An integrated cardiovascular and neurobehavioural functional assessment in the conscious telemetered cynomolgus monkey.

Introduction: Unwanted effects of drugs on neurobehavioural and cardiovascular functions are normally assessed in separate studies and using different animals. The purpose of this study was to validate, in the monkey, a model that incorporates the neurobehavioural assessment into the Safety Pharmacology cardiovascular study, allowing for an integrated evaluation of these two physiological systems.

Methods: Conscious male cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys (n=4) were given single oral doses of vehicle, D-amphetamine (0.

An integrated system for video and telemetric electroencephalographic recording to measure behavioural and physiological parameters.

Introduction: The combined evaluation of physiology and behaviour allows a complete and more comprehensive pre-clinical assessment of central nervous system (CNS) function. An integrated video-telemetric electroencephalography (Video-tEEG) system, which allows the simultaneous and continuous recording of EEG and video images for long periods, was developed.

Methods: This study focuses on the refinement of the surgical methodology for the combined recording of cortical, hippocampal EEG and electromyogram (EMG) waveforms in freely moving rats.

An optimised neurobehavioural observation battery integrated with the assessment of cardiovascular function in the beagle dog.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to describe an optimised neurobehavioural observation battery in the beagle dog and to demonstrate that it can be used for an integrated assessment of cardiovascular and neurobehavioural functions within a single Safety Pharmacology study.

Methods: A standardised and detailed observation battery was established based on the direct examination of 44 signs, including behavioural responses and a full, systematic neurological examination, using clearly defined numerical scores. To complete the neurobehavioural assessment the remote observation of animals by video recording was also performed.

An optimised methodology for the neurobehavioural assessment in rodents.

Introduction: The most widely used test to identify undesired effects of drugs on the central and the peripheral nervous system is the neurobehavioural observation battery adapted from that first described by Irwin in mice. As a neurobehavioural assessment is based on observations; thus, all factors involved need to be controlled and standardised to make the data collected objective, reproducible, reliable and predictive of safety liabilities.

Methods: An observation battery comprising 58 signs with assigned full details of numerical scores was defined, and a standard design with associated recording, presenting and analysing data system was established.

A canine model used to simultaneously assess potential neurobehavioural and cardiovascular effects of candidate drugs.

Introduction: Unwanted effects of drugs on neurobehavioural and cardiovascular functions are normally assessed in separate studies and using different animals. A new model using dogs which allows for the integration of these assessments into a single study was established and validated, adopting the most sophisticated technologies for both monitoring behaviour by video recordings and cardiovascular parameters by telemetry.

Methods: Conscious male beagle dogs (n=4) were given single oral doses of vehicle, and D-amphetamine (0.