Tube running activity in mice: a method to evaluate the behavioural effects of drugs

A new method to study locomotor activity in mice has been developed. The time it takes for a mouse to run 100 cm in a narrow tube is measured. In the present study the effects of various environmental factors on this tube running activity have been examined. The most important factor was found to be the frequency of testing. With repeated testing the run time was increased, which probably is due to a decrease in exploratory activity. However, tube running seems not to be a specific measure of exploratory activity. Administration of nialamide alone (50-200 mg/kg IP) as well as combined with 5-hydroxy-DL-tryptophan (6.25-25 mg/kg IP) gave a dose measuring 5-hydroxy-tryptamine mediated behaviour.