Behavioral testing in rodent models of stroke, Part II

Abstract

The critical test of a therapeutic intervention is whether it affects clinically relevant outcomes. Therefore, a vital part of preclinical stroke research includes the use of reliable tests of functional outcome. This chapter presents select behavioral tests commonly used for evaluating somatosensory, locomotor, and skilled and cognitive functions in rodent models of stroke. The methods described emphasize the value of careful quantitative and qualitative assessment of acute and long-term behavioral defi cits. Some of the protocols presented allow us to determine whether a preclinical treatment restores the original function or simply enhances performance by improving the learning of alternative strategies. Recommendations are given to assist the reader in the choice of individual tests to develop a test battery for the assessment of chronic defi-cits and functional improvements in rodent models of experimental stroke.