To Check the analgesic

effect of drug by Tail flick

test
Dr. Adnan Iqbal
510 Pharmacology Lab
Tail flick test
• The tail flick test is a test of the pain response in animals, similar to
the hot plate test. It is used in basic pain research and to measure the
effectiveness of analgesics, by observing the reaction to heat.

• Tail Flick test was first described by D’Amour and Smith in the year 1941.

• In their experiment, D’Amour and Smith investigated the analgesic effects

of different substances and even cobra venom on pain response of rats
• The Tail Flick test has two variants; one variant uses dipping the tail into
water that is maintained at a predetermined temperature, while the second
variation uses the application of radiant heat stimulus to a part of the tail.
Apparatus and Equipment
• For the water-immersion variant, no special apparatus is required. For this
Tail Flick test variation, the water bath is to be maintained at a constant
temperature throughout the testing process.
Apparatus and Equipment

• When using a direct heat stimulus, the composition of the apparatus includes
a restraining tube that comfortably limits the subject while allowing experimentation on
its tail, a radiant heat source that provides focused heat stimulus, and a timer.
• Place the subject in its restraining compartment and allow it 15 to 20 minutes to
acclimate.
• To increase heat absorption, the part of the subject’s tail to be tested can be painted black.
• Place the subject’s tail directly under the heat source.
• Start the timer and the light at the same time. Observe the subject for pain elicited
behaviors until the cut-off time (usually 20 to 35 seconds) for experiment has been
reached.
• Repeat trials as necessary with at least 5-minute inter-trial interval.
Comparison to Hot Plate Test

• In comparison with other tests, such as the Hot Plate test, the
Tail Flick neither subjects the animal to a heated open-field nor
focuses the stimulus on its plantar surface.
Limitations

• The observer should be able to differentiate voluntary movement from pain reflex
behaviors. Since Tail Flick test requires restraining, it is essential that the subjects are well
accustomed to that process. Restraining may also cause anxiety-related behaviors. The
cut-off time should not exceed 30 to 35 seconds to avoid unnecessary harm to the subject.

• It is important to minimize any external stimulus in the test arena to reduce their impact
on the subject’s performance.