Behaviour activity test systems

From the examination of structure-activity relationships, it has been concluded that a phenyl moiety at C-6 as well as a 4-hydroxypiperidine side-chain attached to C-3 of the pyridazine system is essential for anticonvulsant activity in this class of compounds [184], Compounds (54) and (55) have been found to have similar anticonvulsant profiles in animals (mice, rats and baboons) [165, and literature cited therein] and to represent potent broad-spectrum antiepileptic drugs. Their potency with regard to antagonizing seizures (induced by electro-shock or various chemicals) has been compared with standard anticonvulsants like carbamazepine and phenobarbitone [185, 186], A quantitative electroencephalographic analysis of (55) has been published [187]. From in vitro studies it has been concluded that the anticonvulsant activities of these compounds are not mediated by an enhancement of GABAergic transmission or by an interaction with benzodiazepine receptor sites [ 165,186,187], On the other hand, in vivo experiments showed that (54), at anticonvulsant doses, increases the affinity of flunitrazepam for its central receptor site [ 186], Investigations of (54) and (55) in a behavioural test predictive of antianxiety activity revealed a marked difference in the pharmacological profiles of these structurally closely related compounds the dichloro compound SR 41378 (55) has also been found to possess anxiolytic (anticonflict) properties [165],... 

We performed a systematic molecular and behavioural screen to identify locomotor factors secreted by the SCN. To find secreted factors not previously documented in the SCN, we screened a hamster SCN cDNA library in a yeast secretiomtrap system (Klein et al 1996). We then carried out a behavioural screen in which newly identified and previously documented (Earnest et al 1999, Miller et al 1996, Ma et al 1992) SCN factors were tested for an effect on circadian locomotor activity by constant infusion into the 3rd ventricle of hamsters for 2 to 3 weeks (Kramer et al 2001). In general, constant infusion of a SCN locomotor factor should alter locomotor activity reversibly without affecting the underlying SCN circadian clock. A locomotor inhibitory factor, for example, should block locomotor activity for the duration of the infusion. Because the SCN clock should not be affected, the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity should reappear with its expected phase and period upon cessation of the infusion, fn contrast, constant infusion of SCN factors involved only in outputs other than locomotor activity should have no effect on locomotor behaviour. 

Formalin test A small amount of formalin solution is injected into the hind paw of mice or rats. This induces a bi-phasic pain reaction and a specific pain-related behaviour. The first phase represents acute nociceptive pain, whereas the second phase indicates more persistent pain associated with inflammation and tissue damage. Pain behaviour is observed in both phases and measured by means of a scoring system. Besides opioids, compounds active against inflammatory and neuropathic pain can be detected (Dubuisson and Dennis, Pain 1977, 4, 161-174). 

Physical testing of rubbers is the concern of PRI/22 which has a panel to deal with electrical tests. Until recently, there were 4 other active panels to split the detailed work on test methods but, as a result of the drive to economise effort and the effects of virtually all test methods coming from ISO, they were disbanded. Other committees which should be mentioned in the context of testing are PRI/71 which deals with flexible cellular materials, PRI/20 for accuracy of test machines, PRI 26 for burning behaviour of plastics and rubber and PRI/23 for chemical testing. Unfortunately, systems are never as simple as we would like specialised tests may be considered in product committees and not all products containing rubber are covered in PRI committees... 

The behaviour of the catalysts in the hydrogenation of acetone, in gaseous phase and under milder conditions, shows that all the catalysts have a high activity at all the temperatures tested and comparable to more traditional metal/support systems used under stronger conditions. 

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