An original method for assessment of the jumping test.

A study was carried out in mice to evaluate jumping activity, using an original methodology which makes graphical automatization and objectivization possible. The effects of guanfacine (an adrenergic alpha 2-agonist) in morphine-dependent mice and the ability of caffeine to induce a pseudosyndrome were also studied. This new method is useful for quantifying the jumping activity while also being able to evaluate other symptoms of abstinence. Furthermore, the method avoids manipulation of the animals during the abstinence period.