Rat Accelerod Training Procedures
Abstract
Many researchers use rodents performing on a rotating rod to evaluate motor deficits from various physical or chemical agents. At the School of Aerospace Medicine, we have been evaluating radiation and anticholinesterase effects in combination on rats ability to remain on an accelerating rod. However, success in training animals has hovered below and performance scores were too low to realize full advantages from the test. This paper outlines a new training method now in use employing a commercially available instrument using shock avoidance as motivation. In 2 sessions animals were trained to run at least 15 s with average training times reaching 27.4 s. This training was accomplished with a success rate of 99.8%. However, the standard deviation was large and must be planned for during experimentation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA163226
Entities
People
- Robert E. Cordts
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine