Basically, a radiant heat is applied on the tail; when the animal feels discomfort, it reacts by a sudden tail's movement (tail flick) which automatically stops the stimulation and the timer for the measurement of the animal reaction time (period from the beginning of the stimulation until detection of the animal’s response).

This test has proved particularly sensitive for studying the analgesic properties of pharmacological substances. It can also be used to evaluate basal thermal pain sensitivity or to study putative genetic differences among animals without drug ('naïve').

The LE7106 Tail-flick Meter consists of a Stimulation Unit (containing the halogen lamp for the heat stimulus) and an electronic Control Unit. The system can be used for rats and mice of different sizes. The animals are placed with its tail protruding within a restraining tube on the platform of the Stimulus Unit. The animal’s tail is positioned on a slot of adjustable width equipped with a groove that guarantees a correct placement of the rodent’s tail. A remote foot-switch controls the test start/stop allowing rapid hands-free experiments.

A photo beam with adjustable sensitivity detects the tail flick and the latency is automatically presented on a digital display on the Control Unit. Measurements of reaction time are given with a 0.1 precision. A cut-off time can be set to avoid tissue damage (by default: 20 s). The groove system for the tail and the adjustment of response sensitivity ensure optimum repeatability and reliability of results.

SeDacom software supplied with the unit can be used to automatically record the results on a PC through a RS 232 port.

Parameters Measured
• Time latency responses to thermal stimulus (tail flick)

Key features
• Digital display
• Precise intensity light beam adjustment
• Photo beams with adjustable sensitivity
• A light beam shows the point on which the heat source will focus
• Manual and remote timer
• Groove for correct tail placement
• Automatic cut-off
• Computer interface

Components included
• Control Unit with RS232 communication port to PC
• Stimulation Unit
• Mouse tail adaptor
• Holder for Rat or Mouse
• SeDaCom Software
• Instructions manual
• Cables, connectors
• Set of two spare fuses
• 1 year warranty

Options
• LE7000 Thermal Printer