the model may help reveal the pathological mechanism of the disease.
Fatigue is one of the main factors that threaten human health1. In the past decades, various researches have proved that fatigue is peripherally-triggered but centrally-driven, and always accompanied with emotional and cognitive disorders. Italian physiologist A. Mosso first proposed the word Central Fatigue2. It is generally defined as limited voluntary activity and cognition impairment due to dysfunction of impulse transmission in the central nervous system (CNS)3. Compared with peripheral muscle fatigue, central fatigue emphasizes changes in the CNS, as well as the consequent emotional/behavioral disturbances, including depression, anxiety, cognition impairment, and memory loss. One study shows that many factors can induce central fatigue, among which excessive physical activity and mental stress are quite indispensable4. As for the pathogenesis, theories like the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway hypothesis5 explain changes in certain pathways; however, more in-depth studies are still required to reveal the central-peripheral correlations of central fatigue.
As the underlying mechanism of central fatigue is still unclear, an effective animal model is quite important for further research. The existing fatigue models are mostly induced by excessive exercise, like treadmills6 and weight-loaded swimming7, with little concern on mental factors. To better simulate the development of central fatigue, our group developed a rat model with the MMPM. During the modeling process, rats remain standing on the narrow platforms in the Multiple Platform box for long hours including part of the sleep time. Different from excessive exercise models, the MMPM model uses partial sleep deprivation as a mental factor in consideration of the complex pathogenesis of central fatigue.
For model evaluation, we use the OFT and EPM tests to determine anxiety mood and voluntary activity. The ES test is performed to measure the peripheral muscle performance. In addition, we take the rat's brain and detect dopamine (DA)/serotonin (5-HT) content in both hypothalamuses to observe the central neurotransmitter differences.
The protocol presented below is designed to model central fatigue induced by repeated physical activity and lack of sleep, mimicking a common condition in human life. However, by adjusting the model duration, it can be used in many other fields, like in sleep observation and stress studies. In future research, we hope that this model will help discover more CNS changes and their connection with the peripheral system, to reveal the pathogenesis mechanism of central fatigue.
All the animals were maintained in accordance with the guidelines by the Chinese legislation on the ethical use and care of laboratory animals.
1. Pre-modeling Preparation
2. Modeling with MMPM
NOTE: The process starts at 18:00 and ends at 8:00 the next day, for a total of 14 h per day, over 21 days. To avoid interference factors, the same person is required to conduct the entire experiment, while wearing the same lab coat. 10 Wistar rats are used in the experiment.
3. Model Assessment: Behavioral Test
NOTE: All the tests are performed in the behavioral lab. Noise and extra light are not allowed during the test to avoid disturbance. If possible, use the same person(s) to conduct each test. A dark coat and gloves are required for grey scale recognition in image processing. Perform the OFT first as it has the least effect on rat behavior.
4. Model Assessment: Central Neurotransmitter Detection
We describe a rat model of central fatigue using MMPM. 24 Wistar rats are randomly divided into the control group and the model group, with 12 rats in each group. The model apparatus is designed as a water tank with narrow platforms on the bottom (Figure 1). Model Rats stand on the platforms for 14 h per day, including partial sleep time, for 21 days (Figure 2).
Behavioral tests are performed after modeling to assess the emotional and physical changes in the rats. The OFT result (Figure 3) shows that, compared with the control group (n = 10), there is a significant decrease in both rearing movement and average velocity of voluntary activity (p <0.05, p <0.01) in model rats (n = 10), and an obvious increase in latency of the out ring entrance (p <0.01). The EPM test (Figure 4) shows that 21 days of modeling decreased both frequency of open arm entries and duration in open arm significantly compared to the control group (n = 10) (p <0.05, p <0.01), while there was an increase in both frequency of close arm entries and duration in close arm (p <0.05). The result of the ES test (Figure 5) shows that the swimming duration of the model group (n = 10) is significantly shorter than the control group (n = 10) (p <0.001).
Next, we detect DA and 5-HT content in both hypothalamuses to observe the central neurotransmitter differences. Results (Figure 6) show that DA in the hypothalamus and the ratio of DA to 5-HT significantly decreases in the model group (n = 10) compared to the control group (n = 10) (p <0.05, p <0.01), while the 5-HT content increases significantly (p <0.05).
Figure 1: Schematic of the Multiple Platform box. (A) Front view. (B) Top view. The Multiple Platform box is a coverless plastic tank (110 × 60 × 40 cm3) with fifteen acrylic platforms fixed on the bottom and a faucet on the lateral side. Each platform consists of a pillar and a circular flat (d = 6.5 cm) platform bigger than the pillar top. The platforms (h = 8 cm) distribute in three rows and five columns. The adjacent platforms are 10 cm apart in the columns and 13 cm in the rows. The tank can hold a maximum of 15 rats. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 2: A photo of modeling. The rat standing on the platform was on the 15th day of modeling. Its dry hair and dim eyes suggest an obvious fatigue state.
Figure 3: Analysis of OFT. (A) Comparison of the frequency of vertical activities. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 10). With unequal variance (F = 9.877, p = 0.006 <0.05), significance was determined by independent-sample t-test, t = 2.226, p = 0.049 <0.05. The frequency of the vertical activity (rearing) decreases in model rats (n = 10) compared with control rats (n = 10). (B) A comparison on the average velocity of the voluntary activity. Data are presented as median ± IQR (n = 10). Significance was determined by Mann-Whitney U test, z = -2.685, p = 0.007 <0.01. The average velocity of the voluntary activity in the model rats decreases in comparison with control rats. (C) Comparison on the latency of the out ring entrance. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 10). With unequal variance (F = 5.748, p = 0.028 <0.05), significance was determined by t-test, t = -3.724, p = 0.03 <0.01. The latency of the out ring entrance increases in model rats, which means they spend more time before entering the out ring compared to control rats. Note: p<0.05 (*); p <0.01 (**); p <0.001 (***).
Figure 4: Analysis of EPM test. (A) Comparison on frequency of open arm entries. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 10). With equal variance (F = 0.982, p = 0.348 >0.05), Significance was determined by t-test, t = 2.710, p = 0.014 <0.05. The frequency of open arm entries in model rats (n = 10) decreases compared with control rats (n = 10). (B) Comparison on duration in open arm. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 10). With equal variance (F = 0.100, p = 0.755 >0.05), significance was determined by t-test, t = 3.304, p = 0.004 <0.01. The open arm duration in model rats decreases compared with control rats, which means the model rats spend less time in the open arm. (C) Comparison on frequency of close arm entries. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 10). With equal variance (F = 0.141, p = 0.712 >0.05), significance was determined by t-test, t = -2.466, p = 0.024 <0.05. The frequency of the close arm entries in model rats increases compared with control rats.(D) Comparison on duration in close arm. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 10). With unequal variance (F = 4.796, p = 0.042 <0.05), Significance was determined by t-test, t = -2.736, p = 0.0016 <0.05. The close arm duration in model rats increases compared with control rats, which means the model rats spend more time in the close arm. Note: p <0.05 (*); p <0.01 (**); p <0.001 (***). Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 5: Analysis of Exhaustive Swimming test. Data are presented as median ± IQR (n = 10), and are reported as p <0.05 (*), p <0.01 (**), p <0.001 (***). Significance was determined by Mann-Whitney U test, z = -3.326, p = 0.001. The swimming time of the model rats (n = 10) is significantly shorter than the control rats (n = 10).
Figure 6: Analysis of central neurotransmitter content. (A) Comparison on DA content. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 10). With equal variance (F = 0.088, p = 0.771 >0.05), significance was determined by t-test, t = 3.717, p = 0.002 <0.01. The DA content in both hypothalamuses decreases in model rats (n = 10), compared with the control rats (n = 10). (B) Comparison on 5-HT content. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 10). With unequal variance (F = 5.282, p = 0.034 <0.05), significance was determined by t-test, t = -2.997, p = 0.012 <0.05. The 5-HT content in both hypothalamuses decreases in model rats, compared with the control rats. (C) Ratio Comparison. Data are presented as median ± IQR (n = 10). Significance was determined by Mann-Whitney U test, z = -3.175, p = 0.001. The ratio of DA to 5-HT significantly decreases in the model rats, compared with the control rats. Note: p <0.05 (*); p <0.01 (**); p <0.001 (***).
The MMPM is originally designed for sleep deprivation9. Rats are launched into a water tank with platforms fixed on the bottom. Driven by the instinctive fear of water, rats remain standing on the platforms and no sleep occurs. The study shows that different hours of sleep deprivation lead to various changes in rat behavior and mood, including recognition impairment10, negative emotions11, and central fatigue. Some researchers prove that chronic sleep deprivation with the single platform method (SPM) can induce central fatigue, with recognition impairment and social disorders12. Other research shows that intermittent deprivation on consecutive days can cause emotional disorders and central fatigue, which can be treated with endorphins13. Our previous study proves that compared with 5 days and 14 days, 21 days deprivation induces more central fatigue rather than stress-related emotion disorders14. Many factors of MMPM may cause central fatigue, including the long hours of standing, narrow shelter space, tedious and repeated environment, as well as the lack of sleep. The underlying correlation between sleep deprivation and central fatigue may associate with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in different levels, among which monoamine neurotransmitters changes may play a key role.
In this protocol, we develop a central fatigue model using MMPM and assess it with behavioral tests and neurotransmitter detection. First, we create a 12 h/12 h light/dark cycle (6:00 – 18:00) in the lab to imitate the natural circadian rhythm of the Wistar rat, whose average sleep time is 12.6 h, approximately 2.4 – 4.2 h at night, and 8.2 – 9.6 h at daytime15. Then the model rats are put into the Multiple Platform box to stand for 14 h (18:00 – 8:00) per day for 21 consecutive days, with a control group set for contrast. At the end of the experiment, rats in the model group show an obvious fatigue appearance, including dull hair, faint tail color, dim eyes, and decreased activity in the cage.
The results of the behavioral tests show changes in both the physical and emotional aspects. OFT is widely used in rodent model assessment to evaluate exploration behavior and voluntary activity16. Rodents have the instinct of thigmotaxis, that is, once they are put into an open field, they tend to move quickly into the out ring near the wall. At the same time, they are curious about the new environment and are eager to explore the central area by both vertical rearing and horizontal movements. The conflict of the two motivations reflects the anxiety mood17. The result of the OFT suggests declined voluntary activity in the model rats based on their decreased average velocity. Additionally, the frequency of rearing in the model rats significantly decreases compared to the control rats, which may imply anxiety emotion. Furthermore, the model rats tend to spend more time before entering the out ring with no obvious preference in exploration, suggesting spatial cognition disorder in the model rats. The EPM test is a classical test to assess anxiety. Rats with anxiety tend to stay in the close arm for safety instead of exploring the open arm18. The result shows that compared with the control rats, the model rats spend more time in the close arms and less time in the open arms, and this parallels the entrance frequency of the different arms, and overall verifies the anxiety mood in the model rats. In the ES test, the swimming duration of the model rats is much shorter than the control rats, suggesting poor muscle performance caused by fatigue. In conclusion, anxiety, cognition impairment, poor muscle performance, and limited voluntary activity appear in model rats, all indicating central fatigue.
As for the CNS, all the changes in the central neurotransmitters suggest central fatigue. We find a significant decrease in DA content and an increase in 5-HT of the hypothalamus. 5-HT is a monoamine neurotransmitter synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan (TRP). Intense activity will increase 5-HT generation by releasing more free TRP into the blood; the accumulated 5-HT in return, restrains the central control of the loco-motor system, leading to poor muscle porformance19. DA is an excitable neurotransmitter, which increases at the beginning of loco-motor activity and drops by the appearance of fatigue20. DA and 5-HT correlate and interact as an excitation-inhibition system that effects the central control of the loco-motor system21. Thus, the drop in the ratio of DA to 5-HT is an important indicator of central fatigue.
There are some notes in the protocol that are critical to success. First, the model duration and conditions are tested with male Wistar rats. The temperature preference and sleep duration differ among strains and genders14. Secondly, the rats should live in groups, with at most 6 rats in a cage, and provided with sufficient food and water throughout the experiment. During the first two weeks of modeling, the rats are quite irritated and may fight both in the tank and in the cages. Keep monitoring them and prevent the injured rats from death. Also, remember to dry the rats' hair after they are removed from the tank, especially in winter to avoid cold conditions.
Though the model is designed for central fatigue, it is feasible to add complex factors to enlarge its use. For example, we install vibration motors and springs to the platform to imitate the waves in sea and change the deprivation pattern in attempt to establish a navigation fatigue model. By adjusting the model duration, it can be used in many other fields. As an animal model study, the research has its limitation. First, there is no proof in predictive validity of the model. In a future study, we should perform anti-fatigue treatment on rats and assess their recovery to prove the model's validity. Besides, current assessment of the model focuses more on negative emotion and CNS changes; however, central fatigue also manifests as a learning difficulty and social avoidance12. Behavioral tests like the Morris Water maze and social interaction test can be conducted in the future to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the disease. We hope the central fatigue model introduced here may help to explore the pathological mechanism of central fatigue.
The authors have nothing to disclose.
This work was supported by Natural Science Foundation of Beijing (No.7162124), and Xin-ao Foundation for Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
multiple platform sleep deprivation water tank | Customization,it is provided by the neuroimmunological laboratory of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine | 110cm x 60cm x 40cm. There are 15 plastic small platforms at the bottom. The small platform is 6.5cm in diameter and 8cm high | |
Wistar rats | Beijing Weitong Lihua Experimental Animal Technology Company | license number SYXK (Beijing) 2016-0011 | Use 32 Wistar healthy male rats ,8 week old (200-210 g) |
Agilent 1100LC high performance liquid chromatograph | Agilent | G1379A, G1311A, G1313A , G1316A | G1379A, G1311A type chromatographic pump, G1313A automatic sampler, G1316A column temperature box |
DECADE II SDC electrochemical detector | Dutch ANTEC company | glassy carbon electrode, Ag/AgCl reference electrode, workstations (Clarity CHS) | |
Biofuge Stratos high-speed refrigeration centrifuge | HERAEUS | ||
VCX130 ultrasonic fracturing instrument | SONICS | ||
ACS-ZEAS electronic scale | Phos technology development, Beijing. | The weight of the weighing rats can be accurate to 0.1g. | |
Open Field Box | Customization,it is provided by the neuroimmunological laboratory of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine | wooden box of open field 100 cm by 100 cm x 40 cm, inside wall and bottom as the gray.The bottom is divided into 25 equal area squares, each of which is 20cm x 20cm, and the 16 grids along the outer wall are the external ones, and the other 9 grids are central.The camera is mounted above the median. | |
Elevated Plus-maze | Beijing zhongshi dechuang technology development co. LTD. | The open arms and close arms of the cross are composed of 30cm x 5cm x 15cm, and the central area is 5cm x 5cm, with a camera mounted above the center and 45cm high. | |
rat swimming bucket. | Zhenhua biological instrument equipment co., LTD. Anhui,China. | The volume of plastic drum is 70cm x 30cm x 110cm, which is used for swimming in rats. | |
Thermometer | Shiya instrument co., LTD., changzhou,China. | Control water temperature | |
Small water pump | Xincheng technology co., LTD., chengdu,China. | Used for water tank and swimming behavior. | |
Ethovition3.0 behavioral software. | Nuldus,Netherlands | Measurement analysis of rat behavior videos. |