Description

The Mechanical Conflict Test (MCT) is a behavioral assay used primarily in rodents (rats and
mice) to assess pain-related decision making, nociception, and pain avoidance behavior,
especially in models of neuropathic pain.
The animal faces a conflict between:
▪ Remaining in a brightly lit aversive chamber (rats naturally prefer dark environments).
▪ Crossing a floor containing sharp probes/pins to reach a preferred dark chamber.
Animals experiencing mechanical hypersensitivity or allodynia hesitate longer before crossing
and may choose less painful paths.