This experimental method was obtained from the official website of the Fourth Military Medical University

Operation method

pole-climbing avoidance test

Principle

Using light (and/or sound) and electric shock as a combined stimulus, the experimental animals were made to establish an active conditioned reflex from passive avoidance. Recording the active avoidance response index during the establishment of this conditioned reflex can reflect the changes in the learning and memory ability of the experimental animals.

Materials and Instruments

Rats Mice
Rod Climbing Chamber

Move

I. Methodology

The animals were first allowed to move freely in the experimental box for 1 to 2 min to acclimatize to the environment. The conditioned stimulus (light) and/or beeping sound was given for 5~10s, then the unconditioned stimulus was added, i.e., the electric stimulus (electric shock intensity of 30V, 50Hz) was given through the grill plate at the bottom of the box for 20~25s (a total of 30s of the unconditioned plus conditioned stimulus was taken as the time of pole-climbing). If the pole-climbing response appeared before the electric shock after the light was on, it was an active avoidance response, and the pole-climbing response appeared after the electric shock, it was a passive avoidance response (escape response). No matter when the animals showed pole-climbing reaction, the experiment was terminated immediately, and the next training session was conducted after an interval of 90 s. If the animals did not show pole-climbing reaction within 30 s of the electric shock, the experiment was terminated immediately. If the animal did not climb to the pole within 30 s of the electric shock, the rat was gently placed on the pole so that the animal could learn to climb the pole. If the rat climbed to the pole for 30s and still did not come down, the rat was gently taken down. After several training sessions, the rats could gradually form an active avoidance conditioned response and thus acquire memory. Each experiment was to be trained 30 times, and if more than 10 responses (i.e., pole-climbing phenomenon) occurred during the training interval (90s), the animal was eliminated. Animals were trained to be able to complete at least 80% of the active avoidance responses without escape failure.

II. Test items

After training for a certain period of time, the number of active avoidance responses, the number of passive avoidance responses, the stimulation time (refers to the time that the animal receives electrical stimulation during passive avoidance) shall be measured.

Caveat

1. The animals should be screened before the experiment, and those who still refuse to climb the pole after several times of training should be eliminated.

2. Requirement of hard texture, smoothness and consistency of the rod.

For more product details, please visit Aladdin Scientific website.

https://www.aladdinsci.com/