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Published on: February 15, 2015
Rigorous validation of paw preference using three complementary behavioral assays in Sprague Dawley rats
Dipesh Pokharel1, Khoi Le2, Dilshan Beligala3
1Department of Neurosciences and Psychiatry, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; College of Medicine, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; Department of Neurology, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA.
Three behavioral tests reliably assess paw preference in Sprague Dawley rats, showing consistency across age and sex. These validated methods are crucial for preclinical research on motor function and lateralization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Animal Models
Background:
- Paw preference, or handedness, is a key indicator of lateralization and motor function in rodents.
- Assessing paw preference is vital for preclinical research, particularly in models of neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the consistency and reliability of three common paw preference tests: Collins Test, Staircase Test, and Pawedness Trait Test.
- To determine the influence of age and sex on paw preference in Sprague Dawley rats.
Main Methods:
- Thirty Sprague Dawley rats underwent all three behavioral tests, with paw usage recorded and laterality index calculated.
- Additional cohorts of young and old rats of both sexes were tested to assess age and sex effects.
- Statistical analyses included ANOVA and Cohen's Kappa to assess test agreement and variations.
Main Results:
- All three tests (Collins, Staircase, Pawedness Trait) provided comparable measures of paw preference (ANOVA, p = 0.801).
- High inter-test agreement was confirmed (Fleiss' kappa κ = 0.761, p < 0.001).
- Paw preference showed no significant variation based on age or sex.
Conclusions:
- The Collins, Staircase, and Pawedness Trait Tests are consistent and reliable for assessing paw preference in Sprague Dawley rats.
- These validated tests are suitable for preclinical research, aiding studies on motor asymmetry and lateralization in various neurological conditions.
