A simple, inexpensive rotometer for automatically recording the dynamics of circling behavior.
An inexpensive, automated system for recording circling behavior in small animals is described. The apparatus provides information concerning: left and right full (360 degrees) rotations, half (180 degrees) turns, the time it takes for a rotation, the number of consecutive rotations in each direction, reversals (180 degree changes in direction), net rotations which are displayed directly without a source of electrical power, plus other parameters of circling behavior. The system is simple in principle and construction, and is virtually maintenance free. Depending on the options desired, a single rotometer can be built for approximately $350 or less than $70 by anyone able to use basic hand tools.
D000661:Amphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011589:Psychology, Experimental / Q000295:instrumentation*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000187:drug effects
D000661:Amphetamine