Rotarod test
The rotarod test was performed to assess the possible motor impairment
in animals due to MIA-induced joint damage, as well as the effects of
vortioxetine/duloxetine on motor coordination or sedation. The test was
performed using a rotarod apparatus (Treadmill for rats 47700; Ugo
Basile, Milan, Italy) rotating at a constant speed of 16 rpm. Prior to
OA induction, the rats were trained to drive the rotating rod for two
consecutive days. Only the rats that managed to stay on the rod for more
than 300 seconds were used for the experiment. After injection of
MIA/saline, the animals’ ability to balance on a rotating rod (the time
the animals spent on the rod before falling off) was tested at different
time points (Figure 1).