MK801-induced hyperlocomotion – This test evaluates pharmacologically induced glutamatergic hypoactivity. Animals are injected intraperitoneally with MK-801 0.15mg/kg or saline and 30 min after that are allowed to explore an open field arena for 6 minutes. Total distance moved, velocity and time spent in arena periphery and center are tracked and recorded.

[This test is applicable to rats and mice]

Reference:
van den Buuse M (2009) Modeling the positive symptoms of schizophrenia in genetically modified mice: pharmacology and methodology aspects. Schizophr Bull 36(2):246-270

MK-801-induced pre-pulse inhibition – This test evaluates the psychotic like effects of a pharmacological challenge (NMDA receptor antagonist) by studying the of the effect on pre pulse inhibition disruption.  Animals are injected with MK-801 0.15mg/kg or saline, and 30 minutes later the test begins. Prepulse-pulse trials (PPI) consist of a prepulse of an intensity 2, 4, 8, or 16dB above background noise, followed 100 ms later by a startling pulse (110dB, 40ms), Sessions are designed to include acclimation, pre pulses and pulse trials.

[This test is applicable to rats and mice]

Reference:
Arai S, Takuma K, Mizoguchi H, Ibi D, Nagai T, Takahashi K, Kamei H, Nabeshima T, Yamada K (2008) Involvement of pallidotegmental neurons in methamphetamine- and Mk-801-induced impairment of prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex in mice: Reversal by gaba-b receptor agonist baclofen. Neuropsychopharmacology 33(13):3164-3175