Sensory perception is fundamental to an organism's interaction with its environment, which declines with age and significantly impacts quality of life. Animal models serve as critical tools for understanding the mechanisms underlying age-related changes in sensory perception. Characterization of sensory function is a critical component in understanding the complex aging process across various animal models.
Fig. 1 Detecting, decoding, and interpreting sensory input to modulate aging and physiology. (Azam S, et al., 2021)
Equipped with advanced technologies and instrumentation, CD BioSciences offers a comprehensive range of sensory perception assessment services to evaluate age-related changes in various animal models, advancing the field of gerontological research.
How Do We Characterize Age-Related Sensory Deficits?
Analysis ot Aging Effects on Acoustic Startle Response
The acoustic startle response (ASR) is a reflexive reaction to sudden loud sounds and can be used to assess auditory processing and sensorimotor gating in aging animals. We utilize a series of trials with varying sound intensities and frequencies to evaluate auditory function across different age groups. Our experts help clients measure and record the magnitude of the animal's startle response. We measure several behavioral metrics, including response latency, magnitude, and habituation. We also assist clients in assessing age-related changes in auditory processing, sensitivity, and the neural circuits underlying this fundamental reflex.
Analysis of Aging Effects on Behaviors in Visual Cliff Tests
Visual perception is another key sensory modality that undergoes significant changes with aging. We conduct visual cliff tests across young, middle-aged, and aged animal models to help clients identify age-related changes. Our company is equipped with apparatus for visual cliff tests, consisting of a platform with a glass surface through which a patterned visual stimulus is displayed below. The primary measure is the latency to cross the visual cliff, which indicates the animal's depth perception and spatial confidence. Additionally, we also support clients in recording and analyzing metrics such as the distance traveled in each region, duration of exploration of the regions, mean velocity, etc.
Analysis of Age-Related Olfactory Dysfunction
Olfactory dysfunction is a common sensory deficit associated with aging. CD BioSciences provides a suite of behavioral tests to evaluate olfactory decline in animal models, including assessments of olfactory sensitivity, detection threshold, habituation, and dishabituation. Our services are aimed at detecting and quantifying age-related changes in olfactory perception, ranging from odor detection to adaptive responses to repeated stimuli. We assist clients in investigating the mechanisms underlying age-related olfactory dysfunction through cellular to molecular analyses.
Our Available Aging Model Systems for Sensory Perception Assessment
The relationship between sensory processing and aging remains a key focus in research. Different animal models provide unique advantages for studying specific aspects of sensory perception and age-related decline. To ensure reliable and reproducible data, we offer a diverse range of aging model systems, including:
- Roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans)
- Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster)
- Rodents
At CD BioSciences, we offer a robust platform for characterizing age-related sensory deficits. Our comprehensive services make us a trusted partner in the pursuit of breakthroughs in gerontological research. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.
Reference
- Linford NJ, et al. Sensory perception and aging in model systems: from the outside in. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol, 2011, 27: 759-85.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
