Overview
The document provides detailed information about the PhenoSys MultiMouseMonitor, a system designed for the 24/7 surveillance of group-housed animals, particularly rats and mice. It is ideal for studying models of hyperactivity, movement disorders, neuropathic pain, and arthritis.

Key Functions
The system utilizes advanced RFID technology to automatically track and monitor each tagged animal continuously. It supports both Type III and Type IV cages with different reader grid configurations.

Background
Activity monitoring is crucial for diagnosing animal behavior. The MultiMouseMonitor offers precise individual movement data, enabling long-term tracking of animals in group settings.

Setup
The system involves placing a grid of RFID readers under a standard cage to record individual activity. Each animal carries a subcutaneous RFID transponder for identification, which is maintenance-free and reusable.

Experimental Procedure
A pilot study was conducted using young female rats with a genetic knockout of a synaptic protein. The study involved wild-type, heterozygous, and complete knockout rats housed together for seven days. The RFID readers tracked their movements continuously.

Results
The data showed that knockout rats traveled 73% more during the dark phase and 50% more during the light phase compared to wild-type rats. The heterozygous rats showed no significant difference in activity.

Conclusion
The MultiMouseMonitor is effective for detecting activity parameters in rodents, offering advantages over conventional methods by allowing group housing while collecting individual data automatically.

Data Analysis
The system's software calculates activity indices and heat maps, providing insights into spatial preferences and roaming entropies. The data is presented as mean values over seven days with standard error of the mean (SEM).

Contact Information
PhenoSys GmbH, Eichborndamm 167 Bldg. 42, 13403 Berlin, Germany. Phone: +49 (0) 30 28 87 98 67, Email: [email protected]