IR Square Open Field 44x44cm Grey Walls

Developed by Calvin S. Hall in 1932, the open field test (OFT) is an experiment used to assay general locomotor activity levels and anxiety in rodents in scientific research and willingness to explore in rodents (exploratory behavior).
Rats and mice display a natural aversion to brightly lit areas: they also have a drive to explore a perceived threatening stimulus. The result of these two conflicting drives is anxiety. Decreased anxiety leads to increased exploratory behaviour. Increased anxiety will result in less locomotor motion and preference for the edges of the field.
The open field is an arena with walls to prevent escape. In the modern open field video cameras with associated software are used to automate the assessment process.
The relation between the OFT and other tests of exploratory activity as elevated plus maze have been analyzed in two mouse strains. Changes in these measures are often used to assess the sedative or stimulant effects of pharmacological agents.

Background

• Developed by Calvin S. Hall in 1932, the open field test (OFT) is an experiment used to assay general locomotor activity levels and anxiety in rodents in scientific research and willingness to explore in rodents (exploratory behavior).
• Rats and mice display a natural aversion to brightly lit areas: they also have a drive to explore a perceived threatening stimulus. The result of these two conflicting drives is anxiety. Decreased anxiety leads to increased exploratory behavior. Increased anxiety results in less locomotor motion and preference for the edges of the field.
• Can be used to assess the sedative or stimulant effects of pharmacological agents.

Durable, optimized for video tracking and rodent comfort

• High quality, sturdy, durable and easy to clean. All components can be easily disassembled and stored.
• Provides optimal results with any video tracking software:
  • Selection of high-contrast colors for optimal motion tracking: grey, white, black, (Ugo Basile) light-blue or custom. Walls available in high contrast colors and transparent Perspex.
  • Use of non-reflective, anti-glare surface. Reflections and glare are a common source of error in video tracking. We avoid this!
  • Maze surface texture is selected for best rodent comfort – anti-slip and “warm” (rather than a smooth or cold surface that rodents find uncomfortable).
• Sized for mouse or rats:
  • The standard mouse model is sized 44 x 44cm, according to the requirements of Eumorphia Empress SOPs. A special model with uprights is available for combined recording of both horizontal (video tracking) and vertical (infrared sensors) activity.
  • The rat cage is sized 100 x 100cm. Available with optional dividers to create four 46x46cm arenas.

Feature & Benefit of Y-Maze IR for Rats

• High-contrast color, transparent or opaque walls give optimal results with any Video-Tracking software
• Non-reflecting surface guarantees optimal camera view and no glare
• All components can be easily disassembled
• Reasonably rough “warm” surface texture selected for best rodent comfort, non-slippery
• Reliable and durable mazes, easy to clean and store
• Different size available