Characterization of motor activity patterns induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists in gerbils.

A computerized motor activity data collection and analysis system is described. An example of the utilization of the Digiscan system is provided, in which motor activity patterns induced by three N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists and the dissociative anesthetic, ketamine, are compared. All of these compounds produce a distinct pattern of motor activity characterized by an increase in distance traveled, movement time, speed and perimeter walking, with a decrease in vertical activity. Recently described links between NMDA and phencyclidine (PCP) binding sites may account for these findings. The utility of computerized motor activity apparatus is clearly demonstrated.