A Planarian Motility Assay to Gauge the Biomodulating Properties of Natural Products

Evelyn B. Voura; Carlos  H. Pulquerio; Robyn  A. M. V. Fong; Zaina Imani; Pablo  J. Rojas; Angela  M. Pratt; Nicole  M. Shantel; Elisa  J. Livengood

doi:10.3791/61070

A Planarian Motility Assay to Gauge the Biomodulating Properties of Natural Products

JoVE Journal
Biochemistry

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JoVE Journal Biochemistry

A Planarian Motility Assay to Gauge the Biomodulating Properties of Natural Products

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07:13 min

May 30, 2020

DOI: 10.3791/61070-v

Evelyn B. Voura¹, Carlos H. Pulquerio¹, Robyn A. M. V. Fong¹, Zaina Imani¹, Pablo J. Rojas¹, Angela M. Pratt¹, Nicole M. Shantel¹, Elisa J. Livengood¹

¹State University of New York (SUNY) at Morrisville

Overview

The Planarian Locomotor Velocity Test assesses the stimulant and withdrawal effects of various biological agents on planarian motility. This method provides reliable behavioral data in basic research settings.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Behavioral Biology
Pharmacology

Background

Planarians have a centralized nervous system and bilateral symmetry.
They serve as a model for preclinical insights into vertebrate responses.
Behavioral studies can be influenced by various physiological modifiers.
Standardization in experiments is crucial for consistent results.

Purpose of Study

To evaluate the effects of natural products on planarian motility.
To provide insights into potential vertebrate responses.
To establish a reliable method for behavioral data collection.

Methods Used

Planarian locomotor velocity assessment.
Controlled experiments to minimize stress on the organisms.
Standardization of experimental conditions among researchers.
Use of physiological pathway modifiers and genetically modified planarians.

Main Results

Planarian motility can effectively indicate stimulant and withdrawal effects.
Behavioral data generated is reliable and reproducible.
Insights into biological mechanisms affecting motility were obtained.
Experienced users achieved consistent results across experiments.

Conclusions

The Planarian Locomotor Velocity Test is a valuable tool in behavioral research.
It provides a straightforward method for assessing biological effects.
Further studies can enhance understanding of underlying mechanisms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Planarian Locomotor Velocity Test?

It is a method for assessing the effects of various agents on planarian movement.

Why are planarians used in behavioral studies?

They have a simple nervous system and provide insights into more complex vertebrate behaviors.

How can results be standardized in experiments?

By controlling environmental factors and ensuring consistent handling of the organisms.

What types of agents can be tested?

Natural products, drugs, and physiological modifiers can be assessed for their effects on motility.

What are the advantages of using planarians?

They are easy to handle, have a well-understood biology, and provide reliable data.

How does the planarian nervous system contribute to research?

Its simplicity allows for easier interpretation of results related to more complex systems.

What insights can be gained from this research?

Understanding the biological mechanisms affecting motility and potential vertebrate responses.

Planarian motility is used to gauge the stimulant and withdrawal properties of natural products when compared to the movement of the animals in spring water alone.

The Planarian Locomotor Velocity Test is a means for quickly assessing stimulant and possible withdrawal effects for a variety of biological modifying agents that might affect motility. This essay is easily controlled and provides a straightforward and accessible method for generating reliable behavioral data in even the most basic research settings. Since the planarian nervous system has a centralized rudimentary brain, a bilateral symmetry and analogous neurotransmitter systems, behavioral studies using these organisms offer preclinical insights into possible vertebrate responses.

Experiments can be further affected by physiological pathway modifiers, drugs or even genetically modified planarians to provide insight into the associated biological mechanisms. It is important to have the planarian so that the transfers between containers do not stress them and to standardize the grid line curves between lab members. The best way to obtain consistent results from this behavior essay experiment, is by seeing how experienced users performed them.

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