Acoustic Startle/PPI
Acoustic Startle/PPI: The acoustic (ASR) or tactile startle response (TSR) are well established techniques for assessing this complex brainstem-mediated reflex pathway (modulated by higher inhibitory input from cortical regions). We use the San Diego Instruments SR Apparatus. We also test for pre-pulse inhibition (PPI), a well-established method of testing sensorimotor gating. PPI is abnormal in several human disorders such as schizophrenia and major depression and in animal models of these disorders. ASR and PPI test methods and responses are nearly identical in humans and rodents and offer homologous comparisons across species
