Spasticity (Spa mouse)

Study novel interventions to improve physical performance in patients affected by muscular Spasticity using the Spa mouse model

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Home » Neurology Research Models and Services  » Neuromuscular Disease – Spasticity
Spasticity is associated with increased muscle contraction, causing impaired movement and gait. Spasticity presents in several diseases affecting the neuromuscular system such as Cerebral Palsy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or arises due to trauma, such as spinal cord injury and stroke.  

Spasticity can be modelled in Spa mice which have a spontaneous spasticity-associated mutation, resulting in early-onset hypertonia. 

The spasticity mouse used at InnoSer presents symptoms of spasticity at 2 weeks of age and can reach adult age. This makes the spasticity mouse model highly suitable for investigation novel interventions to improve physical performance.  

Take advantage of InnoSer’s expertise in modelling neuromuscular disease pathology, flexibility and collaborative approach for your research. Our in-house neurology experts are happy to help guide your decision on study design fit for your current research goals. 

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Spasticity model key characteristics:

  • Spa mice have a hereditary spastic mutation (B6.Cg-Glrbspa/J).
  • Spastic mice display a series of abnormalities, such, including abnormal gait, impaired hind limb motor function, reduced physical activity.
  • Spa mice show skeletal muscle morphology alterations (i.e., muscle mass decrease along with a decrease in the cross-sectional area of myofibers).
  • Model is extensively characterised (published together with Rivares et al, 2020).

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Belgian based preclinical neurology CRO mouse models

Key readouts

Test the efficacy of your treatments with the following commonly used behavioral tests:

  • Spontaneous behaviour (automated-home cage monitoring) 
  • CatWalk: Automated Gait Analysis  
  • Balance Beam 
  • Grip Strength Test
Behavioural tests catalogue

CatWalk Automated Gait Analysis: Gait and footprint analysis of Spa mice

At all ages, the gait of spastic mice was characterized by shorter stride lengths, smaller print- length, and width (P<0.001) together with a lower contact intensity (P<0.01). Spastic mice showed an irregular order of front and hind-limb placements (P<0.001). 

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InnoSer has earned the AAALAC accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to responsible animal care and use. AAALAC International is a nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. Our accreditation is valid for three years, incl. 2023. Read more about the AAALAC accreditation programme here.

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