Computerized measurement of MK-801-elicited popping and hyperactivity in mice.
Clinical neuropharmacology October 1, 1995 R B Rosse, J Mastropaolo, D M Sussman et al.
MK-801, a compound that blocks NMDA glutamate receptors, causes hyperactivity, repetitive behaviors, and explosive jumping (popping) in mice. A computerized system was developed to automatically measure popping and hyperactivity by detecting vertical platform movements. This method quantifies the number, force, and duration of jumps more precisely than human observation. The antipsychotic haloperidol significantly reduced both popping and hyperactivity caused by MK-801. The authors suggest this automated approach could improve preclinical screening of potential antipsychotic drugs and help clarify the mechanisms behind MK-801-induced behaviors.