Veterinary Neuropharmacology

MOTOR ACTIVITY 

• A photocell (Actophotometer) counter is used.
• Mouse is housed in individual cages for 1 or 2 hours prior to intraperitoneal dosing.
• Fifteen minutes, later the mice are placed in groups in counting boxes.
• A group consists of 5 mice which receive equal doses.
• Interruption of a light beam passing through the box activates a photocell relay and a summation counter.
• Counting is continued for 90 minutes.
• The count for a group is recorded as a percent of the value for a control group.
• Mice are given CNS stimulants / depressaants like picrotoxin at a dose rate of 10 mg/kg and Phenobarbital at a dose rate of 40 mg/kg.
• Incase of mouse given stimulant the count will be more and with the depressants it will be less than the normal animal.