[A device for the evaluation of motor incorrdination in rats (author's transl)].

A runway apparatus for rats has been developed for measuring motor incoordination and running time. Animals were trained to run along an elevated narrow pathway. Frequency and severity of slipping off and running time were automatically counted. Rats were given diazepam, phenobarbital or chlorpromazine orally and tested 1 h later. Diazepam, 8-64 mg/kg p.o., caused slipping off in a dose-dependent manner. Phenobarbital had a similar effect with 64 mg/kg p.o. Chlorpromazine, 32 and 64 mg/kg p.o., caused other signs of motor deficit.