The LE7406 Hot Plate performs rapid and precise screening of analgesic drug properties on small-laboratory animals according to the ‘hot-plate test’. The animal’s pain sensitivity alterations induced by a specific experimental context change and/or genetic manipulations can also be evaluated through this method.
Basically, the hot-plate test, initially described by N.B. Eddy and D. Leimbach (1953), evaluates thermal pain reflexes due to footpad contact with a heated surface. During the experiments, the animal is confined in a removable clear acrylic cylinder where the latency time to the first hind paw or/and jumping responses are measured.
In the LE7406 Hot Plate, a thick aluminium plate (10 mm) provides a high temperature stability and even surface distribution. The plate temperature can be held at a set point between 45 and 62°C (± 0.1ºC) by multiple proportional feedback circuits that minimize overshoot. A built-in timer activated by an external foot switch allows precise measurement of reaction time (0.1 sec precision). A remote foot-switch controls the test start/stop allowing rapid hands-free experiments. The operator can read the animal reaction time from the display or from a PC computer using the SEDACOM software.
The optional SEDACOM software (new version 2.0 available) can be used and represents an easy and convenient way to visualize and export the data (Trial number, plate temperature, reaction time etc.) on a computer for further analysis.