Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
6.15. Mental Rigidity
No appropriate behavioral tests are available.
6.16. Dementia
See the memory models above.
Rats, mice, rabbits, dogs, pigs, cats, and monkeys have been evalu-
ated in the open-fi eld test. The animal is placed in a circle shaped
in an open fi eld (or in a play room in the case of monkeys) and
specifi c activities and movements are evaluated. Videotaping or
monitoring by automated computer programs may be employed
to facilitate the evaluation. Behaviors assessed include exploratory
locomotor functions. Behavioral reactivity is evaluated by measur-
ing spontaneous activity.
Measures of the open-fi eld test include locomotion (number
of square crossings), rearing, grooming, stereotypical behaviors
(licking, biting, and head weaving), preference for particular
sections, and/or fecal movements. These can all be calculated to
examine behavior and anxiety (mice (
92, 97, 114
); rats (
52, 171
);
rabbits (
172-174
); dogs (
175, 176
); pigs (
96, 116, 177
); cats
(
178, 179
); and monkeys (
180
)).
6.17. Personality
Changes/Emotional
Disorders/Behavioral
Disorders
6.17.1. Open-Field Test
Rats, mice, and pigs have been used in EPM to test for the pres-
ence of anxiety-like behavior. The maze consists of four arms,
intersecting at a central platform, situated above the fl oor. The two
“open arms,” situated opposite to each other, are essentially fl at
planks extending into space, and the other two opposing arms are
enclosed by walls. For testing, the animal is placed in the center
platform of the EPM. The animal freely explores the maze for
5 min, during which behavior is recorded.
The time spent in each area of the maze (central platform,
open arms, and closed arms) and the number of entries made into
each area serve as measures for the EPM (rats (
159, 181, 182
);
mice (
114, 183, 184
); and pigs (
116
)).
6.17.2. The Elevated-Plus
Maze
Light-dark exploration test involves placing rats, mice, or pigs in a
large cage (chamber for pigs) divided into dark and light compart-
ments, which are connected by a small aperture for 5-10 min.
Transitions between compartments and time spent in each com-
partment are noted. The test screens for the presence of anxiety-
like behavior (rats (
185, 186
); mice (
114, 187
); and pigs (
116
)).
6.17.3. Light-Dark
Exploration Test
Experimental and naïve stimulus rats (or mice) are placed at opposite
corners of the arena for 5 min. Behavior may be video recorded
and analyzed. Time spent in active social behavior that is initiated
by the experimental animal (e.g., sniffi ng, climbing on, crawling
under, following, grooming, wrestling, and aggressiveness) is
scored. The test screens for anxiety-like behavior (rats (
159, 188, 189
)
and mice (
114, 190-192
)).
6.17.4. Social
Interaction Test
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