Models and Research Techniques

Animal Models

Pain Models

• • Spared Nerve Injury (SNI) – sciatic nerve transection model

• • Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI) – sciatic nerve ligation model

• • Osteoarthritis Model – intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate

• • Restraint Stress Model – chronic immobilization-induced stress

Psychiatric Disorder Models

• • Pharmacological Schizophrenia Models – MK-801, ketamine, PCP-induced models

Parkinson’s Disease Models

• • 1BnTIQ Model

• • Lactacystin-Induced Model

• • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Model

Addiction Models

• • Adolescent Psychostimulant Exposure Model in Rats

• • Binge Substance Use Model in Rats and Mice

• • Voluntary Alcohol Consumption Model in Rats

In Vivo Studies

Behavioral Tests

• • Von Frey Test – mechanical pain sensitivity assessment

• • Cold/Hot Plate Test – evaluation of thermal pain response

• • Tail Flick Test – assessment of nociceptive thresholds

• • Open Field Test – evaluation of anxiety and locomotor activity

• • Forced Swimming Test – assessment of depression-like behavior

• • Elevated Plus Maze Test – anxiety-related behavior analysis

• • Novel Object Recognition Test – cognitive and memory function assessment

• • Social Interaction Test – evaluation of social behavior

• • Pressure Application Measurement Test – assessment of joint pain sensitivity

• • Kinetic Weight Bearing Test – load distribution in pain conditions

• • Forepaw Threading Test – motor coordination and dexterity assessment

• • Wet Dog Shake Test – evaluation of serotonergic system activity

• • Serial Pattern Learning Test (SPL) – assessment of cognitive flexibility

• • Sucrose and Ethanol Preference Test – evaluation of reward-related behavior

• • Light-Dark Box (LDB) Test – anxiety-related behavior assessment

• • Attentional Set Shifting Test (ASST) – assessment of cognitive flexibility and executive function

• • Probabilistic Reversal Learning Test – cognitive flexibility and decision-making assessment

• • Progressive Ratio Schedule of Reinforcement Test – motivation and reward system analysis

Additional In Vivo Techniques

• • Microdialysis in Freely Moving Rats and Mice – neurochemical analysis

• • Estrous Cycle Monitoring – hormonal assessment in female rodents

In Vitro Studies

• • Primary Cultures of Microglia, Astrocytes, and Neurons

Molecular Analyses

• • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) – protein quantification

• • Western Blot – protein expression analysis

• • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) – neurotransmitter and metabolite detection

• • BCA Protein Assay – protein concentration measurement

• • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) & RT-qPCR – gene expression analysis