Electromagnetic device for modeling traumatic brain injury in rodents

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes complex structural and functional alterations in the central nervous system and requires reproducible experimental models for studying post-traumatic mechanisms and evaluating therapeutic approaches.

We developed, manufactured, and tested an electromagnetic device for controlled modeling of TBI in laboratory rodents. The system consists of a control unit and an active impact module. The active module includes an electromagnet with an impact probe mounted on a positioning system that allows adjustment in three directions. A micrometric mechanism provides precise positioning of the probe relative to the experimental object, while a rigid base maintains mechanical stability during operation.

The control unit is based on an Arduino UNO microcontroller and operates in preparation, standby, impact, and cooling modes. Two electrical circuits are used: a low-voltage circuit maintains the electromagnet in the preparation mode without excessive heating, whereas a higher-voltage circuit provides the power required for impact. The impact velocity is adjustable and can reach 10 m/s. To improve operational reliability, the system automatically limits prolonged activation of the electromagnet and introduces a cooling interval after each impact.

The developed prototype provides a simple and controllable approach to experimental TBI modeling. It can be used to study acute and chronic post-traumatic changes, including neuronal death, cerebral edema, vascular damage, morphological alterations in central nervous system tissues, and memory impairment, as well as to evaluate potential therapeutic strategies.

The research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (Project No. 24-45-00010).

Speaker

Tuktarov Dmitrii
Department of Biology, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya 82, 410012 Saratov, Russia
Russia

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