Behavioral Tests Used in Experimental Animal Models

Abstract

Experimental animals are used to develop treatments for diseases in humans and animals and to control pathophysiological processes. Biochemical and pathological parameters are still insufficient to explain behavioral disorders. Therefore, behavioral models are necessary to understand the pathophysiology of diseases and accelerate the development of treatments. Experimental animal models show the clinical reflection of many purposes such as drug research for diseases, toxicity of drugs and prevention of toxicity, understanding drug effects, understanding biological processes in diseases. Although data from behavioral models can be evaluated using a single test, it is more efficient to use a set of tests consisting of different tests that show traits on the behavioral phenotype. In this study, Elevated plus maze, Passive avoidence, Locomotor activity, Fear conditioning, Morris water maze, Randall Selitto paw pressure, Von Frey, Forced swim and Apomorphine induced rotation tests, which are widely used in neurological studies in mouse and rat species, are explained. In addition, it is mentioned for what purpose the specified behavior models are used. In this review, important behavioral models commonly used in neurological studies measure which parameter, their procedures and goals, and some of the animal- and environmental-related factors that affect behavior.

Keywords

• Behavioral test
• Neurodegeneration
• Animal model
• Anxiety
• Depression

Kaynakça

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