Melior Discovery motor function

Rotarod
The rotarod test is a simple pharmacological assessment of motor coordination, balance, muscle strength and gait, as well as sensory.  In addition to straightforward assessment of coordinated movement, data from rotarod performance experiments can also be beneficial for interpreting results from other behavior models.  Specifically, many drugs that have either sedative or stimulant properties could interfere with assessment of behavioral tests that require a motoric response.  Consequently, having an "a-piori" read on locomotor coordination effects of novel compounds is prudent, if not necessary for planning, executing and explaining behavioral results gathered during standard pre-clinical efficacy profiling. 

Figure A- Rotarod Motor Assessment:

The graph above illustrates the effects of haloperidol, a typical antipsychotic known to affect motor coordination at high doses.  Initially, prior to haloperidol treatment, both groups of mice had similar motor coordination (0 hours post dose).  One hour after haloperidol treatment, motor coordination is significantly impared compared to vehicle-treated mice.  Data are mean ± SEM; *p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001 compared to vehicle-treated mice. 

If you are interested in learning more about Rotarod and Motor Assessment, please contact models@meliordiscovery.com to start the conversation today.