A protocol for the systematic review and meta-analysis of thigmotactic behaviour in the open field test in rodent models associated with persistent pain

Abstract

ObjectiveThigmotaxis is an innate predator avoidance behaviour of rodents and is enhanced when animals are under stress. It is characterised by the preference of a rodent to seek shelter, rather than expose itself to the aversive open area. The behaviour has been proposed to be a measurable construct that can address the impact of pain on rodent behaviour. This systematic review will assess whether thigmotaxis can be influenced by experimental persistent pain and attenuated by pharmacological interventions in rodents.Search strategyWe will conduct search on three electronic databases to identify studies in which thigmotaxis was used as an outcome measure contextualised to a rodent model associated with persistent pain. All studies published until the date of the search will be considered.Screening and annotationTwo independent reviewers will screen studies based on the order of (1) titles and abstracts, and (2) full texts.Data management and reportingFor meta-analysis, we will extract thigmotactic behavioural data and calculate effect sizes. Effect sizes will be combined using a random-effects model. We will assess heterogeneity and identify sources of heterogeneity. A risk-of-bias assessment will be conducted to evaluate study quality. Publication bias will be assessed using funnel plots, Egger’s regression and trim-and-fill analysis. We will also extract stimulus-evoked limb withdrawal data to assess its correlation with thigmotaxis in the same animals. The evidence obtained will provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and limitations of using thigmotactic outcome measure in animal pain research so that future experimental designs can be optimised. We will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines and disseminate the review findings through publication and conference presentation.

Investigation of anxiolytic effects of ethanol extract from banana peel (Musa paradisiaca L. var Semeru)

“…Thigmotaxis is the rodent's innate avoidance behavior, increasing when the animal is under stress. It is characterized by the rodent's preference for seeking shelter rather than exposing themselves to open areas [26]. Anxiety involves a conflict between the urge to avoid and explore a threatening stimulus (e.g., an open or bright area on a test kit) [27].…”

A systematic review and meta-analysis of thigmotactic behaviour in the open field test in rodent models associated with persistent pain

“…The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42040408044 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/ prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=208044) and published [75].…”