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Results

Open-field , test for anxiety-like behaviours

The parameters recorded from the open-field test indicate absence of any abnormal behaviour in any of the treatment groups when compared to non-anaesthetized individuals.

The test was fundamental in demonstrating that all the animals were under standard conditions. It excluded any genetically based difference that might have affected the outcome of the following test on an individual basis.

Locomotory impairment was analyzed by recording and comparing the speed and the distance travelled by every animal.

The anxiety factor was analyzed by recording the digestive activity of the animals (strong indicator of the presence of stress) and the occurrence of thigmotaxis, the natural tendency of rodents to  stay closer to the  walls  when  anxious.



Summary of parameters recorded

Learning

Morris water maze- spatial memory

Results from the Morris water maze indicate that anaesthesia with isoflurane caused impairment in one treatment group. Surprisingly it was the one that received the lowest concentration of isoflurane (1%).
The animals anesthetized with 1% isoflurane required to travel longer distances and for more time before solving the water maze (reaching the escape platform above water level).


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Last updated: 05/08/08