Changes in ambulation and drinking behavior related to stroke in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

In order to elucidate the behavioral changes related to stroke, ambulatory activity and water drinking were observed in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Age matched male SHRSP and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were subjected to a 12 hour light and dark alternation cycle. Ambulation and drinking activity counts were determined simultaneously with an Ambulo-Drinkometer. Before stroke, ambulation and drinking activity counts in the dark phase (82%) were higher than those in the light phase (18%). Both parameters were well synchronized with the light and dark alternation cycle. With aging, daily ambulation decreased while daily drinking activity increased in SHRSP and WKY. Daily ambulation and drinking activity in 15 and 30 week old SHRSP were greater than those of WKY. It was demonstrated with an Ambulo-Drinkometer that SHRSP undergo specific behavioral changes before the onset of stroke. For instance, the 40-60 week old SHRSP showed significant individual variation in both ambulation and drinking activity. This desynchronization with the light and dark alternation cycle was followed by stroke. Twenty seven autopsies showed 11 cerebral infarctions, 10 cerebral hemorrhage and 6 cerebral hemorrhage with infarctions to be the causes of death.