Introduction: The Functional Observational Battery (FOB) is a systematic evaluation of nervous system function in the rat, comprising more than 30 parameters across autonomic, neuromuscular, sensorimotor and behavioural domains. We have collated FOB outcomes from 50 compounds that were not targeted at CNS disorders, and would therefore be anticipated to have relatively few CNS side-effects, for evaluation of the FOB as part of the safety pharmacology 'core battery'.
Methods: Male Han Wistar rats (200-300 g) were used, with n=6 per treatment group. Each compound was tested acutely at 3 dose levels (oral route), from the therapeutic dose up to either 100 times this dose or to the maximal tolerated dose (MTD). A vehicle control group was included in each study.
Results: Effects were detected in the FOB for 94% of compounds tested. The commonest effects were weight loss/decreased body weight gain overnight post-dose (46% of compounds), and changes in core temperature (36%). Dose-related effects were observed with 62% of compounds; the commonest was decreased body weight gain (32%), followed by effects on tail flick latency (14%), landing foot splay (12%), decreased rectal temperature (10%), time to exit the centre circle in the open field (10%), diarrhoea/loose faeces (8%), respiratory effects (4%), grasping reflex (4%) and supported rears in the open field (4%). Remaining parameters were affected by < or =2% of compounds.
Discussion: The value of doing the FOB as part of the safety pharmacology 'core battery' is emphasised by the fact that, even for non-CNS targeted compounds, the majority affected at least one of the parameters in the FOB. These data may also help to anticipate the most frequently required 'follow-up' studies.