Neurological Testing
Two main neurological tests are used to assess motor and behavioral deficits in rat models of CNS disorders. Both the Garcia test and the 28-point Neuroscore test involve a battery of motor tests, ranging from simple observation to traversing a horizontal bar. These tests are well-suited for assessing neurological damage due to ischemia and the effects of novel chemical entities on motor performance.
Garcia Test The Garcia test is a composite neurological test in which the rats are evaluated for various sensorimotor deficits. The 6 tests used are as follows:
- Spontaneous activity
- Symmetry in four limb movement
- Forepaw outstretching
- Climbing
- Body proprioception
- Response to vibrissae touch
Maximum score: 18 points
28-Point Neuroscore: A 28-point Neuroscore test is used to assess post-ischemic motor and behavioral deficits. The following parameters are analyzed:
- Circling
- Motility
- General condition
- Righting reflex
- Paw placement
- Behavior on a horizontal bar
- Behavior on an inclined platform
- Grip strength
- Contralateral reflex
- Visual forepaw reaching
- Contralateral rotation
Maximum score : 28 points
