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RESEARCH PRODUCT
Strain Differences in Open-Field and Elevated Plus-Maze Behavior of Rats Without and With Pretest Handling
Ulrich SchmittChristoph Hiemkesubject
MaleElevated plus mazemedicine.medical_specialtymedicine.drug_classClinical BiochemistryAnxietyMotor ActivityHandling PsychologicalToxicologyBody weightBiochemistryAnxiolyticOpen fieldDevelopmental psychologyRats Sprague-DawleyBehavioral NeuroscienceSpecies SpecificityInbred strainInternal medicineMale ratsmedicineAnimalsBiological PsychiatryPharmacologyStrain (chemistry)Rats Inbred StrainsRatsEndocrinologyExploratory BehaviorSprDPsychologydescription
Behavior of two rat strains was analyzed with and without 1-week pretest handling. Male rats (150-200 g body weight) of the strains PVG/OlaHsd (PVG) and Hsd:Sprague-DawleySD (SPRD) were tested once in a standard open field and an enriched open field and twice in an elevated plus-maze. Behavioral analysis revealed significant differences between the two strains and differential effects of the pretest handling procedure. SPRD rats displayed higher levels of activity and exploratory behavior than the PVG rats, whereas PVG rats were obviously less anxious. One-week pretest handling had an "anxiolytic" effect and changed activity and exploration-related behavior of the animals in both strains. Activity-related parameters were mainly affected in SPRD rats and anxiety-related ones in PVG rats. The data give evidence that differences in behavior of rats are not only determined genetically but also by preceding handling procedures. Because the two rat strains responded differentially to the pretest handling, we recommend to use a well-defined handling procedure before starting a behavioral test, especially when drug applications are included.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998-05-20 | Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior |