IR LightDark Box for Rats

The test is based on the innate aversion of rodents to brightly illuminated areas and on their spontaneous exploratory behavior in response to mild stressors, that is, novel environment and light. Time spent in the lit compartment and the related exploratory behavior are reliable parameters for assessing anxiolytic effects that may be useful in identifying and/or screening of anxiolytic and anxiogenic agents.

The original apparatus consisted of a small dark safe compartment (one third) and a large illuminated aversive compartment (two thirds), while more recently other models have been validated (Takao and Miyakawa 2006) in which the size of the two chambers is the same. 

Another difference between the original design and other models available is that the lit compartment is made of opaque white plastic. These differences, namely the size and transparency of the light chamber, allow for the simultaneous detection of bright-space anxiety as well as open space anxiety in the original version of the test.

Background

• The Light/Dark Box approach/avoidance test is a characteristic tool used in the assessment of anxiety. The apparatus consists of a simple chamber divided into a dark and a light compartment. Rodents prefer darker areas to light areas. However, when presented in a novel environment, rodents have a tendency to explore. These two conflicting emotions lead to observable anxiety-like symptoms.
• Mice are allowed to move freely between the two chambers. The number of entries into the bright chamber, the duration of each visit and related exploratory behaviors detected via a video tracking system are reliable parameters for assessing anxiolytic effects that may be useful in identifying and/or screening of anxiolytic and anxiogenic agents.

Durable, versatile 

• High quality, easy to assemble. All materials are selected to be sturdy for reliable, durable mazes.
• Engineered with high contrast, non-reflective materials that are optimal for video tracking.
• Anti-slip, naturally warm, maze surface texture is selected for best rodent comfort.
• The cage is available for Mice or Rats. The standard model has transparent walls on the “light” compartment. Option of using ambient light or adding your own light source. Opaque white walls available as an option.
• Consists of an external box (transparent or white) and a black insert (or IR-transparent), thus also making it convenient for use as an open field.

Feature & Benefit of Y-Maze IR for Rats

• High-contrast colors give optimal results with any Video-Tracking software
• Non-reflecting surface guarantees optimal camera view and no glare
• Transparent or opaque white walls
• Reasonably rough “warm” surface texture selected for best rodent comfort, non-slippery
• Reliable and durable, easy to clean and store