First approach to the analysis of spontaneous activity of mice based on Permutation Entropy

Animal behavior is usually assessed by categorical classification. Here we used an alternative approach, based on the global quantification of video and pressure sensor derived signals, in order to characterize normal and pathological mouse behavior. Freely moving mice were recorded for 1h in a novel open field environment. In this preliminary study we have tested the use of permutation entropy applied to spatial information (Cartesian and polar coordinates of instantaneous position, provided by automatic video-tracking analysis) and movement-derived signal (ie total animal movement detected using piezoelectric pressure-sensors). We report that this approach could discriminate between wild type and transgenic Fmr1-KO mice, a model of neurodevelopmental disorder affecting cognitive functions and behavior in open field conditions.