title: A computer-controlled apparatus for measuring and analysing myoclonic jerk activity in guinea pigs.
abstract: Guinea pigs respond to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) with a complex behavioural syndrome which includes distinctive whole-body jerks (myoclonic jerks). These are species-specific, involve all major muscle groups, are highly rhythmic and can occur with relatively high frequency (1-2/s). Current methods of quantifying the response, which rely on observer ratings are unsatisfactory. We report the development of a fully automated, PC-based system for detecting and analysing myoclonic jerks. Floor-mounted accelerometers generate a movement signal and detection is performed by an algorithm based on a detailed analysis of the topography of myoclonic jerk responses. The system can monitor the output from 10 purpose-built test enclosures and it provides for pseudorandom treatment allocation, flexible control of experimental parameters and automated data output to a spreadsheet which generates appropriate graphs, statistical summaries and data analysis. This robust response provides a useful means of exploring the role of novel 5-HT receptor subtypes in guinea-pig behaviour.
authors.affiliation: SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Harlow, Essex, UK.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Slade
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Hatcher
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Hagan
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D003201:Computers; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004831:Epilepsies, Myoclonic / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D008297:Male; D008784:Methysergide / Q000494:pharmacology; D012701:Serotonin; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D012984:Software; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D012701:Serotonin; D008784:Methysergide