Tail Flick Analgesia Meters (Panlab)
A sensitive test for studying the analgesic properties of pharmacological substances. It can also be used to evaluate basal thermal pain sensitivity or to study putative genetic differences among animals without drugs.
- Digital display
- Precise intensity light beam adjustment
- Optimal detection due to perfect alignment of heat stimulus and photo beam
- A light beam shows the point on which the heat source will focus
- Manual and remote trigger
- Groove for correct tail placement
- Automatic cut-off
- New optional Data Transfer software SEDACOM 2.0
This system features radiant heat applied on the animal's tail; when the animal feels discomfort, it reacts by a sudden tail's movement (tail flick) which automatically stops the stimulation and the timer for the measurement of the animal reaction time (period from the beginning of the stimulation until detection of the animal's response).
This test has proved particularly sensitive for studying the analgesic properties of pharmacological substances. It can also be used to evaluate basal thermal pain sensitivity or to study putative genetic differences among animals without drugs.
Description of the system
The Panlab Tail-flick Meter consists of a stimulation unit (containing the halogen lamp for the heat stimulus) and an electronic control unit. The system can be used for rats and mice of different sizes. The animals are placed with its tail protruding within a restraining tube on the platform of the Stimulus Unit. The animal's tail is positioned on a slot of adjustable width equipped with a groove that guarantees a correct placement. A remote foot-switch controls the test start/stop allowing rapid hands-free experiments.
A photo beam with adjustable sensitivity detects the tail flick and the latency is automatically presented on a digital display on the Control Unit. Measurements of reaction time are given with a 0.1 precision. A cut-off time can be set to avoid tissue damage (by default: 20 s). The groove system for the tail and the adjustment of response sensitivity ensure optimum repeatability and reliability of results.
Restrainers
The animal has to stay completely still during the test so that the flick of the tail can be considered as a specific response to the thermal stimulus. A restrainer can be used for optimizing the inmobility of the animal in these conditions. The stress of the animal has also to be minimized during the test for minimizing the release of endogenous opioids that may alter the animal response. As the restraint conditions can be a stressful for the animal, a period of habituation is needed for the test. Experienced experimenters can perform the test without any restrainers.
SEDACOM software option
The new SEDACOM 2.0 version provides an easy and convenient way to visualize and export the data on a computer for further analysis. The SEDACOM software has to be purchased separately.
Tail-temperature recorder accessory
The tail-temperature recorder (76-0294) can be used for evaluating the temperature of the tail during the experiment.
| Specifications | 76-0293 | 76-0294 |
|---|---|---|
| Catalog Pages | G24 | |
| Certification | CE | |
| Computer Requirements | Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, and XP | |
| Control Unit Depth | 350 mm | |
| Control Unit Height | 130 mm | |
| Control Unit Width | 350 mm | |
| Material Composition | Methacrylate, halogen lamp | |
| Maximum Number of Stations | 1 per computer (multiple setups available by request) | |
| Model Number | LE7106 | LE7106T |
| Power Requirements | 110V/220V, 50/60Hz | |
| SeDaCom Included | Yes | |
| Simulation Unit Depth | 140 mm | |
| Stimulation Unit Height | 155 mm | |
| Stimulation Unit Width | 400 mm |
Meymandi MS, Keyhanfar F, Yazdanpanah O, Heravi G. (2015 ) The Role of NMDARs Ligands on Antinociceptive Effects of Pregabalin in the Tail Flick Test. Anesth Pain Med.
