The rotarod test for mice is a great way to test for strength and balance (especially for screening side effects of drugs in preclinical tests).This simple yet powerful tool has led to many discoveries in brain science and medicine, helping to understand neurological disorders and potential treatments [1].
Figure: The Rotarod
The Rotarod apparatus consists of a rotating rod or drum on which rodents are placed. As the rod rotates, animals must maintain balance and coordination to avoid falling off. The speed of rotation can be adjusted to challenge different aspects of motor function, making it a versatile tool for researchers.
In the Rotarod Test, two flanges, typically 30 cm in diameter and spaced 6 cm apart, prevent the mouse from leaving the rod. The mouse’s task is to walk forward on the rotating rod without falling off. Importantly, simply holding onto the rod without walking invalidates the trial, known as “cartwheeling.”
On the day of testing, mice should first acclimate in their homecage for 30 minutes upon arrival to the testing room. When transferring the mouse onto the rotating rod, there are two recommended methods:
Ten seconds after placing the mouse on the rod, adjust the rotation speed to the desired level. Note the speed at which the mouse falls off, recording two trials with their respective speeds. Depending on the timing of the fall:
Performance in the task is then calculated as the mean speed (rpm) between the two trials. For instance, if trial 1 was at 4 rpm and trial 2 was at 12 rpm, the mouse’s performance is calculated as (4 + 12 rpm) / 2 = 8 rpm.
Figure: The Rotarod Test on Mice.
Researchers utilize the Rotarod Test to assess motor deficits in various experimental models, including neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. By measuring the latency to fall or the duration of time animals can remain on the rod, scientists can quantify motor performance and track changes over time.
The Rotarod Test also serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the effects of pharmacological interventions on motor function [3]. Experimental drugs or compounds can be administered to rodents, and their performance on the Rotarod can indicate potential therapeutic efficacy or side effects.
While the Rotarod Test provides valuable insights into motor coordination, researchers must consider factors such as species differences, learning effects, and potential biases in their experimental designs. Proper controls and randomization are essential to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
It is important that:
Calibrating parameters is crucial in the Rotarod Test, as they need adjustment based on the specific research question. For instance, if the rod’s speed is set too high, it can mask motor deficits induced by alcohol, leading to undetected impairments. Therefore, the reliability of test results depends on carefully calibrated parameters set by the experimenter.
While the Rotarod Test provides valuable insights into motor coordination, researchers must consider factors such as species differences, learning effects, and potential biases in their experimental designs. Proper controls and randomization are essential to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
It is important that:
Calibrating parameters is crucial in the Rotarod Test, as they need adjustment based on the specific research question. For instance, if the rod’s speed is set too high, it can mask motor deficits induced by alcohol, leading to undetected impairments. Therefore, the reliability of test results depends on carefully calibrated parameters set by the experimenter.
Vanja works as the Social Media and Academic Program Manager at Conduct Science. With a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology and Physiology and a Master's degree in Human Molecular Biology, Vanja is dedicated to sharing scientific knowledge on social media platforms. Additionally, Vanja provides direct support to the editorial board at Conduct Science Academic Publishing House.
Monday – Friday
9 AM – 5 PM EST
DISCLAIMER: ConductScience and affiliate products are NOT designed for human consumption, testing, or clinical utilization. They are designed for pre-clinical utilization only. Customers purchasing apparatus for the purposes of scientific research or veterinary care affirm adherence to applicable regulatory bodies for the country in which their research or care is conducted.
