The Suok 'ropewalking' test of rodent anxiety and sensorimotor disintegration: А 20-year summary of its application in neuroscience research.

Abstract

The Suok (ropewalking) test has been developed in 2004 to simultaneously assess rodent locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, sensorimotor disintegration, and their interplay. Over the last 20 years, this 'hybrid' test has been used in rat and mouse neurobehavioral research by various laboratories globally. Here, we provide a detailed overview of the Suok test, its past and present uses, methodological strengths, limitations, the existing problems, potential future modifications and practical applications. We also discuss the implications of results obtained in this test for improving our understanding of brain pathogenesis and the development of therapies for anxiety, vestibular disorders, sensorimotor disintegration and its stress-induced subtype. Finally, we suggest novel potential avenues for adapting this behavioral paradigm to the current needs and challenges of rodent preclinical neuroscience and drug discovery research.