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.


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  • 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.

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

If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us, we will reply within few days. Custom protocol

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