Feasibility study for functional test battery of SOD transgenic rat (H46R) and evaluation of edaravone, a free radical scavenger

We evaluated a battery of functional tests for investigating the effects of edaravone, a free radical scavenger, in SOD1 transgenic (H46R) rat model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Edaravone (1.5 or 3.0 mg/kg/h) or saline was administered intravenously to rats by continuous infusion (1 h per day) for 2 days, followed by a 2-day holiday. Lifetime and duration of illness were evaluated, and motor function was assessed using the hind-foot reflex test, landing foot-splay test, rota rod test and inclined plate test at a predetermined time point at which half of the control animals had died. Statistical comparison of motor functions of edaravone-treated and control SOD1 transgenic rats at an objectively determined time point was confirmed to be feasible. Edaravone-treated male rats showed significantly better performance in the landing foot-splay test. The present model seems suitable for evaluating motor function of H46R SOD1 transgenic rats, and be useful for examining the therapeutic potential of edaravone to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.