Analyzing Stretch-Attend Posture in Mice: A Segment-Based Approach to Fear Response

초록

Objective: This study aims to understand the subtle behaviors of mice in response to fear stimuli. While traditional methodologies such as measuring freezing time have provided significant insights, they also exhibit limitations due to individual variability in response mechanisms among mice. Some mice may experience fear without displaying freezing behavior. Methods: To address this variability and improve the detection and analysis of stretch-attend posture (SAP) as an indicator of fear response in mice, we propose a novel approach that overcomes the limitations of single-frame analysis found in existing automated detection systems. By employing the 'findchangepts' function, our method enables the analysis of behavior across multiple frame segments, accommodating the continuous nature of SAP and addressing the challenges in its detection. Results: This methodological advancement allows for a deeper understanding of SAP, acknowledging its dynamic and temporally extended characteristics. Our findings underscore the potential of segment-based analysis as a powerful tool for detailed detection of SAP, suggesting a new direction in the study of animal behavior. Conclusion: Moving beyond traditional single-frame analysis, our approach offers a more comprehensive and precise representation of complex behaviors. This enhances our understanding of fear responses in mice, providing a valuable new direction for animal behavior research.