Rotarod Test (mouse)

The rotarod test is used to assess an investigational compound’s possible adverse effect on motor function. When a mouse is placed on a one-inch knurled steel rod that rotates at a constant speed of six rpm, the animal can maintain equilibrium for long periods of time. The animal is considered impaired if it falls off this rotating rod three times during the one-minute observation period. Assessment for impairment is usually performed on the same animals in conjunction with seizure models.

Quantification of the dose that induces toxicity in 50% of animals treated with the compound (TD50) is conducted at the time of peak effect (TPE) and is described separately.