Journal of neuroscience methods
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J. Neurosci. Methods · Jun 2007
Pressure application measurement (PAM): a novel behavioural technique for measuring hypersensitivity in a rat model of joint pain.
Chronic joint pain affects physical well being and can lead to severe psychological and social problems, therefore successful long-term management is highly sought-after. No current behavioural measures of pain used in pre-clinical models mimic the clinical dolorimeter, which provides an objective measure of joint hypersensitivity. In this study we aim to use a novel behavioural readout alongside an established measure to mimic the multifactorial measurements taken in the clinic. ⋯ Both PAM and the incapacitance tester detected a reversal of hypersensitivity 1h post-drug administration. Furthermore, the two readouts were highly correlated, and power analysis indicated that PAM was highly reproducible. In conclusion, PAM provides a novel, accurate behavioural tool for detecting a primary mechanical hypersensitivity in a rat model of chronic inflammatory joint pain.
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J. Neurosci. Methods · Jun 2007
A simple method for efficient spike detection in multiunit recordings.
A number of spike detection and sorting methods exist and the availability of powerful desktop computers may suggest that the problem of spike detection is solved. However, for portable multi-channel systems, when one takes into account the power consumption limitations, computationally simple methods can be advantageous when compared to more complex algorithms. ⋯ The proposed algorithm can be employed in an analog electronic chip thus eliminating the need for the digitization of the original signal. Consequently, only the times of spike occurrence can be transmitted for further analysis.
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J. Neurosci. Methods · Jun 2007
The CatWalk method: a detailed analysis of behavioral changes after acute inflammatory pain in the rat.
Experimental pain research is often complicated by the absence of an objective and detailed method to analyze behavioral changes. In the present study, acute pain was induced into the right knee of the rat (n=15) through the injection of 2mg carrageenan (CAR) in saline. A control group received vehicle injection into the knee (n=15). ⋯ These CatWalk parameters were highly correlated with von Frey data and thus representative for the development of mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, detailed CatWalk analysis of the gait (i.e. coordinated interaction between left and right hindlimb) showed very fine, accurate and significant coordination changes in the experimental rats from 4h post-injection. In conclusion, the CatWalk method allows an objective and detailed detection of both pain-induced gait adaptations as well as the development of mechanical allodynia in an acute inflammatory pain model.