A simple method for the calibration and equalization of whole-body startle measurements in the rat

A dynamic calibration method for startle amplitude measurement systems for rats is described that is based on rotating weights. The calibration is dependent exclusively on: the mass of the weights, the eccentricity of the weights with respect to the rotation axis, and the rotation velocity in revolutions per second, all of which are easily and accurately measurable parameters. Because of the variability of the frequency spectrum of whole-body startle reactions, it is important to measure the frequency transfer function of startle measuring devices and if necessary to correct the transfer function in the preamplifier so that a flat transfer function in the relevant frequency range results.