EFFECTS OF SKELETAL MUSCLE RELAXANTS USING ROTA-ROD APPARATUS
Aim: To study the effects of Skelton muscle relaxants using Rota-rod apparatus.
Principle :
Antianxiety drugs have important action on muscle relaxation. Besides, these drugs have
taming or claiming effect which reduces the anxiety and tension.
Loss of muscle grip indicates the muscle relaxation this effect can be studied by using
inclined plane or rotating rods.
Difference in fall of time from rotating rod between control and drug treated animals is taken
as an index of muscle relaxation.
Rota rod apparatus consists of a metal axle, with a horizontal wooden or iron rod 2.5cm in
diameter and 5.3cm in length.
Rod is rotating at variable speed (15-25rpm).
The angle of the slope of the inclined plane, or the rate of rotation of the rod should be
adjusted such that a normal mouse can stay on the plane or the rod for an appreciable period
(3-5min.) of time.
Requirements:
Animal – Mice
Drug –Diazepam (4mg/kg)
Equipment – Rota rod apparatus
Procedure:
1. Weigh and number the animals.
2. Place animals on the rotating rod at 20 r.p.m (if the rod is divided into several compartments,
one can place more than one rat at a time). Note 'fall off time’s when the rat falls from the
rod for each rotating rod.
3. Diazepam (4mg/kg, i.p.) or any other muscle relaxant was injected to all the animals. Repeat
the experiment after 30min.and note fall off time.
4. Compare the fall of time of animals before and after diazepam treatment.
EFFECT OF DRUGS ON LOCOMOTOR ACTIVITY USING ACTOPHOTOMETER
EXPERIMENT NO. 10 DATE:
Aim:
To study the central nervous system depressant property of diazepam on the locomotor activity of mice
using actophotometer.
Requirements:
Animal: Mice (20-25g)
Drug: Diazepam
Dose: 4mg/kg; make a stock solution containing 0.4mg/ml of drug and inject 1m/100g body weight of
mouse.
Equipment: Actophotometer
Principle:
Most of the central nervous system acting drugs influence the locomotor activities in mans and animals.
The CNS depressant drugs such as barbiturates and alcohol reduce the motor activity while the
stimulants such as caffeine and amphetamines increase the activity. In other words; the locomotor
activity can be an index of work fullness of mental activity.
The locomotor activity can be easily measured using an actophotometer which operates on
photoelectric cells which are connected in circuit with a counter. When the beam of light falling on the
photocell is weight off by the animal; a count is recorded. An actophotometer could have either circular
or square arena in which the animal moves. Both rats and mice may be used for testing in the
equipment.
Procedure:
1) Weigh the animals and numbers them.
2) Turn on the equipment (check and make sure that all the photocells are working for accurate
recording) and place individually each moves in the activity cage for 10 mins.
3) Note the basal activity score of all the animals.
4) Inject the diazepam (1ml/100g) and after 30 mins re-test each mouse for activity scores for
10 mins.
5) Note the difference in the activity; before and after diazepam.
6) Calculate percentage decrease in motor activity.
