Pharmacological relevance of the Open-Field Test

Newsletter # 74



Animal models


The Open-Field is a useful tool that allows scientists to study the activity and the exploratory behaviors of laboratory rodents. The test in the open-field enables the detection of the pharmacological effect of drugs that include sedation, hypo/ hyperactivity, anxiety and other related effects. In the context of neuromuscular disease, the travelled distance in the open-field mirrors the 6-min walk test in clinical trials.


  • Exemples of travelled distance recorded in the open-field :


  • Less Active

  • Control

  • More Active




  • Detection of the potential: Sedative effects

    Diazepam induces a dose-dependent reduction of the locomotor activity of mice in the open-field supporting its sedative effect.
  • Detection of the potential: Psychotomimetic effects

    Phencyclidine (Angel dust) induces a dose-dependent increase of the locomotor activity of mice in the open-field and thus mimics the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
  • Detection of the potential : Antipsychotic effects

    Haloperidol suppresses Amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion. Amphetamine-induced hyperstimulation is commonly used as a model for the positive symptoms of schizophrenia and thus supports antipsychotic potential of haloperidol.


NEUROFIT offers a range of validated in vitro and in vivo screening tests for psychiatry and neurology.

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