Elevated Plus Maze & Digital Plethysmometer by VJ Instruments

1. Empowering Pre-Clinical Research with Precision: Elevated Plus Maze & Digital Plethysmometer by VJ Instruments Can you measure anxiety in a mouse? Or inflammation in a rat’s paw down to the last decimal? In pre-clinical research, the difference between a promising compound and a failed trial often comes down to measurement precision. That’s where advanced behavioral and physiological assessment tools become indispensable. At VJ Instruments, we go beyond manufacturing—we empower researchers in Pharmacy and Pre-Clinical research with tools that deliver accuracy, reproducibility, and ease of use. Among our most widely adopted solutions are the Elevated Plus Maze and the Digital Plethysmometer—two gold-standard instruments for behavioral neuroscience and anti- inflammatory drug testing. In this blog, we explore what these tools are, how they work, and why they’re critical for modern pharmacological studies. Understanding the Elevated Plus Maze: Measuring Anxiety in Rodents The Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) is one of the most validated and widely used behavioral assays in neuroscience. Designed to measure anxiety-like behavior in rodents, it’s a cornerstone tool in CNS (central nervous system) drug development, particularly for screening anxiolytics (anti- anxiety drugs). What Is It? The Elevated Plus Maze is a plus-shaped apparatus elevated above the ground, consisting of: Two open arms (no walls) Two closed arms (surrounded by walls) A central platform where the arms meet Rodents, particularly mice and rats, are naturally averse to open and elevated spaces. But they are also curious. The time spent in the open vs. closed arms gives researchers a quantifiable measure of anxiety and risk-taking behavior. What It Measures Time in open arms: Less time = higher anxiety

2. Number of entries into open arms: Indicates exploratory behavior Overall movement: Can be used to assess sedative or stimulant effects Application in Research CNS drug discovery Behavioral phenotyping of transgenic rodents Neurotoxicity and neuroprotection studies Stress, trauma, and fear-based research models At VJ Instruments, our Elevated Plus Maze is built for accuracy, repeatability, and durability. We provide versions integrated with video tracking systems or manual scoring options, depending on your research setup and budget. VJ Instruments Elevated Plus Maze: Features at a Glance ✅ High-quality acrylic or stainless-steel finish ✅ Easy disassembly for cleaning and storage ✅ Customizable arm dimensions and height ✅ Optional infrared beam or video tracking compatibility ✅ Stable base and anti-slip coating for animal safety Whether you're a neurobiology lab or a pharma R&D facility, our Elevated Plus Maze offers the ideal balance of design simplicity and scientific rigor. Introducing the Digital Plethysmometer: Precision Inflammation Measurement Switching from behavior to physiology, inflammation measurement is a critical part of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug testing. One of the most precise instruments for this is the Digital Plethysmometer, also known as a paw volume meter. What Is It?

3. A Digital Plethysmometer is a non-invasive device used to measure paw swelling (edema) in rodents. It works on the principle of fluid displacement. When the inflamed paw is dipped into a fluid column, the displaced volume corresponds to the extent of inflammation. This technique offers quick, reproducible, and highly sensitive measurements—ideal for detecting small changes in inflammation in response to drug treatment. What It Measures Paw volume before and after induction of inflammation Percentage of edema reduction post-drug administration Inflammatory progression over time Application in Research Anti-inflammatory drug evaluation (NSAIDs, steroids, etc.) Rheumatology and autoimmune disorder studies Toxicology and immunomodulatory testing Carrageenan- or formalin-induced paw edema models VJ Instruments Digital Plethysmometer: Key Features ✅ Digital LCD display for high-accuracy readings ✅ Displacement sensor with 0.01 ml sensitivity ✅ Automatic calibration with zero drift ✅ Compact footprint with ergonomic animal handling ✅ Built-in data storage or external USB output option Whether used in a government pharmacology institute or a private biotech lab, our plethysmometer delivers consistent data with minimal operator error. Why Choose VJ Instruments?

4. At VJ Instruments, we’re not just manufacturers—we are partners in scientific advancement. Here’s why top researchers trust our Elevated Plus Maze and Digital Plethysmometer: Scientific Precision Our equipment is designed for lab-grade accuracy and calibrated to match international research standards. Every component is chosen to ensure data reliability across repeated trials. Customization Flexibility From maze dimensions to plethysmometer sensitivity, we offer modular design options based on your experimental protocols and animal models. After-Sales Support Our expert support team offers installation guidance, calibration, training, and fast service turnaround—so your research never slows down. Global Reach, Local Understanding While our roots are in India, VJ Instruments supplies research institutions globally with pharma and pre-clinical testing equipment that rivals international standards. Real-World Impact: Where Our Tools Make a Difference Both the Elevated Plus Maze and Digital Plethysmometer are vital in drug discovery pipelines and academic labs. Here's how our clients use them: Neuroscience Labs: Studying anxiety, stress, and depression in animal models Pharmaceutical R&D: Screening CNS drugs or evaluating NSAID efficacy Veterinary Colleges: Behavioral and physiological training tools CROs (Contract Research Organizations): For pre-clinical safety and efficacy testing By providing reliable and validated data, these instruments help researchers make informed decisions about compound advancement and clinical readiness. Final Thoughts

5. In pre-clinical pharmacology, your data is only as good as your instruments. Whether you're decoding the effects of a new anxiolytic or testing the efficacy of an anti-inflammatory compound, you need tools that match your scientific ambition. At VJ Instruments, we build more than machines—we build trust, innovation, and support for researchers working at the cutting edge of drug discovery. Ready to Upgrade Your Lab? ✅ Explore our Elevated Plus Maze ✅ Learn more about our Digital Plethysmometer Contact us for a product demo or consultation tailored to your research needs.