Abstract. Behavioral responses are among the objective indicators of changes in the functional characteristics of higher nervous activity in laboratory animals under the influence of chemical, physical, biological, and psychological factors, as well as during the modeling of CNS disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Amidst a number of test models for studying behavioral responses, the «open field» test is most commonly used.

Aim of the study. To trace the main indicators of behavioral reactions, the significance and application of the «open field» test in experimental studies based on published scientific works.

Materials and methods of the study. Printed works in periodicals, collections of scientific papers, Internet resources related to the study of behavioral reactions of laboratory animals in experimental studies using the «open field» test. Methods – search, analytical, descriptive.

Results. The «open field» test (OFT) for studying behavioral reactions in experimental studies has been used for over 90 years after the published article by C. S. Hall and E. L. Ballachey in 1932. The test is considered a fundamental behavioral test, used in biomedical and pharmacological studies, toxicology, and psychology to assess vertical and horizontal motor and orienting-exploratory activity, and emotional state in animals. The OFT makes it possible to assess age-related and gender-related changes in the functioning of the CNS, to identify individual-typological features of animal behavior to clarify adaptive processes and the intensity of homeostasis disorders in active and passive animals. The quality and interpretation of behavioral reaction parameters are constantly improving.

Conclusions. The «open field» test is widely used in experimental studies of animal behavior to assess the functional features of higher nervous activity under the influence of stress factors of various genesis. Measures for the prevention, correction and treatment of pathological conditions should be carried out taking into account individual-typological characteristics of behavior.

Ключові слова: «open field» test, white rats, behavioral reactions, active and passive types of behavior

Повний текст: PDF (Ukr)

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