title: A novel computer-controlled conditioned avoidance apparatus for rats.
abstract: Described and evaluated here is a newly designed apparatus for the assessment of conditioned avoidance response (CAR) performance in rats. The system is computer-assisted using a design and system control development package based on the virtual instrument concept (LabView). The program, which allows for significant flexibility, greatly facilitated and simplified the process of timing and data acquisition. The apparatus was found effective and appropriately designed for CAR performance training, as well as for a reliable assessment of the effects of antipsychotic and potentially antipsychotic compounds on CAR in rats. The design presents a new, effective, and inexpensive option for laboratories involved in animal behavioral research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Scott & White Clinic and Memorial Hospital, Scott Sherwood and Brindley Foundation, Temple, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Wadenberg
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Trompler
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Zavodny
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Hicks
mesh_terms: D000662:Amphetamines / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D001552:Benzazepines / Q000494:pharmacology; D003024:Clozapine / Q000494:pharmacology; D003201:Computers; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D018492:Dopamine Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005464:Fluorobenzenes / Q000494:pharmacology; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010880:Piperidines / Q000494:pharmacology; D020891:Raclopride; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012457:Salicylamides / Q000494:pharmacology; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000662:Amphetamines; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001552:Benzazepines; D018492:Dopamine Antagonists; D005464:Fluorobenzenes; D010880:Piperidines; D012457:Salicylamides; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; C058081:ecopipam; D020891:Raclopride; C079049:volinanserin; D003024:Clozapine; D006220:Haloperidol; C015952:4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine