An Open Source Automated Bar Test for Measuring Catalepsy in Rats

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Catalepsy is a key indicator of muscular rigidity, often assessed using bar tests in rodents.
• Existing automated catalepsy bar tests are expensive and rely on proprietary technology.
• Variability in manual testing procedures hinders standardization and reproducibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an affordable, open-source, automated catalepsy bar test apparatus.
• To provide a customizable and low-cost solution for measuring catalepsy in rodent models.
• To improve the standardization and automation of catalepsy measurements.

Main Methods:

• Designed and constructed a 3D-printed, Arduino-based automated bar test apparatus.
• Utilized a beam-break sensor system for accurate measurement of forelimb removal time.
• Validated the apparatus using adult male rats administered varying doses of haloperidol.

Main Results:

• The developed apparatus successfully measured catalepsy in rodents.
• A dose-dependent cataleptic effect was observed following haloperidol administration.
• The cost of building the apparatus was under 65 United States dollars.

Conclusions:

• The open-source, automated catalepsy bar test offers a versatile and cost-effective solution.
• This design addresses the limitations of existing commercial systems and manual testing.
• The apparatus facilitates standardized and automated catalepsy assessment in preclinical research.