A fast and accurate algometer based on an instrumented pincher as an alternative to the Randall-Selitto test: This new analgesia meter developed by Bioseb following Luis-Delgado et al. (2005) allows accurate nociceptive tests to measure mechanical pain threshold on rat or mouse limbs with minimal constraint. Now wireless, to be free from annoying cables!
Presentation
Bioseb's 'Rodent Pincher' algometer allows calibrated forceps to induce quantifiable mechanical stimulation in the animal (rats or mice) on a linear scale. The most suitable protocol was experimented by determining the effects of 3 repetitive measurements on the 2 hindpaws, respectively over long-term (9 days), mid-term (1 day) and short-term (2 hours). It was primarily developed as an analgesimeter/algometer (analgesia measurement instrument) for nociceptive tests. In this specific use, the Rodents Pincher not only represents an alternative to the 'RANDALL & SELITTO' test - but also presents the following advantages when compared to the classical test:
• More ethical handling, less stressful for the animal (rat or mouse) resulting in less variable measurements
• Faster measurement, less traumatic for the tissues
• Digital measurement with metrological traceability
Furthermore, this pincher-based analgesia meter can also be used for other applications that require a controlled force or pressures values, for example :
• Sensitivity recovery after nerve crush: pinching is applied at several places over the paw to see the sensitivity recovery
• Mechanical injuries for thrombotic models