$4,990.00
The Hot/Cold Plate Test is a widely recognized method for assessing thermal pain in rodents and is commonly used to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesic treatments. This test involves placing a mouse or rat in a chamber with a temperature-controlled floor surrounded by transparent acrylic walls. Observations focus on two main behaviors: paw licking and jumping.
The apparatus for the Hot/Cold Plate Test consists of a transparent glass cylinder and a temperature-regulated metal plate. The glass cylinder (20 cm in diameter and 25 cm in height) confines the rodent to the metal plate while allowing clear observation. The metal floor can be heated or cooled to various temperatures as needed for the experiment.
This device integrates both hot and cold stimuli in one unit. The cold plate component helps evaluate the animal’s sensitivity to cold, facilitating the study of cold-induced hyperalgesia and allodynia. This setup also enables the assessment of pain responses to unilateral cold stimuli, which is not achievable with the hot plate alone. The adjustable temperature controls provide the ability to precisely observe the animal’s nocifensive responses to different thermal stimuli, making it a valuable tool for testing analgesic effectiveness.
MazeEngineers provide the Hot/Cold Plate Test apparatus.
Hot Cold Plate Features | |
Acrylic Wall: Diameter 20 cm × 25 cm | |
Volume: Depth: 35 cm × Width: 30 cm × Height: 23 cm | |
Temperature setting range: -5℃ to 65℃ with 0.01℃ precision |
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The Hot/Cold Plate Test combines elements of both the Hot Plate and Cold Plate tests, which are typically conducted separately using distinct devices. This integrated test subjects animals to either harmful hot temperatures or benign cold temperatures to trigger nocifensive reactions. The Cold Plate component is particularly useful for evaluating cold-induced hyperalgesia and allodynia, and for assessing unilateral pain sensitivity. By merging these two types of pain assessments into a single apparatus, researchers can conveniently compare responses under both conditions and streamline their testing process.
The Hot/Cold Plate apparatus features a temperature-regulated surface that can be adjusted to maintain a constant temperature or to gradually increase or decrease in temperature. When exposed to these temperatures, animals may exhibit various nocifensive behaviors, such as jumping, paw licking, or stamping. Notably, hind paw responses like withdrawal and licking are often more reliable indicators of nociception compared to forepaw reactions, as the forepaws are typically engaged in exploration and grooming activities during the test.
Additionally, another temperature-based assay available is the Thermal Gradient Test.
The Hot/Cold Plate apparatus features a transparent glass cylinder paired with a temperature-controlled metal plate. The metal floor of the plate is adjustable, allowing precise temperature regulation. The glass cylinder, with a diameter of 24 cm and a height of 29 cm, confines the subject to the plate, preventing it from escaping while ensuring a clear, unobstructed view for observation.
Adjust the metal plate to a temperature of 5°C. Introduce the subject to the testing environment and provide an acclimation period of 30 to 60 minutes. After the subject has adjusted to the test area, position it on the apparatus and start the timer without delay. Each session should continue for up to 5 minutes. If multiple trials are conducted, ensure there is a minimum 10-minute break between each one.
Set the metal plate to a maximum temperature between 52°C and 55°C. Introduce the subject into the testing area and allow it to acclimate for 30 to 60 minutes. Once the subject has settled in, place it on the hot plate and start the timer immediately. Observe and remove the subject as soon as it displays a nocifensive reaction, such as hind paw licking, flicking, vocalization, or jumping. If no response is observed within 30 seconds, promptly remove the subject and end the test. Multiple trials may not yield additional useful information.
For enhanced observation and tracking, consider using a video analysis system such as Noldus EthoVision XT.
Data from the Hot/Cold Plate test is typically clear and direct. The primary measurement is the latency period, which is the time elapsed from when the subject is placed on the plate until the first indication of nocifensive behavior, such as paw licking or jumping. Additionally, other relevant data include the duration of the nocifensive response and the temperature at which such behaviors occur, especially in tests where the temperature is incrementally increased.
The Hot/Cold Plate Test integrates both hot and cold stimuli into one device. This setup enables the evaluation of an animal’s sensitivity to cold temperatures, which helps in assessing conditions like cold-induced hyperalgesia and allodynia. Unlike the hot plate test alone, the cold plate component allows for the measurement of unilateral pain. The ability to adjust the rate of temperature change—both cooling and heating—facilitates the observation of how different thermal stimuli provoke nocifensive responses. This apparatus is also valuable for determining the effectiveness of analgesic treatments.
Performance on the Hot/Cold Plate Test can be influenced by the subject’s anxiety due to the confined testing environment. Additionally, the opportunity for free movement on the plate during the trial may result in inaccurate observations of nocifensive responses. Using a constant temperature setup might also be less effective, as subjects may adapt their behavior over time, potentially leading to reduced response times. Furthermore, the subject’s gender could play a role in how they respond during the test.
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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.
