Open field chamber (Digiscan 16-beam automated activity monitor)
42 x 42 x 30 cm
Within sound attenuating cubicle measuring 65 x 55 x 55 cm (Med Associates)
No lights used (testing in complete darkness)
PC computer and Digiscan software
Ventilating fan in ceiling of test room
55 dB masking background noise
Reagents
and
solutions
20% isopropyl alcohol (for cleaning chamber)
Procedure: Open field test
Activity measures are conducted for 5 min on 3 consecutive days (tested between 1100 and 1700h) in the same order (order of testing various strains is randomized).
Approximately 1h prior to testing, mice are placed in the testing room for acclimation.
After acclimation, mice are transferred to a holding cage for 5 min before being placed in the center of a cleaned darkened chamber.
Following testing, mice are transferred to home cages and returned to the colony room.