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37370 Instruction Manual (Rev. 0)
Plantar Test (Hargreaves Apparatus)
Cat. 3 7 3 7 0
1 GENERAL
The
Hargreaves’ Method
(see paragraph 12-BIBLIOGRAPHY) enables the researcher
to discern a peripherally mediated response to thermal stimulation caused by drugs in the
unrestrained rat.
The Basile Plantar Test has been designed to perform this high sensitivity in-vivo test on
the experimental animal under optimum conditions.
The Plantar Test represents a remarkable advance in methodology, as it combines the
best features of all other methods of measuring pain sensitivity:
it allows bilateral testing, like the Randall-Selitto (paw pressure) method.
the behavioral end point is detected automatically, as with the Tail Flick method.
it stimulates the glabrous normal skin of the foot, as opposed to the unique tissue
of the tail, as does the Hot Plate method.
repeated testing does not result in sensitization, an advantage shared only with
the Tail Flick method.
orofacial stimulation, by optional holders, see paragraph 5.5.
Unique to the Plantar Test,
the animal is unrestrained and unhandled
during experi-
ments, which enables other more subjective measures of behaviour to be recorded.
These measures, unavailable with any other method of analgesia testing, provide addi-
tional information about the effect of the drug and the state of the animal.
1.1
Principle of Operation
The Plantar Test basically consists of a movable I.R. (infrared) generator placed below a
glass pane upon which the operator deposits the rat, see picture. A Perspex enclosure
defines the space within which the animal is unrestrained. It is divided in three compart-
ments, which help the operator to carry out a rapid “screening” work: up to 12 animals
can be tested with no appreciable delay in between.
After the acclimation period, the I.R. source placed under the glass floor (see the picture)
is positioned by the operator directly beneath the hind paw. A trial is commenced by de-
pressing a key, positioned on the stimulating unit. An additional start key is located on the
front panel of the Controller.
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