CUFF PEDESTAL - ALTERNATIVE TO FLOWERPOTS

A modification of the classical flowerpot technique, used for deprivation of rapid eye movement sleep (REM) in the rat, is described. An important feature of this procedure is the equipment of the pedestal with a movable aluminium cuff which, by allowing a natural curling position without the danger of falling into the water, makes it possible to use the animal as its own control prior to REM deprivation. This technique may have some advantage in behavioral studies concerning continuous recording of food intake and locomotor activity in the rat during the course of REM deprivation.