A new automatic method for tracking rats in the Morris water maze

Morris water maze (MWM) test is widely used to evaluate the learning and memory deficits in rodents. Image processing pattern recognition can be analyse videos recognize automatically tracking MWM. There are several commercial free access software that allows analyzing behavioral tasks although they also have limitations such as automation, cost, user intervention among other things. The aim of this paper was develop a new image technique track rat MWM, which we called RatsTrack. MWM performed with an animal model for Alzheimer, were recorded measure distance, time, speed. segmentation method based on projection video frames made pool identification, eliminating rat, while conserving shape pool. Then, Hough transformation position radius Finally, frame released into established using mathematical morphology techniques added plugin ImageJ software. technique, RatsTrack, successfully detected located without intervention, significantly decreasing operational time providing results speed, acceleration parameters test. Alzheimer's rats compared control group presented significant data measured RatsTrack will freely available public use.