View Catalog PDF - Harvard Apparatus

the most 

comprehensive line for 

Behavioral 

Research 

Locomotor Activity & 

Exploration 

Sensory Motor & 

Coordination 

Analgesia 

Learning & Memory 

Anxiety & Depression 

Reward & Addiction 

Food & 

Drink/Metabolism 

Call to receive other 

Animal, 

Organ & Cell 

Physiology 

Behavioral 

Research 

catalogs of interest 

Micro/Nano 

Fluidics 

Cell Biology 

& 

Electrophysiology 

Electroporation 

& 

Electrofusion 

Molecular 

Sample 

Preparation

Panlab, now a subsidiary of Harvard Apparatus, 

manufactures and distributes high quality equipment 

for the biological sciences. For over 30 years, our team 

covers all stages of development – from design to 

manufacturing, software to hardware, technical and 

scientific support. Panlab/Harvard Apparatus is your 

reliable source for the most comprehensive solutions 

to your application needs - our offerings include the 

following application areas: video tracking, activity/ 

exploration, sensory motor, analgesia, memory, anxiety, 

metabolism, non-invasive blood pressure, and isolated 

physiology systems. Our team is ready to adapt, 

improve or develop new or pre-existing lines to 

meet our customer’s changing requirements. 

Modular Operant Box, 

superior versatility, 

see page 75 

acquisition behavioral research catalog 

Startle/Fear Combined System, 

advanced technology for better results, 

see page 71 

SMART with Multiple Arena Extension, 

exceptional video tracking detection 

software, see page 6 

Species Guide for Behavioral Systems 

rabbit guinea pig rat mouse insect fish 

To help you become more familiar with our product line, Panlab/Harvard Apparatus has added small animal icons for 

every product. These icons will help guide you to which species can be used with each system. Above is 

a sample of the animal icons you will see throughout this catalog. 

Harvard Apparatus • phone 508.893.8999 • toll free U.S. 800.272.2775 • fax 508.429.5732 • www.harvardapparatus.com 

Panlab | Harvard Apparatus • Spain +34934190709 • International +34834750697 • fax +34934750699 • www.panlab.com 

1

Table of Contents 

Spatial Place 

Preference Box 

Products 

Page No. 

Selection Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 

Video Tracking 

SMART Video-Tracking System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 – 7 

Smart JUNIOR Video-Tracking System . . . . . . . . . . .8 – 9 

Activity & Exploration 

IR Actimeter for Activity & Exploration . . . . . . . . .15 – 16 

ActiTrack Software IR Actimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 

Sensory Motor 

Rota Rods for Motor Coordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 

Grip Strength Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 – 24 

Rodent Activity Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 – 26 

Treadmills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 – 28 

Rotameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 

Rodent Shocker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 

Analgesia 

Locomotor Activity and Exploration Selection Guide10 – 14 

Sensorimotor and Coordination Selection Guide .18 – 21 

Analgesia Selection Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 – 34 

Locomotor Activity and Exploration Selection Guide . . . 

Tail Flick Analgesia Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 – 36 

Hot and Hot/Cold Plate Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 - 39 

Thermal Place Preference/Gradient Tests . . . . . .40 – 41 

Electronic Von Frey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 

Heat-Flux Infrared Radiometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 

Plantar Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 – 46 

Rat Paw Pressure Analgesia Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 

Plethysmometer for Evaluating Paw Volume . . . .48 – 49 

Dynamic Weight Bearing Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 

Pressure Application Measurement (PAM) . . . . . . . . . .52 

Pressure Application Measurement (PAM) . . . . . . . . . .52 

SMART Video- 

Tracking System

Oxylet System for Respiratory Metabolism 

Products (continued) 

Memory & Attention 

Page No. 

Learning and Memory Selection Guide . . . . . . . . .53 – 60 

Attention Selection Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 – 62 

Shuttle Boxes for Active/Passive Avoidance . . . .63 – 64 

ShutAvoid Software for 

Active & Passive Avoidance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 – 66 

Circular Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 – 68 

Radial Maze & Mazesoft-8 Software . . . . . . . . . . .69 – 70 

Startle and Fear System & Software . . . . . . . . . . .71 – 74 

Modular Operant Box for Operant Conditioning . .75 – 76 

PackWin Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 – 78 

5/9 Holes for Attention Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 

Passive Avoidance Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 – 81 


Anxiety Selection Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 – 85 

Depression Selection Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 – 87 

Elevated Plus Maze & MAZESOFT-4 Software . . .88 – 89 

Open Field & Black and White Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 

Aron Test for Screen Anxiolytic Substances . . . . . . . .91 

Black and White Test for Evaluating Anxiety . . . . . . . .92 

Vogel Test for Screening Anxiolytic Effects of Drugs .93 

Tail Suspension Test for 

Screening Antidepressant Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94 

Addiction & Reward 

Reward & Addiction Selection Guide . . . . . . . . . . .95 - 97 

Place Preference Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98 

Spatial Place Preference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 

PPCWIN Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 

Self-Administration Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 

ActiTrack Software IR Actimeter- 

Related Tracking Anxiety - 

Locomation & Exploration 

Small Animal Treadmill 

Metabolism 

Food and Drink/Metabolism Selection Guide . .102 – 104 

Oxylet System for Respiratory Metabolism . . . .105 – 107 

Metabolism Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108 

PheComp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 – 110 



3

Do you have a technical question? 

Our staff of scientists 

have the answers 

you need! 

In addition to our high quality research products, Panlab/Harvard Apparatus is proud to offer 

unparalleled technical sales for both pre- and post-sales. Our technical staff scientists are 

happy to help answer any questions you may have or assist with system configurations. 

Contact us or visit our websites for access to: 

Research articles 

Product Specifications 

Working Procedures 

Demonstration Videos 

Instruction Manuals 

Application Sheets 

www.harvardapparatus.com or www.panlab.com 

4 


Panlab | Harvard Apparatus • Spain +34934190709 • International +34834750697 • fax +34934750699 • www.panlab.com

selection guide 

Research Area Experimental Test Hardware Software 

Video Tracking Video-Tracking Studies Frame Grabber Board SMART 

Camera 

SMART and Smart JUNIOR 

Activity & Exploration Locomotor Activity/Rearing IR Actimeter SeDaCom or ActiTrack 

Open Field Test Open Field Chamber SMART or Smart JUNIOR 

Calorimetry, Food & Drink, Oxylet Metabolism 

Activity & Rearing 

Hole-Board Test IR Actimeter SeDaCom or ActiTrack 

Response to Novelty Open Field Chamber SMART or Smart JUNIOR 

Voluntary Exercise Rodent Activity Wheel Multicounter or SeDaCom 

Sensory Motor Coordination and Equilibrium Test Rota Rod SeDaCom 

Rotation After Lesioning Rotameter SeDaCom 

Grip Strength Grip Strength Meter SeDaCom 

Exercise Training Treadmill SeDaCom 

Startle Response Startle and Freezing Combined System Startle Software 

Analgesia & Pain Tail Flick Test Tail Flick Meter SeDaCom 

Hot Plate Test Hot Plate Meter SeDaCom 

Hot/Cold Plate Test Hot/Cold Plate Test Meter SeDaCom 

Randall Selitto Test Rat Paw Pressure SeDaCom 

Inflammation Plethysmometer SeDaCom 

Incapacitance Test Incapacitance Test Meter SeDaCom 

Von Frey Test Electronic VonFrey SeDaCom 

Learning & Memory Passive Avoidance Test Passive Box Programmer or ShutAvoid 

Active Avoidance Test Shuttle Box Programmer or ShutAvoid 

Aron Test 

Aron Box 

Morris Water Maze Circular Pool SMART or Smart JUNIOR 

Radial Maze Test Radial Maze Mazesoft-8 or SMART 

T-Maze Test T-Maze SMART or Smart JUNIOR 

Object Recognition Test Open Field Chamber SMART 

Odor Recognition Test 

SMART 

Fear Conditioning Test Startle and Freezing Combined System Freezing Software 

Fear Potentiated Startle Reflex Test Startle and Freezing Combined System Startle Software 

Operant Procedures Modular Operant Box PACKWIN 

5/9 Hole Test 5/9 Hole Box PACKWIN 

Attention Prepulse Inhibition Startle and Freezing Startle Software 

of Startle Reflex 

Combined System 

5/9 Hole Test 5/9 Hole Box PACKWIN 

Operant Procedures Modular Operant Box PACKWIN 

Anxiety Open Field Test Open Field Chamber SMART or Smart JUNIOR 

Locomotor Activity/Rearing IR Actimeter ActiTrack 

Elevated Plus Maze Test Elevated Plus Maze SMART or Smart JUNIOR 

Black and White Box Test Black and White Box PPCWIN or SMART 

Vogel Test Vogel Test PACKWIN 

Geller-Seifter Test Modular Operant Box PACKWIN 

Depression Forced Swimming Test Cylinder SMART 

Tail Suspension Test 

Tail Suspension Test System 

Addiction & Reward Place Preference Test Place Preference Box PPCWIN 

Spatial Place Preference 

PPCWIN or SMART 

Self-Administration Self-Administration Box PACKWIN 

Social Behavior Social Interaction Open Field Chamber SMART with Social Interaction Module 

Metabolism Respiratory Metabolism Oxylet Metabolism and Meta-Oxy Module 

Food & Drink Intake FooDrink Metabolism and Meta-Int Module 

PheComp 

Compulse 

Compulsive Behavior PheComp Compulse


SMART Video-Tracking System for Automated Recording 

of Animal Behavior 

Key Features 

➤ Flexible and precise analysis of animal behavior 

➤ Optimized tracking in low contrast conditions 

➤ Automated detection of head, center mass and base-tail 

with Triwise technology option 

➤ Highly user-friendly 

➤ Digital video file analysis capabilities 

➤ Entirely configurable data report 

➤ Zone-dependent camera settings 

➤ Day/night cycle control system 

➤ Immobility detection for forced-swimming test and freezing 

➤ User defined criteria for zone entry with Triwise 

technology option 

Parameters Measured 

➤ Animal trajectory (distance, speed, permanence time in 

zone etc.) 

➤ Specific parameters for Morris Water Maze (latency to target, 

time near walls, Wishaw’s error, permanence time in 

quadrants, directionality etc.) 

➤ Social interaction (contacts, relative movements etc.) 

➤ Immobility periods 

➤ Global activity 

➤ Rearing (input/output or Triwise option) 

➤ Events visualized by the experimenter (using event recorder) 

➤ Clockwise and counter clockwise rotations (Triwise option) 

SMART is a complete and user-friendly video-tracking system for 

evaluating behavior in experimental animals. It allows the recording of 

activity, trajectories, events, social behavior interactions and performs 

the calculations of a wide range of analysis parameters. The system 

offers flexible and easy to learn interface for setting up a wide variety 

of behavioral tests: Water Maze, Open Field, Plus/Radial Arm Mazes, 

and Place Preference tests in addition to other user-designed 

applications. 

SMART works with animals located in up to 16 separate enclosures 

providing both quantitative and qualitative analysis of each animal’s 

path. Each animal enclosure can be divided into different zone of 

interest using the specific tools provided by SMART. Up to 31 different 

zones (and one Exclusion Zone) can be easily drawn with different 

name and characteristics (Standard, Target, Arm or Hidden). A special 

tool for Water Maze is included. 

Animal trajectories are acquired from real time TV images or 

videotaped records and stored, enabling you to analyze and reanalyze 

experiments with different zone configurations and parameters. 

TRACKING allows not only data acquisition of the spatial position of the 

animal but also the automatic detection of a range of specific behaviors. 

Manually scored behaviors (e.g. grooming) can be calculated for any 

zone or independent variable. The parameters evaluated are presented 

in reports entirely configurable by the user. The report coverage can be 

the full track or it can be split into different intervals of time. Results can 

be directly and automatically exported to Excel ® . 

SMART can elaborate a graphic representation/image of the tracks 

studied. This option is of great interest to illustrate data in publications 

and for conferences. 

An adapted version of SMART, SMART-DT, is provided for free to check 

data, generate statistics, print out results and obtain graphics. SMART- 

DT can be installed in as many computers as may be required. 

The SMART system can be expanded for using the Triwise technology 

for the automated detection of the head, center-mass and base-tail 

allowing then a more detailed evaluation of some specific behavioral 

items — rearing, rotations, object exploration, entries into zones, 

contacts and more. 

6 




SMART Video-Tracking System for Automated Recording 

of Animal Behavior (continued) 

Components Included 

➤ CD and USB protection key 

➤ Cables and connectors 

➤ Instruction manual 

➤ Free software updates of the acquired system 

➤ 2 year warranty on hardware 

Options 

➤ A wide range of cameras and accessories are available, 

please contact our technical support staff for details 

➤ Material for camera fixation (upon request) 

➤ DVD reader/writer 

➤ Telemetric switch (remote start/stop switch) 

➤ Frame grabber board (PC interface board) 

➤ PC station 

➤ Multiplexers, digital switches, digital recorder are available 

upon request 

Related Hardware 

➤ Open Field Box, see page 90 

➤ Circular Pool, see pages 67 – 68 

➤ Radial Maze, see page 69 

➤ Elevated Plus Maze, see page 88 

➤ Black & White Box, see page 92 

➤ Spatial Place Preference Box, see page 99 

➤ Many other possibilities! 

Specifications 

Computer Requirements 

Graphic Card 

2 GHz processor or higher (Celeron processor not 

supported), 2 Gb of RAM with PCI 32-bit bus 

master expansion slot available and 1 free USB 

port. VIA chipset not recommended 

256 colors palette graphics card for 1024x768 

pixels, 32-bit true color RGB display 

System Requirements Windows ® 98, 2000, XP (SP2 or Higher), Vista 32 

Sources 

Order # Model 

Video camera, video tape, DVD player 

or digital video files 

Product 

BH2 76-0028 SMART-BS SMART Video-Tracking System, V 2.5 Single 

Subject Tracking, Needs FRBOARD 

BH2 76-0501 FRBOARD2 Frame Grabber Board (PC Interface Board) 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0265 SMART-MA Multiple Arenas Extension 

(One Animal Per Arena in up to 16 Arenas) 

BH2 76-0266 SMART-SS Social Behavior Extension 

(Up to 16 Animals in a Single Arena) 

BH2 76-0327 SMART TW Triwise Module for Detection of Head, 

Center Mass, and Base-Tail 

BH2 76-0267 SMART I/O 8C Smart System Extension, Control Box for 8 

Inputs and 8 Outputs 

BH2 76-0268 SMART I/O 32C Smart System Extension, Control Box for 32 

Inputs and 32 Outputs 

BH2 76-0269 SMART UPG2.5 Upgrade from previous versions to V 2.5 

BH2 76-0270 SMART TS Telemetric Switch (Remote Start/Stop Switch) 

NOTE 

We offer a full line of mazes. 

Haploinsufficient for the Dual Specificity Tyrosine-Regulated Kinase-1A (Dyrk1A). PLoS ONE 3(7): 

e2575. (water maze, mouse Spain) 

Das SR et al. (2008) Relationship between mRNA expression of splice forms of the _1 subunit of the 

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and spatial memory in aged mice. Brain Research. 1207:142-154. 

(working memory task, mouse, USA) 

Citations 

Folven KI et al. (2009) Does selenium modify neurobehavioural impacts of developmental 

methylmercury exposure in mice? Environmental Toxicol. Pharmacol. 28(1):111-119. (motor 

function, mouse, Norway, New Zeland) 

Griesbach GS et al. (2009) Controlled contusion injury alters molecular systems associated with 

cognitive performance. J. Neurosci. Res. 87(3):795-805. (water maze, rat, USA) 

Handattu SP et al. (2009) Oral apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide improves cognitive function and 

reduces amyloid burden in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobioly of Disease, 34(3):525- 

534. (water maze, mouse, USA) 

Harada N et al. (2009) Functional analysis of neurosteroidal oestrogen using gene-disrupted and 

transgenic mice. J. Neuroendocrinol. 21(4):365-369. (parallelism index, mouse, Japan) 

Hazane F et al. (2009) Behavioral Perturbations After Prenatal Neurogenesis Disturbance in Female 

Rat. Neurotoxicity Res. 15(4):1476-3524. (Locomotor activity, rat, France) 

Lee YK et al. (2009) Protective effect of the ethanol extract of Magnolia officinalis and 4-Omethylhonokiol 

on scopolamine-induced memory impairment and the inhibition of 

acetylcholinesterase activity. J. Nat. Med. 63(3):274-282. (water maze, mouse, Korea) 

Malone DT et al. (2009) Cannabidiol reverses the reduction in social interaction produced by low 

dose delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in rats. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 93(2):91-96. (open-field, rat, Australia) 

Singer HS et al. (2009) Prenatal exposure to antibodies from mothers of children with autism produces 

neurobehavioral alterations: A pregnant dam mouse model. (elevated-plus maze, mouse, USA) 

Arqué G et al. (2008) Impaired Spatial Learning Strategies and Novel Object Recognition in Mice 

Fan LW et al. (2008) Alfa-Phenyl-n-tert-butyl-nitrone ameliorates hippocampal injury and improves 

learning and memory in juvenile rats following neonatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide Eur. J. 

Neurosci. 27(6): 1475-1484. (open-field, plus-maze, rat, Taiwan) 

Feiyong Jia et al. (2008) Blocking Histamine H1 improves learning and mnemonic dysfunction in mice 

with social isolation plus repeated methamphetamine injection. J. Pharmacol. Sci. 107: 167-174. 

(water maze, mouse, Japan) 

Hook VYH et al. (2008) Inhibitors of cathepsin B improve memory and reduce beta-amyloid in 

transgenic Alzheimer’s disease mice expressing the wild-type, but not the Swedish mutant, 

beta-secretase APP site. J Biochem. Chem. 283(12):7745-53. (water maze, mouse, USA) 

McClean J et al. (2008) 17_-Estradiol is neuroprotective in male and female rats in a model of early 

brain injury. Experimental Neurology. 210(1), 41-50. (water maze, rat, USA) 

Rothstein S et al. (2008) Response to neonatal anesthesia: Effect of sex on anatomical and 

behavioral outcome. Neuroscience. 152(4):959-969. (rat, USA) 

Pastor R et al. (2008) Ethanol injected into the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus induces behavioral 

stimulation in rats: an effect prevented by catalase inhibition and naltrexone. Behavioural 

Pharmacology. 19(7):698-705. (locomotor activity, rat, Spain) 

Ruiz-Medina J et al. (2008) Intracranial self-stimulation facilitates a spatial learning and memory task 

in the Morris water maze. Neuroscience. 154(2): 424-430. (water maze, rat, Spain) 

Stone EA et al. (2008) An anti-immobility effect of exogenous corticosterone in mice. European 

Journal of Pharmacology. 580(1-2):135-142. (open-field, Mouse, USA) 

Younbyoung C et al. (2008) Effect of acupuncture on anxiety-like behavior during nicotine 

withdrawal and relevant mechanisms. Neuroscience Letters. 430(2): 98-102. (locomotor activity, rat, 

Republic of Korea) 



7


Smart Junior 

Right to the Point Video-Tracking 

Key Features 

➤ Simplest video-tracking system available, 

nine steps and you’re done! 

➤ Ready-to-use configurations provide concrete 

meaningful data 

DESIGNED FOR: 

Water Maze Experiment 

➤ Latency to reach the platform and times platform is crossed 

➤ Permanence time, distance traveled, speed and number 

of entries (and %) into zones (platform, pool, quadrants, 

border and total) 

➤ Movement pattern and manually scored events 

Open Field Experiment 

➤ Permanence time, distance traveled, speed and number of 

entries (and %) into zones (center, periphery and border) 


Plus Maze Experiment 

➤ Permanence time, distance traveled, speed and number of 

entries (and %) center, open arms and closed arms 


T/Y Maze 

➤ Alternations (number, %, max), first arm choice, 

latency first choice 

➤ Permanence time, distance traveled, speed and number 

of entries (and %) into correct/incorrect arms, left/right 

arms or A/B/C arms 


Place Preference 

➤ Permanence time (absolute and relative), distance traveled, 

speed and number of entries (and %) into compartment 

associated to drug/placebo and corridor 





Options 

➤ Telemetric switch (remote start/stop switch) 

➤ WebCam or other cameras 

➤ PC station or laptop (upon request) 

NEW Smart JUNIOR MA Extension! 

With the NEW MA (Multiple Arenas) extension to Smart JUNIOR, 

users are able to work with an amazing number of subjects (over 

a 100!) for maximum efficiency. Create arenas and related zones in 

less than 10 clicks!. Allows independent or synchronized (all arenas or 

only selected arenas) start/stop of tracking process. The ONLY system 

available that features different lighting/contrast and timing control 

settings for each arena! 

Smart JUNIOR 

Smart JUNIOR is an economical video-tracking system specially 

intended for laboratories with very precise interests and needing 

concise meaningful reports. 

With a more competitive price, the Smart JUNIOR software fulfills all the 

basic functions of a classic video-tracking system. Ready-to-use 

configurations, run panel and data reports are directly targeted to specific 

standard experiments. An innovative scheduler tool allows managing the 

subjects and trials in different phases and sessions for an easy retrieval 

and organization of the final data. Succinct graphs provide a direct 

visualization of the results obtained in the different experimental groups. 

Smart JUNIOR takes advantage of the latest technologies in terms of 

image processing for providing accurate data in the context of 

behavioral research. The software platform is expandable: new readyto-use 

protocol configurations can be easily plugged-in for widening 

the scope of the system. 

Smart JUNIOR represents the finest solution for completing molecular 

and cellular studies by standard behavioral analysis. It is also a perfect 

alternative for labs just beginning behavior studies. 

8 




Smart Junior 

Right to the Point Video-Tracking (continued) 


➤ Circular Pool, see pages 67 – 68 


➤ Open Field Box, see page 90 

➤ Place Preference, see page 98 

➤ Y or T Maze, by request 




supported), 2 Gb of RAM 

Graphic Card 

Requirements 



System Requirements Windows ® XP (SP2 or Higher), Vista 32 

Images Sources 

Order # Model 

Webcam, digital video, firewire/USB digital 

camera; in general, any device compatible with 

Windows ® Image Acquisition (WIA) 

Product 

BH2 76-0029 SMART JUNIOR Smart Junior Platform 

(Needs Experiment Modules) 

BH2 76-0255 SJWM Water Maze Experiment Module 

BH2 76-0256 SJPM Plus-Maze Experiment Module 

BH2 76-0257 SJOF Open-Field Experiment Module 

BH2 76-0416 SJTY T-Y Maze Experiment Module 

BH2 76-0415 SJPP Place Preference Experiment Module 

BH2 76-0508 SJMA Multiple Arenas Module 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0270 Smart Remote Telemetric Switch 

BH2 76-0260 CAMWEB Logitech Quickcam Express 5000 640x480 

30FPS w/Cable USB 1.8 m 

BH2 76-0261 CAMWEB2 High Resolution WebCam Creative WebCam 

NX Ultra 640 x 480 w/Cable USB 1.8 m 

FAQ’s 

1. When my trial version expires, what should I do to acquire 

a license? 

Just follow the instructions indicated by the Activation Assistant of the 

Smart JUNIOR and you will get your registered copy within minutes! 

2. Once I buy the system, will I have to pay anything else such as 

annual license or technical/scientific support? 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus includes all related expenses in its price. 

Technical and scientific support is always available for our team. 

3. Now there are only 5 Experimental Modules but, do you plan to 

add new ones? If so, which ones? 

As long as there are standard experiments with highly standardized 

parameters to look at, we will not stop widening JUNIOR’S scope. 

4. If at a later stage I become interested in a highly sophisticated 

video tracking system such as your renowned Smart, 

will I have to pay for a brand new system? 

At Panlab/Harvard Apparatus we make this transition simple for our 

customers! What is more, we offer a highly affordable transfer fee 

for customers wishing to move from Smart JUNIOR to SMART! 

Contact our technical support staff for more information. 

BH2 76-0262 CONVANAUSB Video Converter (Analog/Digital) 

Citation 

Camarasa J et al. (2008) Memantine prevents the cognitive impairment induced by 3,4- 

methylenedioxymethamphetamine in rats. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 589(1-3):132-9 (open-field, water maze, 

rats, Spain 



9

Locomotor Activity 

& Exploration 

Guide 

Locomotor activity refers to the movement from 

one location to another. In rodents, one of the 

most important components of exploration, a 

prominent activity of the animal’s repertoire of 

spontaneous activity, is locomotion. Moreover, 

locomotor activity and exploration are involved in 

many behavioral and physiological functions and 

are influenced by many external factors, such as 

environmental conditions (light, temperature, noise) 

and novelty, and internal factors, such as circadian 

rhythm, food- or drink-deprivation, prior handling 

by the researcher, age, gender, strain, and many 

other factors. 

Development of behavioral measurements of 

locomotor activity and exploration was in part 

relevant in various rodent models as an initial 

screen for pharmacological effects predictive of 

therapeutic drug efficacy in humans. Indeed, 

locomotor and exploration are mediated by 

neurotransmitters affected by many types of drugs, 

such as neuroleptic, benzodiazepines, opiates and 

psychostimulants, and consequently are changed 

in response to the administration of these drugs. 

Moreover, alterations of locomotor activity and 

exploration can have important consequences for 

paradigms that aim to study more specific 

processes, such as learning, memory, reward, 

anxiety and others. Thus, it is imperative to verify if 

a difference in drug, lesion, strain or genetic 

manipulation influences general motor activity. 

Furthermore, locomotor abnormalities are 

associated with several human diseases such as 

Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease or 

hyperactivity syndrome and are therefore 

displayed by animal models. 

10

Locomotor Activity & Exploration Guide 

Behavioral Test 

Circadian Locomotor Activity 

Rodents typically display circadian rhythmic 

variations (defined as a 24-hour rhythm) in 

behavior and physiology. Circadian global 

activity is directly assessed in the animal home 

cage through long periods (>24 hours). The 

activity parameters (locomotion, exploration, 

stereotypies) are generally evaluated using 

automated procedures (ex: photocell beams, 

video tracking systems, or weight transducers). 

Reasons for Choosing This Test 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

No need for habitation; not stressful, familiar 

environment for the subject 

Long-term observation of activity (circadian rhythm) 

Easy to perform tests 

No animal handling needed 

Sensitive for both mice and rats 

Related Human Disease/Applications 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Drug Screening 

Phenotyping 

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 


Open Field Test for Basal 

Global Activity 

Basal locomotor activity is generally assessed 

in a specific activity arena (can be an open field 

or other) for short or intermittent periods (



Activity Wheel 

The Rodent Activity Wheel represents a very 

simple and clever way to register animal 

physical activity in its home cage environment. 

The use of this high throughput tool is 

particularly relevant for research involving 

circadian rhythms, Phenotyping and drug 

testing. Typically, the time and distance run on a 

voluntary running wheel are monitored over 

several days or weeks to determine whether a 

particular substance or experimental 

manipulation has an effect on exercise behavior. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Rodent voluntary exercise registering; allows 

animals to exercise when and at the intensity that 

they choose 

Availability of a running wheel may reduce the 

effects of chronic stress on depression-like signs 

in mice 

Less labor intensive than treadmill running as 

researchers need not to be present during wheel 

running 

Relatively inexpensive setup 

Ideal for high throughput experiments; many animals 

can be trained at the same time 


Reasons for Not Choosing This Test 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Intensity and duration of the exercise cannot be 

controlled 

Certain lines of transgenic mice may not engage in 

enough voluntary wheel running exercise to produce 

training adaptations 

Not suitable for studies that require precise timing to 

explore acute post exercise adaptations (intermittent 

running throughout the active cycle) 



Locomotor Response to Novelty 

Locomotor response to novelty is an index of 

animal exploration/anxiety that has been 

shown to represent a predictive factor for the 

addictive properties of a drug. In an animal 

model for vulnerability to drug abuse, animals 

that exhibit greater motor activity in a novel 

environment (high responders; HR) are found 

more sensitive to drugs of abuse and are more 

likely to self-administer these drugs compared 

to less reactive animals (low responders, LR). 

In the light of clinical evidence on comorbiity 

between drug abuse and mood disorders, this 

model is widely used to investigate whether 

individual differences in locomotor reactivity to 

novelty are related to anxiety and depressionlike 

responsiveness in rodents. 


➤ Explore novelty-seeking behaviors 

➤ Free exploration paradigm 

➤ Test maximizing avoidance/anxiety related behavior 

respect to approach/exploratory behavior 

➤ Only one exposure (no habituation) and quickly 

performed 

➤ Easy to run 

➤ Sensitive for mice and rats 


➤ 

Anxiogenic conditions 

(novel environment with no possibility of escape) 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Phenotyping 

Addiction 

Anxiety Disorders 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Phenotyping 

Neuromuscular Disease 

Parkinson’s Disease 

Muscular Dystrophy 

12 





Emergence Test 

The Emergence Test is a free exploration 

paradigm designed to reduce anxiety by 

providing a safe enclosure within the open field 

in order to assess approach or exploratory 

behavior in rodents. 

Briefly, the open field contained a white plastic 

cylinder with an open end centrally located. The 

subjects are placed into the cylinder and tested 

for 10 to 15 minutes. The parameters commonly 

evaluated in this task are the latency of 

emergence from the cylinder, the total time spent 

inside the cylinder, the time spent exploring the 

cylinder and general locomotor activity. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Free exploration paradigm in reduced 

anxiogenic environment 

Easy to run 



➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Phenotyping 



Novel Object Test 

The Novel Object Test is a free exploration 

paradigm that provides animals the 

opportunity to explore a novel object in a 

familiar environmental context. Briefly, an 

object is placed into the center of each open 

field and the behavior of the animal (time spent 

exploring the novel object and overall 

locomotor activity) is registered during a 

determined period of time. 


➤ Free exploration paradigm in a familiar environment 

➤ Test maximizing approach/exploratory behavior 

respect to avoidance/anxiety-related behavior 

➤ Easy to run, even for inexperienced users 

➤ Sensitive for both mice and rats 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Phenotyping 




13



Hole Board Test 

The Hole Board Test is a specific test for 

evaluating exploration in rodents. In this test, 

the animal is placed on an arena with regularly 

arranged holes on the floor. Both frequency 

and duration of spontaneous elicited holepoking 

exploratory behavior are then measured 

manually or using automated procedures 

(photocell beams, video tracking system) 

during a short period of time. Other associated 

behaviors can also be evaluated, such as 

grooming, rearing and locomotion. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Allows differentiation between “inquisitive” and 

“inspective” exploration 

Very sensitive to drug effects 

Can be completely automated 

Easy to use, even for inexperienced users 



➤ 

➤ 


Phenotyping 


Treadmill 

The Treadmill Test in rodents is a useful tool with 

a great value in the study of functional capacity 

and is a validated standard model for 

investigations in the field of human metabolism. 

A subject is forced to walk/run on a treadmill 

(adjustable speed and inclination) during specific 

periods of time. This test allows the study of 

various physiological and behavioral functions 

such as long and short-term effort during 

exercise, locomotion, metabolic exchanges, 

cardiac function, motor coordination and fatigue. 


➤ Adapted from a human test 

➤ Allows the researcher to precisely control the level 

of exertion 

➤ Easy to use, even for inexperienced users 



➤ Needs repetitive daily exposure during few weeks 

➤ Requires constant vigilance by the researcher to 

make sure that the animals run for the entire 

exercise bout 

➤ Use of aversive stimuli to encourage running 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Improvement of sportive human performances 

Oxidative Stress 

Diabetes 

Parkinsons’s Disease 

Ischemia 

Ostopenia/Osteoporosis 

14 



Locomotor Activity & Exploration 

IR Actimeter 

ActiTrack Tracking Software 

Key Features 

➤ Interchangeable frames can be used without distinction for 

rearing activity or poking modes 

➤ Can be used without any computer (independent control units) 

➤ Dedicated PC optional, not required 


➤ Fast/Slow activity; i.e. movements with displacement 

(control unit) 

➤ Fast/Slow stereotypies; i.e. movements without displacement 

(control unit) 

➤ Fast/Slow rearings (control unit) 

➤ Fast/Slow nose-spoke (control unit) 

➤ Analysis of animal tracking: distance covered, speed, 

rearings, permanence time in selected zones, etc. (ActiTrack) 

➤ Intervals of inactivity (ActiTrack) 

➤ Time in zone (ActiTrack) 

➤ Distance travelled (ActiTrack) 

➤ Rearing behavior events and duration (ActiTrack) 


➤ IR unit and control unit with RS-232 communications port 

➤ SeDaCom software 



➤ Set of spare fuses 

➤ 2 year warranty on hardware 

Options 

➤ ActiTrack software, see page 17 

➤ Arena dividers 

➤ Hole poke board 

➤ Transparent acrylic arena 

IR Actimeter 

The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Infrared (IR) Actimeter allows the study 

of spontaneous locomotor activity, rearing and optional hole-board test 

parameters for exploration in rodents. A reliable system for easy and 

rapid drug screening and phenotype characterization in both day and 

night lighting conditions. 

The system is composed of a two dimensional (X and Y axes) square 

frame, a frame support and a control unit. Each frame counts with 16 x 

16 infrared beams for optimal subject detection. 

The system is completely modular: each frame may be used for 

evaluation of general activity (one or more animals), locomotor, 

stereotypic movements, rearings or exploration (nose-spoke detection 

in the hole-board option). The infrared photocell system can be set 

with up to 15 levels of sensitivity in order to adapt the frames to the 

typology of the animal (rats, mice). It can also be set to ignore the 

beams that are obstructed by objects (e.g. the walls/corners of the 

home cage). 

The frames can be controlled by independent control units or directly 

through SeDaCom computer software, which allows easy exportation 

of data (through RS-232 serial port) in a format compatible with Excel . 

Optionally, the ActiTrack software option may be used to analyze 

animal trajectories (distance, speed, permanence time in selected 

zones) and then provide additional complementary data to those 

obtained using the control units. 



15


IR Actimeter (continued) 


System Dimensions: 

LE 8811 

LE 8812 

Number of InfraRed 

Beams Per Frame 

InfraRed Photocells Spacing: 

LE 8815 

LE 8816 

Material Composition 


Maximum Number of 

Stations 

Power Requirements 

Certifications 

450 (W) x 450 (D) x 200 (H) mm 

220 (W) x 220 (D) x 200 (H) mm 

32 (16 per axis) 

25mm 

13mm 

Aluminum, polypropylene 

PC (Windows ® 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP 

& Vista 32) (if SeDaCom is to be Used) 

32 InfraRed Frames per computer 

(either SeDaCom or ActiTrack) 

110/220 V, 50/60 Hz 

CE compliant 

Citations 

Canini F et al. (2009) Metyrapone decreases locomotion acutely. Neurosci. Letters. 457(1): 41-44. 

(locomotion, rat, France) 

Chetrit J et al. (2009) Involvement of Basal Ganglia Network in Motor Disabilities Induced by Typical 

Antipsychotics. PLoS One. 4(7):e6208. (Open-field with Actitrack, rat, France). 

Lamberty Y et al. (2009) Behavioural phenotyping reveals anxiety-like features of SV2A deficient mice. 

Behav. Brain Res. 198(2):329-333. (mouse, Belgium) 

Lopez-Aumatell R et al. (2009) Unlearned anxiety predicts learned fear: A comparison among 

heterogeneous rats and the Roman rat Straits. Behavioural Brain Research, 202: 92-101. 

(Spontaneous activity, rats, Spain, UK, Switzerland) 

Tsuchida R et al. (2009) An Antihyperkinetic Action by the Serotonin 1A–Receptor Agonist 

Osemozotan Co-administered With Psychostimulants or the Non-stimulant Atomoxetine in Mice. J. 

Pharmacological Sci. 109(3):396-402. (locomotion, mouse, Japan) 

Goeldner C et al. (2008) Nociceptin Receptor Impairs Recognition Memory via Interaction with NMDA 

Receptor-Dependent Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 

Signaling in the Hippocampus. J Neurosci., 28(9):2190 –2198. (object-recognition test, mouse, France) 

Lalonde R and Strazielle (2008) Exploratory activity and motor coordination in old versus middle-aged 

C57BL/6J mice. Arch. Gerontol. Geriat. Article in Press (Locomotor activity, mouse, Canada) 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0121 LE8811 Double IR System, Rats & Mice (Includes 

LE8825, LE8817, 2 Units LE8815 and SeDaCom) 

BH2 76-0122 LE8810 Double IR Activity System, Mice (Includes 

LE8825, LE8818, 2 Units LE8816 and SeDaCom) 

BH2 76-0123 LE8812 Single IR Activity System, Rats (Includes LE8825, 

LE8817, LE8815 and SeDaCom Software) 

BH2 76-0124 LE8809 Single IR Activity System, Mice (Includes 

LE8825, LE8818, LE8816 and SeDaCom Software) 

BH2 76-0125 LE8821 Arena Divider for LE 8815 

(Allows Monitoring of 2 Animals at Once) 

BH2 76-0126 LE8823 Arena Divider for LE 8816 

(Allows Monitoring of 2 Animals at Once) 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0003 ACTITRACK Enhanced Tracking Software for up to 32 Frames 

BH2 76-0127 LE8815 IR FRAME, 450 x 450 mm, 16 x 16 IR Beams 

BH2 76-0128 LE8816 IR FRAME, 250 x 250 mm, 16 x 16 IR Beams 

BH2 76-0129 LE8814 Transparent Arena 440 x 440 mm (Open Field) 

BH2 76-0130 LE8813 Transparent Arena 210 x 210 mm (Open Field) 

BH2 76-0131 LE8817 Support for LE 8815 Frames 

BH2 76-0132 LE8818 Support for LE 8816 Frames 

BH2 76-0133 LE8820 Hole Poke Base for LE 8815 Frame 

BH2 76-0134 LE8825 Data Logger (up to 200 Hours Memory) 

and PC Interface 

Lalonde R and Strazielle (2008) Relations between open-field, elevated plus-maze, and emergence 

tests as displayed by C57/BL6J and BALB/c mice. J: Neurosci. Meth. 171(1):48-52 (Locomotor activity, 

mouse, Canada) 

Lalonde R et al. (2008) Effects of a B-vitamin-deficient diet on exploratory activity, motor coordination, 

and spatial learning in young adult Balb/c mice. Brain Res. 1188:122-131 (open field, mouse, Canada) 




Rubio M (2008) CB1 receptor blockade reduces the anxiogenic-like response and ameliorates the 

neurochemical imbalances associated with alcohol withdrawal in rats. Neuropharmacology. 54(6):976- 

988. (rat, Spain, USA) 

Belujon P et al (2007) Noradrenergic Modulation of Subthalamic Nucleus Activity: Behavioral and 

Electrophysiological Evidence in Intact and 6-Hydroxydopamine-Lesioned Rats. J Neurosci. 

27(36):9595-9606. (Parkison rats, France) 

Sonnier L et al. (2007) Progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral midbrain of adult mice 

heterozygote for Engrailed1. J Neurosci. 27(5): 1063-1071. (mouse, France) 

16 




ActiTrack Software for IR Actimeter 

Key Features 

software species is hardware specific 

➤ Control up to 32 frames 

➤ Provides spatial position, pattern of displacement and 

rearings 

➤ User-adjustable thresholds for classifying activity into fast, 

slow and resting movements 

➤ Allows track re-analysis with an unlimited number of 

user-defined zones 

➤ Enables re-playing experiment using different threshold 

for movement speed definition 

➤ Can be installed in as many computers as may be required 

for track analysis 


➤ Traveled distance (and % ) into user-defined zones 

➤ Maximum, minimum and mean speed 

➤ Time (and %) moving fast, slow and resting 

➤ Permanence time (and %) into user-defined zones 

➤ Number of entrances into user-defined zones 

➤ Number and mean duration of rearings 

➤ Number of clockwise and counter-clockwise turns 

➤ Track history analysis 


➤ Software CD with USB protection key 



(excluding UPGRADES) 



System Requirements 

Order # Model 

2.2 GHz Processor or higher (Celeron processor 

excluded), 2 Gb of RAM 

Windows ® XP compatible operating system 

(SP2 or higher), Vista 32 

Product 

BH2 76-0003 ActiTrack Tracking Software for up to 32 IR Frames 

Citations 

Chetrit J et al. (2009) Involvement of Basal Ganglia Network in Motor Disabilities Induced by Typical 

Antipsychotics. PLoS One. 4(7):e6208. (Open-field with Actitrack, rat, France). 

Lamberty Y et al. (2009) Behavioural phenotyping reveals anxiety-like features of SV2A 

deficient mice. Behav. Brain Res. 198(2):329-333. (mouse, Belgium) 

Tsuchida R et al. (2009) An Antihyperkinetic Action by the Serotonin 1A–Receptor Agonist 

Osemozotan Co-administered With Psychostimulants or the Non-stimulant Atomoxetine in Mice. J. 

Pharmacological Sci. 109(3):396-402. (locomotion, mouse, Japan) 




Rubio M (2008) CB1 receptor blockade reduces the anxiogenic-like response and ameliorates the 

neurochemical imbalances associated with alcohol withdrawal in rats. Neuropharmacology. 54(6):976- 

988 (rat, Spain, USA) 

Reiss D et al (2007) Effects of social crowding on emotionality and expression of hippocampal 

nociceptin/orphanin FQ system transcripts in mice. Behav. Brain Res. 184(2):167-173 (mouse, France) 

Sonnier L et al. (2007) Progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral midbrain of adult mice 

heterozygote for Engrailed1. J Neurosci. 27(5): 1063-1071. (mouse, France) 

Kucerova J et al. (2006) Gender differences in cannabinoid and ecstasy interacting effects in mice. 

Homeostasis in health and diseases. 2006(1-2): 95-96. (mouse, Czech Republic) 

Menendez J et al. (2006) Suppression of Parkin enhances nigrostriatal and motor neuron 

lesion in mice over-expressing human-mutated tau protein. Human Molecular Genetics. 15(13): 2045- 

2058. (mouse, Spain) 

Tanaka et al. (2006) Psychostimulant-Induced Attenuation of Hyperactivity and Prepulse 

Inhibition Deficits in Adcyap1-Deficient Mice. J. Neurosci. 26(19): 5091-5097. (mouse, Japan) 



17

Sensory Motor 

& Coordination 

Guide 

Assessment of sensory motor and coordination is an 

important part of behavioral studies. Behaviors 

result from the integration of environmental sensory 

stimuli and their conversion within the central 

nervous system into motor commands. 

The notion of brain-body-environment interaction 

refers to causal effects. Simplistically, sensory inputs 

causally affect motor outputs, and these motor 

outputs in turn causally affect sensory inputs. Such 

“perception-action loops” is crucial to any 

biological organism or artificial system that 

possesses the ability to react to the environment. 

Integration of the sensory perception and motor 

output occurs in the cerebellum and the basal 

ganglia. Both structures project by many neural 

pathways to the motor cortex, which commands 

movements to the muscles, and to the 

spinocerebellar tract, which provides feedback on 

the position of the body in space (proprioception). 

Consequently, cerebellum and basal ganglia are 

responsible of smooth, coordinated movements 

and a disturbance of either system will show up as 

disorders in fine movements, equilibrium, posture, 

and motor learning, as observed in Parkinson’s or 

Huntington’s diseases. 

Studying neurobiological mechanisms of these 

common diseases is therefore essential to find 

efficient therapeutic strategies. To do so, various 

behavioral tasks have been developed in 

laboratory rodent models and are largely 

validated. Moreover, because behavioral 

experiments typically measure motor coordinated 

responses to sensory information, assessment of 

these abilities is required for the interpretation of 

results of experiments designed to assess other 

neurobiological processes. 

18

Sensory Motor & Coordination Guide 


Rota Rod Test 

The Rota Rod is a standard test of motor 

coordination, balance and fatigue in rodents. 

The animals are placed on moving lanes 

rotating at different speeds or under 

continuous acceleration, and the time latency 

to fall from the Rota Rod is recorded. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Easy to perform test 

Allows multi-animals sessions 

Allows evolution curves of performance 

Sensitive for both rats and mice 


➤ 

➤ 

Poor in detecting minor deficits or improvements 

in coordination 

Needs habituation sessions 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Motor Phenotyping 



Huntington’s Disease 

Alcohol Dependence 

Aging 


Grip Strength Test 

The purpose of this test is to evaluate the limb 

motor or muscular functions in rodents. It 

represents a complementary test to the Rota 

Rod. Subjects are pulled by the tail while they 

are allowed to grasp a grid or a bar. The 

maximum force applied to the grid or the bar 

just before they lose grip is recorded. 


➤ 

➤ 

Easy and rapid test 



➤ High variability in the response 

➤ Habituation to the response inducing a loss of 

motivation when measurements are performed at 

short interval 

➤ Influenced by user handling (need training) 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Neuromuscular Diseases 

Phenotyping 




Aging 



19



Startle Response to 

Acoustic and Tactile Stimulus 

The startle response is a brainstem reflex elicited 

by an unexpected acoustic or tactile stimulus. 

The evaluation of startle reflex response (and its 

habituation) to acoustic or tactile stimulus of 

different intensities is widely used for the 

detection of sensorimotor gating and hearing 

deficiencies in phenotyping evaluations. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Neurological phenotyping for motor and sensory 

capabilities 

Objective measurement: automated detection of 

startle reflex 



➤ 

➤ 

Restraint conditions (habituation phase needed) 

Non-specific influence of attention processes 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Neurological Phenotyping 

Hyperekplexia 

Auditory Deficits 



Schizophrenia 


Prepulse Inhibition 

of Startle Reflex 

Prepulse Inhibition (PPI) paradigm is commonly 

used to evaluate sensorimotor gating as well as 

attentional processes involved in information 

selection processing. The startle response is a 

brainstem reflex elicited by an unexpected 

acoustic or tactile stimulus. In the prepulse 

inhibition test, sensorimotor gating is assessed 

by evaluating the characteristics of the innate 

reduction of the startle reflex induced by a weak 

prestimulus. This test measures pre-attentive 

processes that operate outside of conscious 

awareness and is widely used in animal models 

of diseases marked by an inability to inhibit, or 

“gate” irrelevant information in sensory, motor, 

or cognitive domains. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Reproduces the same paradigm used in humans to 

detect attentional and sensorimotor gating disorders 

Objective measurement: automated detection of 




➤ 

➤ 


Influenced by non-specific effects on 

sensorimotor gating 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Phenotyping 

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

Schizophrenia 

Autism 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 


Nocturnal Enuresis 

Tourette’s Syndrome 

20 



Sensory Motor & Coordination Guide 


Rotameter Test 

Rotational behavior has proved a popular 

technique for screening the behavioral effects 

of a wide variety of lesions, drugs, and other 

experimental manipulations on the brain of 

rodents. This test is widely carried out in 

experiments using animal models of Parkinson 

disease with unilateral lesions in the 

dopaminergic nigrostriatal system in which the 

number and direction of animal rotations in 

quantified after apormorphine treatment. 


➤ 

➤ 

Rapid and easy-to-do test 

Can be entirely automated 


➤ 

➤ 




Treadmill 

The Treadmill Test in rodents is a useful tool with 

a great value in the study of functional capacity. It 

is a validated standard model for investigations in 

the field of human metabolism. A subject is 

forced to walk/run on a treadmill (adjustable 

speed and inclination) during specific periods of 

time. This test allows the study of various 

physiological and behavioral functions such as 

long and short-term effort during exercise, 

locomotion, metabolic exchanges, cardiac 

function, motor coordination and fatigue. 




of exertion 

➤ Easy to use, even for inexperienced users 




Activity Wheel 

The Rodent Activity Wheel represents a very 

simple and clever way to register animal physical 

activity in its home cage environment. The use 

of this high throughput tool is particularly 

relevant for research involving circadian 

rhythms, phenotyping and drug testing. The time 

and distance run on a voluntary running wheel 

are monitored over several days or weeks to 

determine whether a particular substance or 

experimental manipulation has an effect on 

exercise behavior. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Rodent voluntary exercise registering; allows 

animals to exercise when and at the intensity that 

they choose 

Accessibility to running wheel may reduce the 

effects of chronic stress on depression-like signs 

in mice 

Less labor intensive than treadmill running as 

researchers need not to be present during wheel 

running 

Relatively inexpensive setup 

Ideal for high throughput experiments; many animals 

can be trained at the same time 



➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Intensity and duration of the exercise cannot be 

controlled 

Certain lines of transgenic mice may not engage in 

enough voluntary wheel running exercise to produce 

training adaptations 

Not suitable for studies that require precise timing to 

explore acute post exercise adaptations (intermittent 

running throughout the active cycle) 


➤ Drug Screening 

‰ Phenotyping 

‰ Neuromuscular Disease 

‰ Parkinson’s Disease 

‰ Muscular Dystrophy 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Needs repetitive daily exposure 

lasting several weeks 

Requires constant vigilance by 

the researcher to make sure that 

the animals run for the entire 

exercise test time 

Use of aversive stimuli to 

encourage running 


➤ Improvement of sportive human performances 

➤ Oxidative Stress 

➤ Diabetes 

➤ Parkinsons’s Disease 

➤ Ischemia 

➤ Ostopenia/Osteoporosis 

21

Sensory & Motor 

Rota Rod for Motor Coordination in Rodents 

Rota Rod 

The animal is placed on the roller lane of the Rota Rod and the timer is 

started. When the animal drops safely into its own lane, the time latency 

to fall (minutes and seconds) and rotation speed are automatically 

recorded. A removable upper separator for rat models is included to 

prevent interference between animals running in adjacent lanes. 

The Rota Rod is controlled by an advanced microprocessor which provides 

precise timing control and ultra-accurate speed regulation. Rotation can 

be electronically set at a constant speed (4-40 rpm) using a dial on the 

front panel. Alternatively, acceleration rate may be selected at a defined 

time (30 sec., 1, 2, 5 or 10 min). Acquired data is saved in the form of a 

table-lanes/trials. The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Rota Rod is also 

provided with a computer interface enabling easy exportation of data 

through RS-232 serial port in a format that is compatible with Excel . 

Key Features 

➤ Combined Rota Rod for mice and rats available! 

➤ Mechanical detection of fall 

➤ Individual lane timers 

➤ Constant speed and fixed acceleration rate modes 

➤ Automatic recording of latencies to fall and rotation speed 

➤ Memory for storing data 

➤ Data Transfer software included (SeDaCom) 


➤ Animal latency to fall 

➤ Rotation speed when fall occurs 


➤ Rota Rod unit with integrated control unit and 

RS-232 communication’s port 

➤ Cylinder for mice, rats or both depending on the model 

➤ Extension hood for rats (only for LE8300 and LE8500) 



➤ Certificate of calibration 



➤ 2 year warranty 

Options 

➤ LE7000 thermal printer 

Rota Rod 

The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Rota Rod provides an easy way to test 

the effects of drugs, brain damage, or diseases on motor coordination or 

fatigue resistance in rodents. 


Unit Dimensions 

Extra Hood 

Lane and Rod 

Dimensions-Rats 

Lane and Rod 

Dimensions-Mice 


Constant Speeds 

Acceleration Rate 

362 (W) x 240 (D) x 400 (H) mm 

100 (H) mm 

75 mm (W); 60 mm rod diameter 

50 mm (W); 30 mm rod diameter 

Methacrylate, arnite (lanes) 

4-40 RPM 

30 seconds, 1, 2, 5, or 10 minutes 

Computer Requirements PC (Windows ® 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP & Vista 32) 


Stations 



Order # Model 

1 per computer (multiple set-ups also available 

under request) 

CE compliant 

110/220 V, 50/60 Hz 

Product 

BH2 76-0237 LE 8200 Accelerating Rota Rod for 

5 Mice Including SeDaCom Software 


4 rats Including SeDaCom Software 


4 Rats or 4 Mice Including SeDaCom Software 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0114 LE 7000 Thermal Printer 

Citations 

Favre-Guilmard C et al. (2009) Different antinociceptive effects of botulinum toxin type A in 

inflammatory and peripheral polyneuropathic rat models . Eur. J. Phar. 617(1-3): 48-53 (rat, France) 

Marino P et al. (2009) A polysialic acid mimetic peptide promotes functional recovery in a mouse 

model of spinal cord injury. Exp Neurology, 219(1):163-174. (spinal cord injury, mouse, France) 

Viosca J et al. (2009) Germline expression of H-RasG12V causes neurological deficits associated to 

Costello syndrome. Genes, Brain and Behav. 8(1):60-71. (mouse, France) 

Favre-Guilmard C et al. (2008) The novel inhibitor of the heterotrimeric G-protein complex, BIM-46187, 

elicits anti-hyperalgesic properties and synergizes with morphine. Eur. J. Phar. 594(1-3): 70-76 (rat, France) 

Korhonen L et al. (2008) Expression of X-chromosome linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein in mature 

purkinje cells and in retinal bipolar cells in transgenic mice induces neurodegeneration. Neuroscience 

156(3):515-526 (LE8200, mouse, Finland) 

22 




Grip Strength Meter for Evaluation of Muscular Strength 

Grip Strength Meter 

The grip strength meter allows the study of neuromuscular functions in 

rodents by determining the maximum force displayed by an animal. 

This test is included in the Functional Observational Battery (FOB) to 

screen for neurobehavioral toxicity. In this context, changes in grip 

strength are interpreted as evidence of motor neurotoxicity. 

The grip strength meter is positioned horizontally and the subjects are 

held by the tail and lowered towards the apparatus. The animals are 

allowed to grasp the metal grid or T-bar and are then pulled backwards 

in the horizontal plane. The force applied to the grid or to the bar just 

before it loses grip is recorded as the peak tension. This force can be 

measured in kilograms, grams, pounds or Newtons. 

Data output is carried out through RS-232, printer, or chart recorder. 

Depending on the grid type used, grip strength can be measured from 

the front or hind paws. 

Grip Test Accessories 


Dimensions of 2 Grid System 

750 (W) x 180 (D) x 200 (H) mm 

Sensor Capacity 

0-2 kG (20N) 

Sampling Speed 

1000 Hz 

Measurement Range 

0 to 2000 grams 

Bar for Rat 

(for front or rear paws) 

Bar for Mouse 

(for front or rear 

paws) 

Grid for Rats 

(for four paws) 

Grid for Mouse 

(for front paws 

& four paws) 

Resolution 

Accuracy 


0.1 gram 

0.2 % of full scale 

Stainless steel (Grid) 

Power Supply 

110 V/220 V 

Dimensions of Single System 

400 (W) x 180 (D) x 200 (H) mm 

Key Features 

➤ Stand alone system, PC optional, not required 

➤ Fits to rats and mice with a simple change of grip accessories 

➤ Multi-units display: kgs, grams, lbs., Newtons 

➤ New and unique internal computations allows direct reading 

of average value, standard deviation and variability for 

subjects and up to 100 animals 


➤ Maximum force developed by the front and hind paws 


➤ Display unit with RS-232 connection for PC 

➤ Metal stand 

➤ Grid or bar (one or two grids/bar) 



Options 

➤ RS-232 cable 

➤ RSIC software 

➤ Additional grid/bar 

➤ Statistical impact printer with cable 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0483 BSBIOGS3 Grip Strength Test Complete with 1 Accessory, 

110 or 220 Volts 

BH2 76-0484 BSBIORSIC Data Acquisition RSIC Software Windows ® XP 

(Dongle and CD) 

BH2 76-0485 BSBIOAGRS232 RS-232 Cable 

BH2 76-0479 BSBIOGRIPBR Bar for Rats (Front Paws) 

BH2 76-0480 BSBIOGRIPBS Bar for Mice (Front or Rear Paws) 

BH2 76-0481 BSBIOGRIPGR Grid for Rats (Front or Four Paws) 

BH2 76-0482 BSBIOGRIPGS Grid for Mice (Front & Four paws) 

Citations 

Dudra-Jastrzebska et al. (2009) Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interaction profiles of levetiracetam 

in combination with gabapentin, tiagabine and vigabatrin in the mouse pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure 

model: An isobolographic analysis. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 605(1-3): 87-94. (mouse, Poland, UK) 

Dupuis L et al. (2009) Muscle Mitochondrial Uncoupling Dismantles Neuromuscular Junction and 

Triggers Distal Degeneration of Motor Neurons. PLoS ONE 4(4):e5390. (mouse, France) 

Kozinska J et al (2009) Spironolactone potentiates the protective action of some selected antiepileptic 

drugs against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice. Annales UMCS, Pharmacia. 22(1):123- 

134. (mouse, Poland) 

Lambertsen KL et al. (2009) Microglia Protect Neurons against Ischemia by Synthesis of Tumor 

Necrosis Factor. J. Neurosci. 29(5):1319-1330. (BIO-GT3, mouse, Denmark, Sweden). 

Luszczki JJ et al. (2009) N-(anilinomethyl)-p-isopropoxyphenylsuccinimide potentiates the 

anticonvulsant action of phenobarbital and valproate in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced 

seizure model Neurosci. Res. 64(3):267-272. (mouse, Poland, Armenia) 

Akhtar M et al. (2008) Effect of thioperamide on oxidative stress markers in middle cerebral artery occlusion 

model of focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Human & Experimental Toxicology. 27(10):761-767. (rat, India) 



23


Grip-Strength Meter 

Peak Preamplifier 

Both the Grip Strength Meter for Rats and the model for Mice are used 

with this Peak Amplifier. It automatically discriminates whether the grip 

force is generated by the rat and mouse transducer and expresses 

them in grams and in decimal of grams respectively. 

The data supplied by the peak amplifier is available in digital and 

analog form. The waveform of the pull can be externally recorded, for 

example via a channel recorder or the signal may be taken to a data 

acquisition system. 

Grip-Strength Meter is Supplied 

Complete with the Following Components 

• Peak Amplifier, incorporating a digital display 

• Force Transducer Suitable for Either Rats or Mice 

• Trapezes for Either Rats or Mice, T-shaped bar 

for Either Rats or Mice 

• Perspex Plate with 10 mm diameter upright 

• Open-Side Boss Head 

• Table Clamp 

• Mains Cable 

• Set of 2 fuses for either 115 V or 230 V operation 

• Instruction Manual 

Grip-Strength Meter 

This system measures the force that is required to make a mouse or 

rat release its grip. It is ideal to measure the effects of drugs, toxins, 

muscle relaxants, disease, aging or neural damage on muscle 

strength. 

The rat or mouse is placed over a Perspex plate, in front of a grasping bar, 

either T-shaped or trapeze-shaped. Rodents instinctively grab anything 

they can to try to stop this involuntary backward movement. The will 

continue to grip the trapeze until the pulling force overcomes their grip 

strength. After the animal loses its grip, the peak preamplifier automatically 

stores the peak pull force and shows it on a liquid crystal display. 

The sensor mechanism is a T-shaped or trapeze-shaped bar whose 

height is adjustable. The bar is fitted to a force transducer connected 

to the Peak Amplifier. The Mouse unit is similar to the rat model except 

the grasping trapeze is proportionately sized for mice and the 

transducer sensitivity is adjusted to measure the grip strength of mice. 

A complete system is comprised of the follow components: 

1. A base plate of black sand-blasted Perspex, 

complete with upright and open-side boss-head 

2. A grasping-bar (a grasping trapeze is also supplied) 

3. A force transducer of adjustable height, provided with 

connection cable and connector to the peak amplifier 

4. A peak amplifier 

Order # Model Product 

BH2 72-6713 47105/115 V Grip-Strength Meter for Rats, 115 V/230 V 

BH2 72-6715 47106/115 V Grip-Strength Meter for Mice, 115 V/230 V 

REPLACEMENT PARTS 

BH2 72-6717 47105-002 Force Transducer Assembly for Rat 

BH2 72-6718 47105-003 Force Transducer Assembly for Mouse 

BH2 72-6719 47105-004 Pespex Plate with 10 mm Diameter Upright 

BH2 72-6723 47105-323 Table Clamp 

BH2 72-6725 4003 Open-Side Boss Head 

24 




Rodent Activity Wheel 

Activity Wheel and Cage 

Key Features 

➤ Easy way to quantify rodent voluntary exercise in their home 

cage environment 

➤ Preserves animal living space 

➤ Stainless steel wheel construction 

➤ For rat, mice and hamsters 

➤ Ideal for high throughput experiments 

Applications 

➤ Activity - circadian rhythms, exercise 

➤ Cognition - environmental enrichment 

➤ Disease models - Huntington’s, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity 

Disorder, Addiction, Anorexia and more 


The Rodent Activity Wheel represents a very simple and clever way to 

register animal voluntary physical activity in its home cage 

environment. 

The use of this high throughput tool is particularly relevant for research 

involving circadian rhythms, phenotyping and drug testing. The animals are 

housed individually in the home cages equipped with the running wheel. 

The total number of wheel rotation made by the animal is displayed on 

the external LE907 individual counter or LE3806 multi-counter devices. 

LE3806 multi-counter allows storing the data in user-defined time 

intervals and exports them to the SeDaCom PC interface (through RS- 

232 serial port) in a format compatible with Excel . 

All the components of the wheel assembly (wheel, wheel hub and 

support) are made of stainless steel and are used with standard ACE 

(Allentown Caging Equipment) polycarbonate rodent cages provided 

with its wire lid. The wheel is mounted outside the home cage to 

preserve animal living space. 

All non-electrical cage components are autoclavable. 


Model Ø Wheel Lane Width ACE* Cage Size 

LE904 36 cm 10 cm 42 (W) x 26 (D) x 19 (H) cm 

LE905 16 cm 6 cm 36 (W) x 20 (D) x 14 (H) cm 

* Other brands are available under request 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0412 LE904 Activity Wheel and Cage, Rat 

BH2 76-0413 LE905 Activity Wheel and Cage, Mouse 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0414 LE907 Single Wheel Counter 

BH2 76-0243 LE3806 Multi-Counter (up to 30 wheels) including 

SedaCom PC interface 



25


Rodent Activity Wheel and Cage 

BH2 60-1943 Rodent Activity Wheel and Cage shown complete with 

Water Bottle, Waste Tray, Support Stand and Counter (not included) 

The clear polycarbonate cage has glass-like clarity and excellent impact 

strength. The cut-out bottom allows changing of bedding and removal of 

excreta without disturbing the animal. (Meets NIH floor space 

requirements for a single rodent). A solid stainless steel lid covers the 

opening at the edge of the Activity Wheel while a wire lid with exclusive 

lid locks fasten securely to the cage body. These lids prevent the animal 

from escaping. The wire lid incorporates a water bottle support with 

rubber stopper guard and a U-shaped food hopper for pellets. 


Dimensions: 

Overall, H x W x D 

Wheel, OD x W 

Floor Area: 

Cage 

Cage with Wheel 

36.4 x 26.8 x 50 cm (14.25 x 10.375 x 19.5 in) 

34.5 x 9 cm (13.5 x 3.5 in) 

929 cm2 (144 in2) 

516 cm2 (80 in2) 

Order # Product 

FOR RATS 

BH2 60-1943 Rat Activity Wheel and Cage 

BH2 60-1944 

Polycarbonate Waste Tray Collects Excreta, 

H x W x D, 3.5 x 28 x 45 cm (1.375 x 11.125 x 17.5 in); Requires 

Use of BH2 60-1945 Support Stand, see below, pkg. of 1 

➤ Easy measurement of rodent activity 

➤ For mice, rats and hamsters 

➤ All stainless steel wheel construction 

➤ Clear polycarbonate cage for visibility and strength 


This Rodent Activity Wheel provides an easy, convenient method for 

measuring lab rodents’ physical activity in response to chemical or 

environmental stimuli. It is especially useful for research involving 

circadian rhythms or pharmaceutical testing. The Rodent Activity 

Wheel and Cage package comes complete with: stainless steel activity 

wheel, wheel hub and support, sheet and activity wire lids and 

polycarbonate cage with cut away bottom and stainless steel floor grid. 

The Activity Wheel allows the animal to exercise voluntarily. It has 

long-lasting, low-friction Teflon TFE bushings for quiet, smooth action. 

The stainless steel hub and support rod provide strength and durability 

and the wide wheel allows small to large animals to exercise. A 

magnetic switch with LCD counter is available as an accessory for 

recording animal activity on the wheel, counted as wheel revolutions. 

The magnetic switch can be used with both the rat and mouse wheels. 

BH2 60-1945 

BH2 60-0506 

BH2 60-1946 

FOR MICE 

BH2 60-2429 

BH2 60-2425 

BH2 60-2423 

BH2 60-2424 

BH2 60-1946 

Support Stand for Cage and Waste Tray for Rat Cage, 

Stainless Steel, Supports One Activity Cage with Wheel 

and Waste Tray; Allows Removal of Waste Tray without 

Disturbing the Cage or Animal 

Polycarbonate Water Bottle for Rat Cage, 500 ml Glass Clear 

and Shatterproof. Extremely Rugged. Permanent, Molded-in 

Graduations for Easy Measurement. Complete with Chew-Proof 

Type 316 SS Cap and Sipper tube. Exclusive 1.8 mm Sipper Tube 

Opening Minimizes Spontaneous Dripping 

Magnetic Switch with LCD Counter the Magnetic Switch Counts 

Whole Revolutions of the Activity Wheel. Operates on an Extended- 

Life Battery (Included). A Safety Lock Position on the Reset Button 

Helps Eliminate Accidental Resettings. Assembly Required to 

Connect Unit to the Activity Wheel and Cage. Works with Both Rat 

and Mouse Wheel. 

Mouse Activity Wheel and Cage 

Polycarbonate Waste Tray for Mouse Cage 

Support Stand for Cage and Waste Tray for Mouse Cage 

Polycarbonate Water Bottle for Mouse Cage 

Magnetic Switch with LCD Counter, see Description Above 

26 




Small Animal Treadmill 

Treadmill Unit with RS-232 Communication Port 

Key Features 

➤ Silent operation, even at high speeds 

➤ Accurate control of shock intensity 

➤ Data acquisition software included (SeDaCom) 

➤ Positive/Negative slope 

➤ High performance motor 

➤ Easy to clean 


➤ Total distance covered 

➤ Distance covered at each moment 

➤ Accumulated shock time per animal 

➤ Number of contacts with the shock grid 


➤ Treadmill unit with RS-232 port 

➤ Allen key 






Options 


➤ LE87XXCO air tight option for calorimetry studies 

(available only on single lane models) 

Treadmills 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus treadmills are rolling belts with an 

adjustable speed and slope, enabling forced exercise training and 

accurate testing of fatigue in rodents. Different models are available 

depending on the user’s needs from one to five lanes. 

These treadmills have an adjustable speed (up to 150 cm/s) and slope 

(from -25 to +25 degrees) and a control unit. The rolling belt is built 

with specially selected materials to guarantee the best performance 

under conditions of intensive use and requires minimum maintenance. 

It is also designed with simplicity for keeping it clean. The lanes 

(corridors of activity for the animal) have sufficient width for the 

subject to correct its errors in coordination, thereby allowing an exact 

measurement of the fatigue without deficiencies in motor coordination. 

The unit controls the speed of the belt, shows measured data in its 

display, provides current to the shocking grid and allows 

communication with the PC for data storage, via the RS-232 output and 

SeDaCom software. Belt velocity can also be controlled by software. 

Parameters measured in a trial are: belt speed and slope, distance 

travelled, shock time, and shock intensity. 

The electrical shock supplied by the grid is of constant intensity (from 

0 to 2 mA), that is, the current which circulates through the animal (and 

therefore its effect) only depends on the value of the mA chosen and 

not of the subject (quantity of body mass in contact with the bars, 

perspiration, etc.) 

The apparatus can optionally be provided with an air isolated enclosure 

for respiratory metabolism studies - single lane versions only. Gas 

analyzer, air supply and switching units as well as software must be 

purchased separately for use with air tight option. 



27


Small Animal Treadmill (continued) 


Current Range 

Belt Speed 

Running Surface 

Running Lanes 

Shock Grid 

Slope Adjusment 

Adjustable from 0 to 2 mA 

Adjustable from 5 to 150cm/sec 

450 mm long x 100 mm wide 

1, 2, or 5, depending upon model selected 

190 mm long x 100 mm wide 

From 0° to 25° (negative slope also available 

upon request) 


Maximum Number 



Order # Model 

1 per computer with SeDaCom up to 10 units 

of Stations 

CE compliant 

110V or 220V, 50/60Hz 

Product 

BH2 76-0303 LE8700 Rat Single Lane Treadmill Including Shock 

Source and SeDaCom Software 

BH2 76-0304 LE8708 Mice Single Lane Treadmill Including Shock 


BH2 76-0305 LE8715 Rabbit Single Lane Treadmill Including Shock 


BH2 76-0306 LE8706 Rat Double Lane Treadmill Including Shock 


BH2 76-0307 LE8709 Mice Double Lane Treadmill Including Shock 


BH2 76-0308 LE8710R 5 Lanes Treadmill for Rats, Including Shock 


Citations 

Caron AZ et al. (2009) A novel hindlimb immobilization procedure for studying skeletal muscle atrophy 

and recovery in mouse. J. Appl. Physiol. 106: 2049-2059. (mouse, Canada) 

Casas F et al. (2009) Overexpression of the Mitochondrial T3 Receptor Induces Skeletal Muscle 

Atrophy during Aging. PLoS ONE. 4(5):e5631. (mouse, Spain, France) 

Hoffman-Goetz L et al. (2009) Voluntary exercise training in mice increases the expression of 

antioxidant enzymes and decreases the expression of TNF-_ in intestinal lymphocytes. Brain, Behav. 

Immunity. 23(4):498-506. (mouse, Canada) 

Jiao Q et al. (2009) Sarcalumenin is Essential for Maintaining Cardiac Function During 

Endurance Exercise Training. Am. J.Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. (mouse, Japan) In Press. 

Macambira SG et al. (2009) Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment in chronic Chagas 

disease: preservation and improvement of cardiac structure and function. FASEB J. In Press. (LE8700, 

mouse, Brazil) 

Yoshida M et al. (2009) Functional evaluation of pallid mice with genetic emphysema. 

Laboratory Investigation. 89(7):760-768. (LE8709, mouse, Japan) 

Cassano M et al. (2008) Magic-Factor 1, a Partial Agonist of Met, Induces Muscle Hypertrophy by 

Protecting Myogenic Progenitors from Apoptosis. PLoS ONE. 3(9):e3223 (mouse, Italy) 

Ferrara N et al. (2008) Exercice training promotes SIRT1 activity in aged rats. Rejuvenation Res. 

11(1):139-150 (rat, Italy) 

Knauf C et al. (2008) Brain Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Signaling Controls the Onset of High-Fat Diet- 

Induced Insulin Resistance and Reduces Energy Expenditure. Endocrinology. 149(1):4768-4777 

(mouse, France) 

Marques E et al. (2008) Influence of chronic exercise on the amphetamine-induced Dopamine Release 

and Neurodegeneration in the Striatum of the Rat. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 1139:222-231. (LE8706, rat, 

Portugal) 

Knauf C et al. (2008) Brain Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Signaling Controls the Onset of High-Fat Diet- 

Induced Insulin Resistance and Reduces Energy Expenditure. Endocrinology. 149(1):4768-4777 


Cassano M et al. (2008) Magic-Factor 1, a Partial Agonist of Met, Induces Muscle Hypertrophy by 

Protecting Myogenic Progenitors from Apoptosis. PLoS ONE. 3(9):e3223 (mouse, Italy) 

Ferrara N et al. (2008) Exercice training promotes SIRT1 activity in aged rats. Rejuvenation Res. 

11(1):139-150 (rat, Italy) 

Serradj N and Jamon M (2007) Age-related changes in the motricity of the inbred mice strains 

129/sv and C57BL/6j. Behavioral Brain research 177(1): 80-89. (mouse, France) 

Suelves M et al. (2007) uPA deficiency exacerbates muscular dystrophy in MDX mice. The Journal of 

Cell Biology 178(6):1039-51. (Mouse, Spain) 

Alonso M et al. (2006) Melatonin inhibits the expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide 

synthase and nuclear factor kappa B activation in rat skeletal muscle. J. Pineal Res. In Press 

Billat V et al. (2005) Inter- and intrastrain variation in mouse critical running speed. J. Apll. Physiol. 

98: 1258-1263. (mice, France). 

Majczynski H et al. (2005) Serotonin-Related Enhancement of Recovery of Hind Limb Motor Functions 

in Spinal Rats after Grafting of Embryonic Raphe Nuclei. J. Neurotrauma. 22(5): 590-604. (Rat, Poland) 

BH2 76-0309 LE8710M 5 Lanes Treadmill for Mice, Including Shock 


OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0310 LE 87XXCO CO Air Tight Option 

(Only Available for LE8700, LE8708 and LE8715) 

BH2 76-0114 LE 7000 Thermal Printer 

BH2 76-0312 LE8740R LE8710 Lead for Rats 

BH2 76-0313 LE8740M LE8710 Lead for Mice 

BH2 76-0314 LE8730R LE8710 Grid for Rats 

BH2 76-0315 LE8730M LE8710 Grid for Mice 

28 




Rotameter for Evaluating Rotation Behavior 

Rotameter 

A bi-directional rotation sensor provides a double (right and left turns) 

output with adjustable regulation of pulses/turns (between 3 and 36 

pulses per complete turn). Experiment duration and time intervals of 

measurement can be set. An external multicounter LE3806 is 

necessary for data storage; it counts the number of partial and 

complete left and right turns depending of the adjustments made on 

the rotation sensors. 

The computer interface SeDaCom allows easy exportation of data 

(through RS-232 serial port) in a format compatible with Excel . 


Fraction of Turn 

Dimensions of the 

Containers 

4 to 36 fraction of a circumference (selectable) 

400 mm diameter 


Key Features 

➤ Rotation sensor with adjustable TTL output signal 

➤ Configuring experiment duration and time intervals of counting 

➤ Counting the number of partial and complete left and right turns 

➤ Adjustable harness with velcro 

➤ Computer interface included 


➤ Number of partial and complete left and right turns 


➤ Rotation sensor and support 

➤ Animal harness 

➤ Container (either a bowl or a cylinder) 





Options 

➤ Double counter (left & right turn) 

➤ Programmable counter with 30 inputs (up to 15 Rota Meter) 

and SeDaCom software 

Rotameter 

Rotational behavior has proved a popular technique for screening the 

behavioral effects of a wide variety of lesions, drugs, and other 

experimental manipulations on the brain of rodents. This test is widely 

carried out in experiments using animal models of Parkinson’s Disease 

with unilateral lesions in the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system. 

The subject wears an adjustable harness with velcro connected to the 

rotation sensor by a flexible tie. Wide ranges of harnesses are available 

to fit different animal sizes. The subject is then placed into a transparent 

container (cylindrical or oval) with a lateral support for a vertical stand. 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0241 LE902 Rotational System Including Rotation Sensor, 

Rat or Mouse Harness, Bowl or Cylinder 

Container 

BH2 76-0242 LE902-CC Double Counter (Left & Right Turns) 

BH2 76-0243 LE3806 Programmable MultiCounter with 30 Inputs 

(up to 15 Rota-Meter) and SedaCom Software 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0244 LE902-SR Left & Right Rotation Sensor, 

Adjustable Turn Resolution 

BH2 76-0245 LE902-AS Rat Harness with Velcro and Connecting Wire 

BH2 76-0246 LE902-MT Mouse Harness with Velcro 

and Connecting Wire 

BH2 76-0247 LE902-RP Cylindrical or Oval Container 

with Supporting Rod 

Citations 

Belzunegui S et al. (2008) Striatal carotid body graft promotes differentiation of neural progenitor 

cells into neurons in the olfactory bulb of adult hemiparkisonian rats. Brain Res. 1217:213-220. 

Martin A et al. (2008) open-field, elevated plus maze, Y-maze, and Morris water maze. 

Neuropsychopharmacol. 33:1667-1679 (rat, Spain) 

Aymerich MS et al. (2006) Consequences of unilateral nigrostriatal denervation on the thalamostriatal 

pathway in rats. Eur. J. Neurosci. 23(8): 2099. (rat, Spain) 

Bove J et al. (2006) Reversion of levodopa-induced motor fluctuations by the A2A antagonist CSC is 

associated with an increase in striatal preprodynorphin mRNA expression in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. 

Synapse. 59(7): 435-444. (rat, Spain) 

Toledo-Aral JJ et al. (2003) Trophic restoration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway in long-term 

carotid body-grafted parkinsonian rats. J. Neurosci. 23(1): 141-148. (rat, Spain) 

Segura-Aguilar J et al. (2002) Inhibition of DT-diaphorase is a requirement for Mn3+ to produce a 

6-OH-dopamine like Rotational Behavior. Neurotoxicity Research, Volume 4, Number 2, 127 – 131 

(rat, Chile) 

Diaz-Veliz G et al. (2002) Behavioral effects of aminochrome and dopachrome injected in the rat 

substantia nigra. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 73(4):843-50 (rat, Chile) 



29


HSE-HA Rodent Shocker 

Now NEW versions with low current and 0.1mA accuracy available! 

BH2 73-0105 Rodent Shocker 

Sine-Wave Shock Generator 

with BH2 73-0108 

Eye Shock Electrode 

for Mice and Rats 


Stimulation Frequency 

Stimulus Duration 

Stimulus Energy 

Output 

Output Current 

Standard Version 

Output Current LC 

Version 

Limitation of Maximum 

Stimulation Voltage 

Digital Display 

50 Hz or 60 Hz according to supply frequency 

0.1 sec to 9.9 sec in steps of 0.1 sec, selected after 

pressing a button, the selected time is indicated 

Up to 75 W 

Constant current, fully floating 

0 to 300 mA, 0 to 150 mA, 0 to 100 mA depending 

on maximum stimulation voltage selected, the 

setting is made on a 10-turn potentiometer and 

the selected value is shown on the digital display 

0 to 30mA and 0 to 20mA depending on 

selected voltage 

250 V, 500 V, 750 V in 3 steps, selected by button 

The selected stimulation current is indicated 

continuously in mA, the actual current applied is 

shown during application and can be called up later 

by pushing a button, the selected stimulation time is 

shown on pressing the TIME button, bargraph 

indicates the course of the stimulation time. 

Key Features 

➤ For testing anticonvulsant drugs 

➤ For mice and rats 

➤ Two types of electrodes are available: for eyes or ears 

➤ Foot switch operation 

Supply 

Dimensions, H x W x D 

Weight 


BH2 73-0105 

110 V, 60 Hz or 220 V, 50 Hz 

150 x 260 x 360 mm (5.91 x 10.2 x 14.2 in) 

5 kg (11 lb) 

Rodent Shocker Sine-Wave Shock Generator with Foot Switch, 

115 VAC, 60 Hz 

Rodent Shocker 

Cerebral seizures, preferably in mice, are produced using constant 

sinusoidal alternating current to determine the effect of anticonvulsant 

drugs. For the reliable induction of seizures it is necessary to achieve 

satisfactory current flow. Eye electrodes and (especially in mice) ear 

electrodes are used for this purpose. 

BH2 73-0106 

BH2 73-3946 

BH2 73-3047 

BH2 73-0107 

BH2 73-0108 

Rodent Shocker Sine-Wave Shock Generator with Foot Switch, 

230 VAC, 50 Hz 

Rodent Shocker RS Type 221/LC Low Current Version, 

230 VAC, 50 Hz including foot switch, output power 75 VA, 

maximum current at 750V is 20 mA, at 500V and 250V 30mA, 

selectable in steps of 0.1 mA 

Rodent Shocker RS Type 221/LC Low Current Version, 

115 VAC, 50 Hz including foot switch, output power 75 VA, 

maximum current at 750V is 20 mA, at 500V and 250V 30mA, 

selectable in steps of 0.1 mA 

Ear Shock Electrodes for Mice and Rats, Pair 

Eye Shock Electrode for Mice and Rats 

30 



Analgesia 

Guide 

Pain, in the sense of physical pain, is a typical sensory 

experience that may be described as the unpleasant 

awareness of a noxious stimulus or bodily harm. For 

scientific and clinical purposes, pain is defined by the 

International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) as “an 

unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated 

with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in 

terms of such damage”. Pain is part of the body’s defense 

system, triggering a reflex reaction to retract from a painful 

stimulus, and helps adjust behavior to increase avoidance 

of that particular harmful situation in the future. Given its 

significance, physical pain is also linked to various cultural, 

religious, philosophical, or social issues. 

The word “pain” does not equate with nociception, which 

is a preconscious neural activity that is normally 

necessary, but not sufficient, for pain. The term 

nociception was coined by Charles Scott Sherrington to 

make clear the difference between the physiological 

nature of nervous activity signaling tissue damage and 

the psychological response of pain to this physiological 

event. In animal models, we have to speak of 

“nociceptive transmission” instead of “pain transmission” 

since pain per se cannot be communicated. 

Nociception is the afferent activity produced in the 

peripheral and central nervous system by stimuli that 

have the potential to damage tissue. This activity is 

initiated by nociceptors that can detect mechanical, 

thermal or chemical changes, above a certain 

threshold. All nociceptors are free nerve endings of fastconducting 

myelinated A delta fibers or slow conducting 

unmyelinated C fibers, respectively responsible for fast, 

localized, sharp pain and slow, poorly localized, dull 

pain. Once stimulated, the nociceptors transmit signals 

that travel along the spinal cord and within the brain. 

Brain areas that are particularly studied in relation with 

pain include the somatosensory cortex which mostly 

accounts for the sensory discriminative dimension of 

pain, and the limbic system, of which the thalamus and 

the anterior cingulated cortex are said to be especially 

involved in the affective dimension. Nociception, even 

in the absence of pain, may trigger withdrawal reflexes 

and a variety of autonomic responses. The control of 

nociceptive transmission is complex and involves 

numerous peripheral and central mechanisms. 

In this pathological manifestation, pain is a major 

symptom in many medical conditions, significantly 

interfering with a person’s quality of life and general 

functioning. Diagnosis is based on characterizing pain in 

various ways, according to duration, intensity, type (dull, 

burning or stabbing), source, or location in body. 

Among the most frequent technical terms for referring to 

abnormal perturbations in pain experiences, there are: 

allodynia (pain due to a stimulus which does not normally 

provoke pain) hyperalgesia (an increase response to a 

stimulus which is normally painful) and hypoalgesia 

(diminished pain in response to a normally painful 

stimulus). As an example, allodynia is a clinical feature of 

many painful conditions, such as neuropathies, posttherapeutic 

neuralgia, fibromyalgia, and migraine. 

Usually pain stops without treatment or responds to 

simple measures such as resting or taking an analgesic, 

and it is then called “acute” pain. However, it may 

become intractable and develop into a condition called 

chronic pain, in which pain is no longer considered a 

symptom but an illness by itself. 

31

Analgesia Guide 


Tail Flick Test 

The Tail Flick Test, also known as the D’Armour 

and Smith Test, is a nociceptive assay based on 

the measured latency to avoid thermal stimulus 

in rodents. A thermal stimulus is applied on the 

tail; when the animal feels discomfort, it 

retracts by a sudden tail’s movement or flick. 

The tail flick time is then measured and used as 

an index of animal pain sensitivity. 


➤ Thermal pain sensitivity (analgesia and hyperalgesia) 

➤ Objective measurement: automated detection of 

animal reaction time 

➤ Widely used in literature 


➤ Allows multiple measurements in the same animal 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Mainly spinal response 

Animal habituation critical for obtaining reliable data 

Restrainer recommended for inexperienced users 


➤ 

➤ 

Analgesic Drug Screening 

Basal Pain Sensitivity Phenotyping 


Hot Plate Test 

The Hot-Plate Test evaluates thermal pain 

reflexes due to footpad contact with a heated 

surface. During the experiments, the animal is 

in a removable clear acrylic cylinder where the 

latency time to the first hind paw and/or 

jumping responses are measured. 


➤ Thermal pain sensitivity (analgesia and hyperalgesia) 

➤ Evaluates responses with both spinal (licking) or 

surpraspinal components (jumping) 


➤ No need for a restrainer 

➤ Sensitive for both mice rats 


➤ 

➤ 

Subjective movement; visual detection of animal 

reaction time 

Allows only one evaluation per animal when 

jumping is measured 


➤ 

➤ 

Analgesic Drug Screening 

Basal Pain Sensitivity Phenotyping 

32 





Randall-Selitto Test 

The Randall-Selitto Test involves the application 

of a uniformly increasing pressure on the paw to 

assess the threshold response to pain. The 

intensity of pressure causing an escape reaction 

was defined as the withdrawal threshold. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Mechanical pain sensitivity 

(analgesia and hyperalgesia) 

Left and right paw discrimination 

Allows multiple measurements on the same animal 


➤ Mainly spinal response 

➤ Animal habituation is critical for obtaining 

reliable data 

➤ Subjective measurement: visual detection of animal 

reaction time 

➤ Widely used in rat (paw application), needs more 

expertise for mice (tail or paw application) 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Phenotyping 

Neuropathy 

Inflammation 

Post-Operative Pain 


Von Frey Test 

This test is used to assess the threshold for 

touch evoked sensations. Von Frey Test 

consists in sequentially applying filaments of 

different diameters until the hair that creates 

the noxious sensation (reflecting by a paw 

withdrawal effect) is found. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Mechanical sensitivity to non-painful stimulus 

(allodynia) 


Allows multiple measurements in the same animal 

Sensitivity for both mice and rats 


➤ Mainly spinal response 

➤ Animal habituation in critical for obtaining 

reliable data 

➤ Subjective measurements; visual detection of animal 

reaction test 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Phenotyping 

Neuropathy 

Inflammation 

Post-operative pain 

Phantom pain 



33



Incapacitance Test 

In the Incapacitance Test, the animal is in a 

holder specially designed so the animal is 

comfortably positioned on two separate sensor 

plates. The Incapacitance device enables the 

quantification of spontaneous postural changes 

reflecting spontaneous pain. The test 

independently measures the weight an animal 

applies to each hind paw with two separate 

sensors. Normal rodents distribute weight 

equally on both paws, change of this 

equilibrium can reflect the level of discomfort 

due to an injury. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Spontaneous pain 


Allows multiple measurements on the same animal 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Animal habituation is critical for obtaining 

reliable data 

Animals need to be restrained 

Positioning of mice for testing is difficult 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Neuropathy 

Inflammation 

Post-Operative Pain 


Plethysmometer Test 

This test is typically used to follow the 

evolution of the inflammatory processes. This 

test allows evaluating paw volume, which is 

typically increased during inflammation. 

Therefore, this test is used to screen antiinflammatory 

potential or anti-edema 

properties of pharmacological substances. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Rodent paw volume evaluation 




➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Anti-Inflammatory Drug Screening 

Anti-Edema Drug Screening 

Inflammation 

Post-Operative Plan 


Thermal Place Preference Test 

The thermal place preference paradigm allows 

working on unrestrained animals that are able to 

choose between two compartments with 

different temperatures. This test is userindependent 

since there is no handling during 

the experiment. This point alone makes this test 

more attractive compared to traditional hot/cold 

plate tests. Time spent in the two compartments, 

crossing time and the temperature in each zone 

are provided in an automated manner, allowing 

reliable determination of the animal’s thermal 

pain threshold. 


➤ 

➤ 

New test for thermal pain sensitivity 

Operator independent testing as animals are 

freely moving 


➤ 

➤ 


Phenotyping 

34 



Analgesia 

Tail Flick Meter for Evaluating Thermal Analgesia 

Tail Flick Meter 

Key Features 

➤ Optimal detection due to perfect alignment of heat stimulus 

and photo beam trigger 

➤ Photo beams with adjustable sensitivity 

➤ A light beam shows the point on which the heat source will focus 

➤ Manual and remote timer and trigger 

➤ Groove for correct tail placement 

➤ Automatic cut-off 

➤ Computer interface, SeDaCom 


➤ Time latency response to thermal stimulus 


➤ Control Unit with RS-232 port to PC 

➤ Stimulation unit 

➤ Mouse tail adapter 

➤ Holder for rat or mouse - must specify at time of order 

➤ Footswitch 



➤ Calibration certificate 




Options 

➤ LE7000 Thermal printer 

➤ LE7106T Tail-Temperature recorder 


This system features radiant heat applied on the animal’s tail; when the 

animal feels discomfort, it reacts by a sudden tail’s movement (tail 

flick) which automatically stops the stimulation and the timer for the 

measurement of the animal reaction time (period from the beginning of 

the stimulation until detection of the animal’s response). 

This test has proved particularly sensitive for studying the analgesic 

properties of pharmacological substances. It can also be used to 

evaluate basal thermal pain sensitivity or to study putative genetic 

differences among control animals. 

The LE7106 Tail-flick Meter consists of a stimulation unit (containing 

the halogen lamp for the heat stimulus) and an electronic control unit. 

The system can be used for rats and mice of different sizes. The animal 

is placed in a restrainer with its tail protruding on the platform of the 

stimulus unit. The animal’s tail is positioned on a slot of adjustable 

width equipped with a groove that guarantees a correct placement. A 

remote foot-switch controls the test start/stop allowing rapid handsfree 

experiments. 

A photo beam with adjustable sensitivity detects the tail flick and the 

latency is automatically presented on a digital display on the control 

unit. Measurements of reaction time are given with a 0.1 precision. A 

cut-off time can be set to avoid tissue damage (by default: 20 s). The 

groove system for the tail and the adjustment of response sensitivity 

ensure optimum repeatability and reliability of results. 

SeDacom software supplied with the unit can be used to automatically 

record the results on a PC through a RS-232 port. 


Control Unit Dimensions 

Stimulation Unit 

Dimensions 

Power Supply 


350 (W) x 350 (D) x 130 (H) 

400 (W) x 140 (D) x 155 (H) 

110 V/220 V, 50/60Hz 

Methacrylate, halogen lamp 

Computer Requirements PC (Windows ® 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP and Vista 32) 


Stations 


Order # Model 



CE compliant 

Product 

BH2 76-0293 LE7106 Tail Flick Analgesia Meter Including Restrainer, 

Footswitch and SeDaCom Software 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0114 LE7000 Thermal Printer 

BH2 76-0294 LE7106T Tail-Temperature Recorder 

Citations 

Gulati et al. (2009) Determination of Adrenergic and Imidazoline Receptor Involvement in 

Augmentation of Morphine and Oxycodone Analgesia by Clonidine and BMS182874. 

Pharmacology. 83:45-58. (rat, USA) 

Puente B et al. (2009) Sigma-1 receptors regulate activity-induced spinal sensitization and 

neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury. Pain. (Mouse, Spain). In press 

Park I et al (2008) Buprederm , a New Transdermal Delivery System of Buprenorphine: 

Pharmacokinetic, Efficacy and Skin Irritancy Studies. Pharm. Res. 25(5):1052-1062 (mouse, Korea) 

Shamsi Meymandi M et al (2007) Intraventricular gabapentin is antinociceptive and enhances 

systemic morphine antinociception in rat tail flick test. DARU. 15(4):212-217 (rat, Iran) 

Parker AG et al. (2007) Antinociceptive effects of the aqueous extract of Brugmansia 

suaveolens flowers in mice. Biol. Res. For Nursing. 8(3): 234-239. (Mouse, Brazil) 



35

Analgesia 


BH2 52-9487 

Tail Flick 

Analgesia Meter 


Lamp Intensity 150 W, adjustable between 0 and 100% 

in 1% increments 

Timer Range 

Printer Interface 

Lamp Heat Control 


Weight 

0 to 99 min 59.9 secs in 0.1 sec steps 

Centronix parallel 

Digital DC regulated 

260 x 450 x 260 mm (10 x 18 x 10 in) 

9 kg (19.8 lbs) 


BH2 52-9487 Tail Flick Analgesia Meter, 115 VAC, 60 Hz 

BH2 52-9495 Tail Flick Analgesia Meter, 240 VAC, 50 Hz 

Key Features 

➤ For rapid screening of analgesic drugs using rats 

(as described by D’Amour and Smith) 

Tail Flick Analgesia Meter 

This meter measures a rat’s reaction time to radiant energy, from a 150 

watt light source. The beam is focused on its tail using a parabolic 

reflector. The energy of the light source can be adjusted and the 

display indicates, as a percentage, how much energy is being utilized. 

An optical sensor is located underneath the focused light source. The 

rat should be positioned such that its tail obscures the focused light 

source from the sensor. When the system is started, either using the 

supplied footswitch or front panel mounted start key the light source 

illuminates and a timer starts counting in tenths of a second. When the 

rat’s tail flicks, indicating its pain threshold, it uncovers the sensor. This 

tail movement turns off the timer and light source. Reaction time can be 

read directly from the display in seconds and tenths of a second. 

A standard parallel port permits connection to a printer to record the 

trial number, energy level and reaction time. A calibration facility allows 

the light source to be set to the desired level before commencing with 

the experiment. 

Mouse version is also available, please contact Harvard Apparatus 

Technical Support for details. 

36 



Analgesia 

Hot Plate Analgesia Meter 

BH2 52-8570 

Hot Plate Analgesia 

Meter with 

Footswitch 


Temperature Range 35° to 65°C 

Temperature Stability ±0.3°C 

Temperature Control Digital proportional PWM 

Timer 

Digital readout in 0.1 sec increments 

Timer Range 

0 to 9 mins 59 secs 9 tenths of a sec 

Remote 

Momentary make to start/stop 

Remote Socket 

6.35 mm 2 pole jack 

Animal Container Two furnished, large round cylinders 

Mains Supply Voltage 115 VAC/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz (factory set) 

Dimensions, H x W x D 128 x 275 x 293 mm (5 x 10.8 x 11.5 in) 

Weight 

4.5 kg (9.9 lb) 

Key Features 

➤ Digital display of plate temperature 

➤ Digital timer with remote start stop 

➤ Accurate temperature control from 35°C to 65°C (±0.3°C) 


BH2 52-8570 Hot Plate Analgesia Meter 110 to 115 VAC, 60 Hz 

BH2 52-8588 Hot Plate Analgesia Meter 220 to 230 VAC, 50 Hz 

Hot Plate Analgesia Meter 

The Harvard Apparatus UK Hot Plate Analgesia Meter is a 

sophisticated temperature control and timing system, and has been 

designed to perform rapid and precise screening of the narcotic type 

analgesic drugs (Morphine, Codeine, etc.) according to the Eddy and 

Leimback hot plate test. This method evaluates the reaction time of 

mice when a heat stimulus is applied to the plantar surface. This 

reaction time increases when a central analgesic is administered to the 

animal. This system can be used with both mice and rats. 

Utilizing a simple user interface the user can quickly and easily set up 

the required hot plate temperature and a large easy to read LED display 

shows the current temperature. 

The timer requires a single press of the Start / Stop Key to start and 

another press to stop, with reset automatically executed when timing is 

initiated. This function is also duplicated by a remote Start/Stop 

footswitch (supplied). The reaction time is again clearly displayed on a 

large LED display. 

Using digital electronics, the hot plate temperature is constantly 

monitored and regulated to ensure the actual temperature and the 

desired temperature accurately match. The system also monitors the 

heating characteristics of the system and uses this data to minimize 

heating overshoot, providing faster temperature stabilization. 



37

Analgesia 

Hot-Plate for Evaluating Thermal Analgesia 

Hot Plate 

Hot Plate 

The LE7406 Hot-Plate performs rapid and precise screening of 

analgesic drug properties on small-laboratory animals according to the 

‘hot-plate test’. The animal’s pain sensitivity alterations induced by a 

specific experimental context change and/or genetic manipulations 

can also be evaluated through this method. 

The hot-plate test, initially described by N.B. Eddy and D. Leimbach 

(1953), evaluates thermal pain reflexes due to footpad contact with a 

heated surface. During the experiments, the animal is confined in a 

removable clear acrylic cylinder where the latency time to the first 

hind paw or/and jumping responses are measured. 

In the LE7406 Hot-Plate, a thick aluminum plate (10 mm) provides a high 

temperature stability and even surface distribution. The plate 

temperature can be held at a set point between 45 and 62°C (± 0.1°C) by 

multiple proportional feedback circuits that minimize overshoot. A builtin 

timer activated by an external foot switch allows precise 

measurement of reaction time (0.1 sec precision). A remote foot-switch 

controls the test start/stop allowing rapid hands-free experiments. The 

operator can read the animal reaction time from the display or from a PC 

computer using the SeDaCom software. Trial number, plate temperature 

and reaction time are then sent to the PC through a RS-232 port. 

Key Features 

➤ Digital set point 

➤ Built-in electronic timer 

➤ Foot switch timing operation 

➤ Computer interface 


➤ Time latency to 'paw licking' 

➤ Time latency to 'jumping' 


➤ Base with heating plate 


➤ Data transfer software included (SeDaCom) 






Options 



Base Dimensions 

Plate Dimensions 

Cylinder Dimensions 

Operating Temperature 

Reaction Time 




Stations 



Order # Model 

200 (W) x 300 (D) x 110 (H) mm 

200 (D) mm 

200 (D) x 250 (H) mm 

45 to 62 degrees Celsius; 0.1 steps 

3 digits, 0.01 sec increment 

Clear methacrylate (animal holder), aluminum (plate) 

PC (Windows ® 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 and Vista) 

1 per computer 

(multiple set-ups also available under request) 

110V or 220V, 50/60Hz 

CE compliant 

Product 

BH2 76-0113 LE 7406 Hot-Plate Thermal Analgesia Meter Including 

SeDaCom Software 

OPTIONS 


Citations 

Puentes B et al. (2009) Sigma-1 receptors regulate activity-induced spinal sensitization and 

neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury. Pain. 145(3):294-303. (mouse, Spain) 


Costello syndrome. Genes, Brain Behav. 8(1):60-71. (mouse, Spain) 

Luvisetto S et al. (2008) Enhancement of anxiety, facilitation of avoidance behavior, and occurrence of adultonset 

obesity in mice lacking mitochondrial cyclophilin D. Neuroscience. 155(3):585-596 (mouse, USA) 

Sudo RT et al. (2008) The Antinociceptive Activity of a New alpha-2 Adrenoceptor Agonist 

(PT-31) in Mice. Anesthesiology 2007; 107: A1455. (Mouse, Brazil) 

Camarasa J et al. (2006) Association of caffeine to MDMA does not increase antinociception by 

potentiates adverse effects of this recreational drug. Brain Res. 1111:72-82. (mice, Spain) 

Grillet N et al. (2005) Generation and characterization of Rgs4 mutant mice. Mol. Cell. Biol. 25(10): 

4221-4228. (mice, France) 

38 



Analgesia 

Hot/Cold Plate for Testing Animal Sensitivity 

Hot/Cold Plate Anagelsia Meter 

Key Features 

➤ Unmatched temperature stability and control for both hot 

and cold 

➤ Fast acclimation to set temperatures 

➤ Homogeneous temperature surface distribution 

➤ BSRamp software will allow the user to define temperature 

ramps (slope in °C/min, start and end points) and store results 


➤ Animal reaction time to hot or cold stimulus 


➤ Stimulation Unit LE7420 


➤ USB cable 

➤ BSRamp software 


➤ One year warranty 

Hot/Cold Plate 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Hot/Cold Plate Analgesia Meter is based on 

a metal plate which can be heated to 65°C and cooled to -3°C (with an 

ambient temperature between 20°C and 25°C). An electronic 

thermostat maintains the plate's temperature and a front panel digital 

thermometer displays the current plate temperature. 

The animal’s pain sensitivity resulting from exposure to heat or cold is 

tested by placing the animal on the surface of the plate and starting a 

built-in timer. The operator stops the timer at the instant the animal lifts 

its paw from the plate, reacting to the discomfort. The front panel timer 

then displays the number of seconds the animal took to react. Animal 

reaction time is a measurement of animal resistance to pain and is 

used to measure efficacy of analgesics. 

The plate is designed to be very simple to use and very fast to reach 

the set temperature (as example from ambient to 4°C, the most used 

threshold value, it takes less than 10 minutes, and from 4°C to 65°C it 

takes only 5 minutes). The Hot/Cold Plate, is accurate to less than 0.5°C 

(EEC metrology standard) and perfectly constant in the animal holder 

system. The preset temperature will not change for more than 0.1°C 

when a 400g rat is placed on the plate, and return to the set 

temperature is almost immediate. 

In addition, the instrument can be adjusted to be used for 

“TEMPERATURE RAMPS”. Predefined by the user, this feature is 

mainly used for studies with telemetry implants. In addition to 

displaying the reaction time, the Cold/Hot Plate Analgesia Meter is 

capable of sending the same via USB interface to a computer. 

The operator can start and stop the timer with the front panel 

start/stop switch or with the included footswitch, which allows 

“hands-free” operation. 


Temperature Range -3°C to 65°C 

(in 20°C to 25°C ambient environment, 50% RH) 

Temperature Accuracy 

Temperature Uniformity 


Dimensions: 

Plate 

Weight 

Control Unit 

Order # Model 

±0.5°C 

±0.5°C on Plate 

110 V/220 V automatic, 100W 

165 x 165 mm 

305 x 280 x 158 mm 

6.5 kg 

Product 

BH2 76-0112 LE7420 Hot/Cold Plate Including BSRamp Software 

Citations 

Noel J et al. (2009) The mechano-activated K+ channels TRAAK and TREK-1 control both warm and 

cold perception. EMBO J. 28(9):1308-1318. (mouse, France) 

Yalcin I et al. (2009) Differentiating Thermal Allodynia and Hyperalgesia Using Dynamic Hot and Cold 

Plate in Rodents. The Journal of pain. 10(7):767-773. (mouse, rat, France) 



39

Analgesia 

NEW Thermal Place Preference 

Thermal Place Preference 

Thermal Place Preference 

This behavioral assay will allow monitoring of temperature 

preferences, nociceptive thresholds and investigate the role of a given 

gene or compound on these thresholds. 

As advised by A. Moqrich and published in Moqrich et al (Science 

2005, 307: 1468-72), this test allows researchers to work on 

unrestrained animals whom are free to choose their preferred position 

between two compartments at different temperatures. 

Completely investigator-independent, the Two Temperature Choice Test 

provides a response without any action from the user and the obtained 

value is a threshold temperature of range of temperatures. 

Using automatic detection software (optional), the user sets the 

temperature of each zone, defines a protocol of temperature changes 

or ramps, and starts the measurement process. Two animals can be 

observed simultaneously and independently, making the system 

remarkable efficient. The animals are video tracked and the software 

records their position vs. temperature and time. 

When the optional automatic detection software is not used, 

temperatures must be defined manually and the user must measure 

the time and animal position. 

Key Features 

➤ Easily monitor thermal place preference and nociceptive 

thresholds 

➤ Unrestrained animals allows for maximum accuracy 

➤ Optional Automatic Detection Software eliminates the user 

subjectivity by establishing an automatic response 


➤ Time spent in each zone 

➤ Time of zone trespassing 

➤ Temperature of each zone 

Options 

➤ Automatic detection software – which includes tripod, 3 USB 

cables and USB Camera 


Temperature Range 

Temperature Accuracy 

Power Supply 

Dimensions (L x W x H) 

Weight 

Animal Cage 

Animal Cage Material 


Order # Model 

-3°C to +65°C (room temperature 20 to 25°C) 

± 0.3°C 

150 Watts, 120/240 VAC 

32 x 57 x 45.5 cm (12.6 x 22.4 x 17.9 in) including cage 

14 kg (30.9 lbs) 

330 x 165 x 300 mm (13 x 6.5 x 11.8 in) 

Clear plexiglass 

Windows ® XP/Vista/Seven (coming soon) 

PC with 1 GO ram and 3 USB ports 

Product 

BH2 76-0475 T2CT Thermal Place Preference 

BH2 76-0476 T2CTSW Thermal Place Preference Software 

40 



Analgesia 

NEW Thermal Gradient Test 

Thermal Gradient Test 

Independent Thermal Test Demonstrates 

Place Preference and Temperature 

Comfort Thresholds for Rodents! 

As described by Moqrich et al. 2005, our Thermal Gradient Test 

monitors thermal nociception completely independently on freely 

moving rodents. A continuous temperature gradient (15 to 55°C) is 

established over a 125 cm long base plate on which the animal is free 

to walk. After an exploration period of acclimation, the animal clearly 

shows a distinct zone preference. 

Our model is an automated system with maintains the temperature 

gradient stable over the surface and over time. 

Two models are available testing either 2 mice/1 rat or 4 mice/2 rats. 

The accompanying software, coupled to a video camera, displays for 

each animal the time spent in each temperature zone, together with 

overall distance travelled. The encrypted data and video images are 

recorded synchronously in real time during the experiments and the 

user is able to replay the files to analyze or review. 

Key Features 

➤ Continuous thermal gradient established over a 125 cm long 

base plate 

➤ Monitor independently and simultaneously 2 mice/1 rat or 

4 mice/2 rats with our two different models! 


➤ Up to 20 temperature zones measured per animal 

➤ Time spent in each temperatures zone 

➤ Temperature of zone over time period 

➤ Overall distance travelled 


➤ Two thermal units 

➤ Controllers 

➤ Cage 

➤ Base plate 


Overall Dimensions (L x W x H): 

2 mice/1 rat 139 x 30 x 40 cm (54.7 x 11.8 x 15.6 in) 


Overall Weight: 

2 mice/1 rat 25 kg (33.1 lbs) 

4 mice/2 rat 45 kg (44.1 lbs) 

Power Supply 

Number of Lanes 

Lane Dimensions: 

110/220 Volts 

2 mice/1 rat Mouse 

4 mice/2 rat Rat 



Temperature Range 

Temperature Stability 

System Material: 

Base Plate 

Walls 

Top Cover 


15 to 55° C at plate surface 

20 to 25°, 50% RH at environment 

1°C surface, over time 

Aluminum Alloy 

Gray PPC 

Transparent PPC 

PC 2Go Ram, Windows ® XP/Vista/Seven 

(coming soon) with 3 USB ports, webcam and 

mini-USB cables included with system 


BH2 76-0477 TGT2 Thermal Gradient Test, 2 Mice / 1 Rat 

BH2 76-0478 TGT4 Thermal Gradient Test, 4 Mice / 2 Rat 



41

Analgesia 

NEW Electronic Von Frey for Evaluating Mechanical Allodynia 

NEW & Unique - Electronic Von Frey! 

• Internal statistical computations allows direct reading of average 

value, standard deviation and variability in subject groups and up 

to 100 animals 

The electronic model of Von Frey filament combines ease of use and rapidity 

for the determination of the mechanical sensitivity threshold in rodents. 

The Von Frey filament is applied against the central edge of the animal 

hind paw. Paw withdrawal caused by the stimulation is registered as a 

response. The corresponding force applied is recorded by the system 

and displayed on the large backlighted screen of the Von Frey unit with 

a resolution of 0.1 grams. 

Different from the procedure using classical Von Frey filaments, the 

threshold value can be obtained in only one test, and in a highly 

reproducible manner. A foot switch is provided to reset the screen and 

carry out rapid hands-free experiments. RSIC software can be used to 

automatically record the results on a PC through a RS-232 port. 

The electronic Von Frey can be supplied with a National Standard Linked 

calibration certificate (ISO 9000), and an EMC conformity agreement. 


Measurement Range 

0 to 500 g (5N), 120% overload allowed without 

causing any damage to the sensor 

Precision: 

Key Features 

➤ Provides objective and accurate data 

➤ The threshold value can be obtained in only one test, and in 

a highly reproducible manner 

➤ Elimination of the problems of filament standardization 

➤ Stimulation of areas of equal size 

➤ The end-point value is automatically recorded 


➤ Current force applied on the animal paw (grams) 

➤ Peak force eliciting an animal response 


➤ Electronic Von Frey unit 

➤ 10 disposable plastic tips 

➤ 1 spring tip for thresholds between 0 and 10 grams 

➤ Footswitch to reset the display to zero 

➤ Carrying case for transport 

Options 

➤ RSIC software 

➤ National Standard Linked Calibration Certificate 

➤ EMC conformity agreement 

Resolution 

Accuracy 

0.1 g 

0.2 g 

Temperature Compensation from 0 to 50°C 

Statistical Functions 

Internal Memory 

Power Supply 

Weight 

Order # Model 

Average value and standard deviation are 

computed for all the data stored 

up to 100 values 

110-220 V (other voltages on request) 

6.5 kg 

Product 

BH2 76-0487 BSBIOEVF3 Electronic Von Frey Complete with 

Accessories & Suitcase 110 or 220 VAC 

BH2 76-0488 BSBIOEVFD Hard plastic tips, 10 units 

BH2 76-0489 BSBIOEVFRS Elastic (spring) tips, 1 unit 

BH2 76-0484 BSBIORSIC Data Acquisition RSIC Software Windows ® XP 

(dongle & CD) 

Citations 

Casals-Diaz L et al. (2009) Nociceptive responses and spinal plastic changes of afferent C-fibers in three 

neuropathic pain models induced by sciatic nerve injury in the rat. Exp. Neurol. 217(1):84-95. (rat, Spain) 

Duale C et al. (2008) Cutaneous Amitriptyline in Human Volunteers: Differential Effects on the 

Components of Sensory Information. Anesthesiology. 108(4):714-721 (Human, France) 

Laalou FZ et al (2008) Involvement of the Basal Cholinergic Forebrain in the Mediation of General 

(Propofol) AnesthesiaAnesthesiology. 108(5):888-896 (Rat, France) 

Lefaucheur JP et al (2008) Motor cortex rTMS in chronic neuropathic pain: pain relief is associated with 

thermal sensory perception improvement. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 79(9):1044-9 (Human, France) 

Thibault K et al. (2008) Antinociceptive and anti-allodynic effects of oral PL37, a complete inhibitor of 

enkephalin-catabolizing enzymes, in a rat model of peripheral neuropathic pain induced by vincristine. 

Eur. J. Pharmacol. 600(1-3):71-77. (rat, France) 

Vivo M et al (2008) Immediate electrical stimulation enhances regeneration and reinnervation and modulates 

spinal plastic changes after sciatic nerve injury and repair. Exp. Neurol. 211(1):180-193 (Rat, Spain) 

42 



Analgesia 

Heat-Flux Infrared Radiometer 

Key Features 

➤ Takes only seconds to use 

➤ Digital Display 

➤ Calibrates the infrared emission of Plantar Test to ensure 

uniform power flux delivery for all trials 


➤ Stimulus intensity in mW/cm2 

Heat-Flux Infrared Radiometer 

The Heat-Flux Infrared Radiometer has been designed to calibrate I.R. 

sources, in particular the classic Plantar Test, to make sure they 

deliver the same power flux and hence a nociceptive stimulus of the 

same intensity. 

This Heat-Flux Infrared Radiometer is a battery operated, self sufficient 

instrument complete with infrared probe, digital meter and adaptors for 

the Plantar Test. The Infrared Radiometer enables the experimenter to: 

i) Check (and adjust if necessary) the infrared emission. In fact, 

the infrared output of the Plantar Test may in the course of one 

to two years undergo to 2-3% reduction, due to dust gathered on 

the optics, blackening of the infrared bulb, accidental knocks, 

aging of components due to thermal cycles, etc. Moreover, in 

case the bulb is replaced or the electronics serviced, output 

alteration of more significant magnitude, say, 8-10%, may 

take place. 

ii) Make sure that two or more Plantar-Test units deliver thermal 

nociceptive stimuli of exactly the same intensity. Balance them, 

if necessary. 

iii) Know the infrared energy (1 mW for the duration of 1sec 

corresponds to 1 mJ) in absolute terms, a useful information 

to compare with any equal or different method/instrument 

described in the literature. 

The measuring only requires a few seconds. The I.R. probe is 

positioned on the Plantar Test after the suitable adaptor is fitted on the 

threaded head of its heat-sink. The reading on the digital display gives 

the I.R. power output in mW per square centimeter. The calibration, if 

necessary, of the I.R. radiation source, is carried out by adjusting the 

supply current of the I.R. bulb, see the instruction manuals of the 

Plantar Test. 

The Heat-Flux Infrared Radiometer Complete Package includes: 

Digital Heat-Flux Meter (complete with cable/connector & 9V 

battery), Plantar Test adaptor and I.R. Probe neatly lodged in a 

sturdy plastic case with punched foam lining. 



Weight 

Shipping Weight 

11 x 37 x 32 cm (4.3 x 14.6 x 12.6 in) 

2.00 kg (4.4 lbs) 

3.20 kg (7.1 lbs) 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 72-6703 37300 Heat-Flux Infrared Radiometer, 

Standard Package 



43

Analgesia 

Plantar Test (Hargreaves’ Method) 

Key Features 

➤ For measurement of hyperalgesia to thermal stimulation in 

unrestrained animals 

➤ Automatic objective detection of latency to withdrawal 

➤ Validity unaffected by repeated testing 

➤ Greater bioassay sensitivity than other thermal or 

mechanical tests 

➤ Each animal can serve as its own control 

➤ Dedicated software and memory key included! 


➤ Movable infrared source 

➤ Glass pane onto which the animal enclosure is located 

➤ Controller 

➤ Multiple configuration animal enclosure can be optimized 

for mice or rats of any size 

Plantar Test 

The Plantar Test (Hargreaves’ Method) enables the researcher to 

discern a peripherally mediated response to thermal stimulation 

caused by drugs in the unrestrained rat or mouse. 

The animal is placed into one of the compartments. After an 

acclimation period, the infrared source is placed under the glass floor 

and is positioned by the operator directly beneath the hind paw. A trial 

is commenced by depressing a key which turns on the infrared source 

and starts a digital solid state timer. 

When the animal feels the stimulus, it will withdraw its paw. The 

withdrawal of the paw causes a sudden drop in the reflected radiation 

which switches off the infrared source and stops the reaction time 

counter. The withdrawal latency is calculated to the nearest 0.1 

second. The 3-compartment enclosure has been provided to speed up 

the test when a number of animals are involved. In each compartment 

the animal is unrestrained. 

The Heat-Flux Infrared Radiometer 37300 has been designed to 

calibrate infrared sources, in particular the Plantar Test. 

Calibration Radiometer 

Each plantar test is accurately calibrated via an infrared radiometer to 

make sure that its infrared source delivers the same power flux 

(expressed in mW per square cm) and hence a nociceptive stimulus of 

the same intensity. 

The end user should consider the Heat-Flow Infrared Radiometer 

Model an extremely useful accessory. This Infrared Radiometer is a 

battery operated, self sufficient instrument complete with infrared 

probe, digital meter and adaptors for the Plantar Test. All parts are 

neatly lodged in a sturdy plastic case with punched foam lining. 

This Radiometer Enables the Experimenter to: 

i) Make sure that two or more Plantar-Test units deliver thermal 

nociceptive stimuli of exactly the same intensity. 

ii) Know the I.R. energy (1 mW for the duration of 1s corresponds to 

1 mJ) in absolute terms, a useful datum to compare with any 

equal or different method/instrument described in the literature. 

Data Acquisition 

The Plantar Test controller stores experimental data internally and can 

directly export data to PC USB or serial ports. A memory key is 

included for easy transfer and files can be opened in Excel. 

Communications are managed by included data acquisition software or 

by optional BH2 72-6671 Win-DAS. 

44 



Analgesia 

Plantar Test (Hargreaves’ Method) (continued) 


Starting 

Via keys on the I.R. vessel or controller 

Infrared Intensity 

Adjustable in the interval 10 to 99 (in one digit steps) 

Reaction Time 

Three-digit LED display, 0.1 second steps 

Infrared Bulb 

Halogen “Bellaphot” 

Calibration 

Via appropriate I.R. radiometer 

Connection to PC USB 

Power Requirement 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz, 60 VA maximum 

Operating Temperature 15° to 30°C 

Dimensions (assembled) 85 x 40 x 35 cm (33.5 x 15.7 x 13.8 in) 

Weight 

13.00 kg (28.7 lb) 


27.50 kg (60.6 lb) approximately 


BH2 72-6692 37370 Plantar Test, Rats and Mice 

CITATIONS 

Methods Paper: 

M.J Field et al. (1999) Detection of Static and Dynamic Components of Mechanical Allodynia in Rat 

Models of Neuropathic Pain; Are they Signalled by Distinct Primary Sensory Neurosnes? Pain 83: 303-311 

Lembeck, Fred (1999) Epibatine: High Potency and Broad Spectrum Activity on Neuonal and 

Neuromuscular Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch. Pharmacol. 359:378-385 

Hartmut Buerkle et al. (1999) Experimental Arthritis I nteh Rat Does Not Alter the Analgesic 

Potency of Intrathecal or Intraarticular Morphine. Anesth. Analg. 89:403-408 

K.M. Hargreaves, R. Dubner, F. Brown, C. Flores and J. Joris: “A New and Sensitive Method for 

Measuring Thermal Nociception in Cutaneous Hyperalgesia.” Pain 32: 77-88, 1988. 

Additional Papers: 

K.M. Hargreaves, R. Dubner and J. Joris: “Peripheral Action of Opiates in the Blockade of 

Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation” Pain Research and Clinical Management. Vol. 3. Elsevier Science 

Publishers, Amsterdam: 55-60, 1988 

G. Benneth and Y.K. Xie: “A Peripheral Neuropathy in Rat that Produces Disorders of Pain 

Sensation Like Those Seen in Man” Pain 33: 87-107, 1988. 

M. Iadarola and G. Draisci: “Elevation of Spinal Cord Dynorphin mRNA Compared to Dorsal Root 

Ganglion Peptide mRNAs During Peripheral Inflammation” In: The Arthritic Rat as a Model of Clinical 

Pain? by J. Besson and G. Guilbaud (eds.) Elsevier Press, Amsterdam: 173-183, 1988. 

A. Costello and K.M. Hargreaves: “Suppression of Carrageenan-Induced Hyperalgesia. Edema and 

Hyperthermia by a Bradykinin Antagonist” European J. Pharmacol., 1989. 

K.M. Hargreaves, R. Dubner and A. Costello: “Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) has a 

Peripheral Site of Action for Antinociception” European J. Pharmacol., 1989. 

J. Hylden, R. Nahin, R. Traub and R. Dubner: “Expansion of Receptive Fields of Spinal Lamina I 

Protection Neurons in Rats with Unilateral Adjuvant-Induced Inflamma-tion: The Contribution of 

Central Dorsal Horn Mechanisms” Pain 37: 229-244, 1989. 

ACCESSORIES 

BH2 72-6703 37300 Heat-Flux Infrared Radiometer 

REPLACEMENT PARTS 

BH2 72-6695 37370-003 Platform with Supporting Columns 

BH2 72-6696 7370-005 Framed Glass Pane 

BH2 72-6698 E-HR002 Spare Bulb 

BH2 72-7957 37000-006 Multiple Configuration Animal Enclosure 



45

Analgesia 

Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer 

Key Features 

➤ Models for mice or rats 

➤ For the assessment of animal sensitivity to the light touch 

of the paw 

➤ Computer compatibility, direct connection to a PC 

➤ Graphic display 

➤ Software included! 

➤ Memory key for easy data acquisition 


➤ Movable touch-stimulator unit 

➤ Framed metal mesh and base with columns 

➤ Modular animal enclosure, offering 3 to 12 spaces 

➤ Microprocessor controlled electronic unit 

Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer 

The Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer consists of a movable forceactuator 

below a network platform upon which the operator deposits 

the rodent. A Perspex enclosure renders the animal unrestrained for 

the duration of the experiment. 

The operator places the actuator beneath the paw (proper placement 

ensured via an angled mirror) and the actuator confers a use-defined 

force on a Von Frey-type filament. The filament exerts an increasing 

force to the plantar surface, starting below the threshold of detection 

and increasing until the animal removes its paw. At the retraction 

reflex movement when the paw is withdrawn, the instrument registers 

and displays the actual force at which paw withdrawal occurred. 

The Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer is a new instrument for the 

assessment of “touch sensitivity” on the plantar surface of the rodents. 

Somesthetic (mechanical) stimulation has a long history of effective 

clinical use to diagnose pathologies of hyper- or hypo- analgesia, brought 

about by drugs, neural pathology or experimental lesions, etc., in model 

systems and experimental systems using laboratory animals. 

The electronic unit is enclosed into a cylindrical case of original design, 

with graphic LCD display, USB port and four membrane switches for 

setting experimental parameters. The unit also has an internal memory for 

data storage, scrolling screen review, and optional output to PC. 

The rat, mouse or other small rodent moves about freely in one of the 

compartments of the enclosure, positioned on the metal mesh surface. 

Following acclimation after cessation of exploratory behavior, the operator 

places the touch-stimulator unit under the animal’s paw, using the adjustable 

angled-mirror to position the filament below the target area of the paw. A 

START key is provided at both sides of the handle of the touch-stimulator 

vessel, to help both left- and right-handed operators, as well as the controller 

Pressing START invokes the following automatic sequence: 

a. An electro-dynamic actuator of proprietary design lifts a 

straight metal filament 

b. The filament touches the plantar surface and begins to exert 

an upward force below the threshold of feeling 

c. The force increases (at your preset rate of application), until a 

stop signal is attained. The stop signal is either the animal 

removing the paw or the point at which greatest preset force is met. 

The actuator filament (0.5 mm diameter) produces force over the entire 

range of all typical anesthesiometer test devices. Paw withdrawal reflex is 

automatically recorded using two metrics: the latency until withdrawal, in 

seconds, and the force at which paw was withdrawn, in grams. 

Data Acquisition 

The Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer features direct PC output. Internallystored 

data can be routed to the PC serial port or USB. Data output is 

achieved through the dedicated acquisition package or the optional Win- 

DAS Software. This Windows ® based Data Acquisition Software Package 

stores the data into individual files which make the date easily exportable to 

most statistical analysis packages available on the market. 

Each Aesthsiometer is supplied complete with the following components: 

Electronic Unit, Touch Stimulator, complete with Filament Actuator and 

Adjustable Angled-Mirror, Platform with Supporting Columns, Framed Metal 

Mesh Testing Surface, modular Animal Enclosure, Set of Two 0.5 mm Diameter 

Stainless-Steel Filaments and Two Calibration Weights (5 & 50 g), Mains Cord, 

Set of 2 fuses for either 230V or 115V operation, and Instruction Manual. 


Starting 

Force Range 

Force Increasing Rate 

Filament Travel 

Latency Time 

Connection to PC 


Dimensions: 

Via keys on the touch-stimulator vessel 

0 to 50.0 grams or 0-5 grams in 0.5 g steps 

Adjustable in the interval 1 to 20 seconds, in 1 s steps 

12 mm 

Read-out on the graphic display, in 0.1s steps 

Through USB. See DATA ACQUISITION 

115 V/230 V, 50/60 Hz, 20 W maximum 

Electronic Unit 12 x 26 x 13 cm (4.73 x 10.2 x 5.1 in) (H x W x D) 

Assembled Platform 

Total Weight 


Order # Model 

40 x 50 x 32 cm (15.75 x 19.7 x 12.6 in) 

10.20 kg (22.5 lb) 

18.50 kg (40.8 lb), approximately 

Product 

BH2 72-6704 37450 Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer 

ACCESSORIES 

BH2 72-6712 37400-321 Set of Two 0.5 mm Diameter Stainless-Steel 

Filaments and Two Calibration Weights (5 & 50 G) 

46 



Analgesia 

Rat Paw Pressure for Evaluating Mechanical Pain 

Rat Paw Pressure Analgesia Meter 

Key Features 

➤ Digital display 

➤ Pressure increasing rate adjustment 


➤ Footswitch control 


➤ Pressure applied on the paw until the withdrawal or animal 

vocalizes (rats) 

➤ Pressure applied on the tail until withdrawn (mice) 

➤ Pressure applied on the paw until a flexor response of the toes 

(mice) 


➤ Control unit with RS-232 communication port to PC 


➤ Pedal switch 

➤ Flat and pointed tip points 






Options 


Rat Paw Pressure Analgesia Meter 

The Randall & Selitto test is based on determination of the animal 

threshold response to pain induced in the paw by the application of a 

increasing pressure. 

In the LE7306 paw-pressure, a stimulation unit allows the gradual increase 

(at selectable rates) of the pressure applied on the animal paw. The 

pressure increase is achieved by a step-motor inducing the progressive 

advancement of a sliding support with a distal conic tip (1 mm diameter). 

The conic point is mounted on an extensiometric load cell, making 

possible the visualization on the digital display of the current force applied 

at each moment of the test (grams). The motor and tip units are mounted 

on a pivoting stand preventing any excess pressure on the animal paw. 

The control unit makes possible the adjustment of the force 

transducer, balance and reset, as well as the selection of the stepmotor 

current speed. 

A remote foot-switch controls the motor turn on/off allowing rapid 

hands-free experiments. An automatic system is activated once the 

distal extreme of the sliding support track is reached or when the 

pedal is released at the test ending point. Then, the motor reverse its 

rotation at its higher speed, sliding up the conic tip again. 

SeDacom software supplied with the unit can be used to automatically 

record the results on a PC through a RS-232 port. 


Power Supply 

Stimuli Resolution 

Maximum Stimuli 




of Stations 




Dimensions 

Order # Model 

110 V/220 V, 50/60Hz 

1 gram 

999 gram 

Methacrylate 

PC (Windows ® 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP and Vista) 


(multiple set-ups also availableunder request) 

CE Compliant 

350 (W) x 350 (D) x 130 (H) mm 

150 (W) x 210 (D) x 166 (H) mm 

Product 

BH2 76-0234 LE7306 Rat Paw Pressure Analgesia-Meter Including 

SeDaCom Software 

OPTIONS 


Citations 

Fernández-Dueñas V et al (2008) Adjuvant effect of caffeine on acetylsalicylic acid antinociception: 

Prostaglandin E2 synthesis determination in carrageenan-induced peripheral 

inflammation in rat Eur. J. Pain, 12(Issue 2):157-163 (Rat, Spain) 

Célérier E et al. (2006) Opioid-induced hyperalgesia in a murine model of postoperative pain: role of 

nitric oxide generated from the inducible nitric oxide synthase. Anesthesiology 104(3): 546-555. (Pawpressure, 

Mice, Spain) 

Romero A et al (2005) Anti-exudative effects of opioid receptor agonists in a rat model of carrageenaninduced 

acute inflammation of the paw. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 511(2-3):207-217. (Rat, Spain) 

Célérier E et al. (2004) Prevention of fentanyl-induced delayed pronociceptive effects in mice lacking 

the protein kinase C-gamma gene. Neuropharmacol. 46:264-272. (Tail-pressure, Mouse, Spain) 

Al-Naggar TB et al. (2003) Neuropharmacological activity of Nigella sativa L. extracts. J. 

Ethnopharmacol. 88(1): 63-68. (Rat, Spain) 

Gutierrez M et al. (2003) Interactions of acute morphine with chronic imipramine and fluvoxamine 

treatment on the antinociceptive effect in arthritic rats. 352(Issue 1): 37-40. (Rat, Spain) 

Martin M et al. (2003) Acute antinociceptive responses in single and combinatorial opioid receptor 

knockout mice: distinct mu, delta and kappa tones Eur. J. .Neurosci. 17(4):701 (Tail-pressure, Mouse, Spain) 

Martin M et al. (2003) Morphine withdrawal is modified in pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating 

polypeptide type I-receptor-deficient mice. Mol. Brain Res. 110(1):109-118. (Mouse, Spain) 



47

Analgesia 

Plethysmometer for Evaluating Paw Volume 

Digital Water 

Plethysmometer 

Digital Water Plethysmometer 

Key Features 

➤ Computer interface 

➤ “Check solution” status button 

➤ Conductive solution is easy to prepare or source 


➤ Footswitch control 

➤ Automatic zero adjustment 


➤ Paw volume (ml) 


➤ Control Unit with RS-232 communication port to PC 

➤ Pedal switch 


➤ Conductive solution (100 ml bottle) 

➤ 1ml, 3ml or 5ml cell with electrode 

➤ 1ml or 3ml volume gauge 







Options 


The Digital Water Plethysmometer is designed to provide a highly 

useful tool in the measurement of small volume changes. This test is 

typically used to follow the evolution of the inflammatory response 

experimentally induced in rodents and to screen potential antiinflammatory 

or anti-oedema properties of pharmacological 

substances. 

The volume transducer is formed by two Perspex tubes interconnected 

and filled with a conductive solution and a platinum electrode for each 

chamber. All the system is supported by a stand (included) that can be 

placed over the control unit. 

The water displacement produced by the immersion of the animal paw 

in the measuring tube is reflected into the second tube, inducing a 

change in the conductance between the two platinum electrodes. The 

Plethysmometer Control Unit detects the conductance changes and 

generates an output signal to the digital display indicating the volume 

displacement measured (0.01 ml resolution). The current value remains 

in the digital display until a new trial starts. The Control Unit is 

automatically zeroed between successive readings, thus making 

intermediate adjustments unnecessary. 

The system includes as standard a volume transducer with its related 

calibrator and a 100 ml solution. A remote footswitch allows rapid 

hands-free experiments and can be used to set control the end point of 

the measurement. SeDaCom software supplied with the unit can be 

used to automatically record the results on a PC through a RS-232 port. 

48

Analgesia 

Plethysmometer for Evaluating Paw Volume (Continued) 




Dimensions 

Power Supply 

Starting 

Resolution 




Stations 


280 (W) x 280 (D) x 110 (H) 

230 (W) x 220 (D) x 300 (H) 

220 V/110 V, 50/60Hz 

By panel key or pedal switch 

3 digits, 0.01 steps 


Clear methacrylate (cell), stainless steel (stand), 

platinum (electrode) 



CE compliant 

Citations 

Bignotto L et al. (2009) Anti-inflammatory effect of lycopene on carrageenan-induced paw oedema and 

hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion in the rat. British Journal of Nutrition 102:126-133 (rat, Brazil) 

Gupta et al. (2009) Anti-arthritic activity of various extracts of Sida rhombifolia aerial parts. 

Natural Product research: Formerly Natural Product Letters. 23(8):689-695. (rat, India) 

Jegede IA et al. (2009) Investigation of phytochemical, anti inflammatory and anti nociceptive properties 

of Ipomoea asarifolia leaves. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 3(3):160-165. (Rats, Nigeria) 

Sujatha K et al. (2009) Synthesis, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of bis(indolyl)methanes. 

Indian Journal of Chemistry. 48B(02):267-272. (Rats, India) 

Bhandari SV et al. (2008) Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, ulcerogenic and nitric oxide releasing of some novel 

non-steroidal ibuprofen analogs in animal models. Pharmacologyonline 2: 572-587. (Mouse, India) 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0220 LE7500 Digital Water Plethysmometer Including 

3 ml Cell and SeDaCom Software 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0221 LE7504 1 ml Cell with Electrode 



BH2 76-0224 LE7506 Platinum Electrode 

BH2 76-0225 LE75301 1 ml Calibrator for Plethysmometer 

BH2 76-0226 LE75303 3 ml Calibrator for Plethysmometer 




49

Analgesia 

NEW Dynamic Weight Bearing Test 

Measuring the Postural Equilibrium on Freely Moving Rodents 

Dynamic Weight 

Bearing Test 

Analysis and replay can be performed on-site or remotely. Replaying the 

experiment with the recorded video file allows the operator to further 

complement the posture and behavior of the animal, enhancing the 

interest of the test. During this time, the user can check and secure each 

limb recognition. The weight distribution of the animal, per limb, is shown 

in the result window for each time period with the mean and variation 

coefficient. All data is presented in the Excel file. 

Key Features 

➤ Measure independently the weight bore by each limb of a 

freely moving animal 

➤ Data capture allows for analysis and replay to be performed 

for user validation of data 

➤ Accuracy and resolution insured by an initial calibration 

➤ High throughput possible in this minimal stress to the animal 

hardware 


➤ Weight bore on each limb, averaged and coefficient of 

variation 

➤ Time period, mean and coefficient of variation 

➤ Raw data is encrypted (GLP) and recorded with a sampling 

rate of 10 Hz including synchronized video recording 


➤ Animal cage 

➤ One sensor 

➤ USB interface 

➤ Webcam 

➤ Software 

Dynamic Weight Bearing Test 

Newly developed, our Dynamic Weight Bearing Test, features a floor 

instrumented cage. This allows independent measurement of the weight 

bore by each limb for the freely moving animal. 

This system accuracy and resolution are ensured via a metrological 

calibration performed prior to the data capture. During the data capture, 

the raw data for each paw are synchronized with the images from a video 

camera and the averaged values are encrypted and recorded on a PC 

through a USB link along with the sampling rate of 10 Hz. 


Overall Dimensions (L x W x H cm): 

Mouse 

Rat 

Overall Weight: 

Mouse 

Rat 

Power Supply 

Animal Cage Internal Dimensions: 

Mouse 

Rat 

Sensor Accuracy: 

Mouse 

Rat 

Sensor Resolution: 

Mouse 

Rat 

Sensor Range: 

Mouse 

Rat 

Cage Material: 

Floor 

Walls and top cover 


Order # Model 

17 x 17 x 12 cm (6.7 x 6.7 x 4.7 in) 

30 x 30 x 25 cm (11.8 x 11.8 x 9.8 in) 

1 kg (2.2 lbs) 

2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) 

From PC USB port 

11.5 x 11.5 x 11.5 cm (4.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 in) 

25 x 25 x 24 cm (9.8 x 9.8 x 9.5 in) 

1 g 

1 g 

0.2 g 

0.2 g 

15 to 100 g 

100 to 500 g 

Gray PPC 

Transparent PPC 

Pentinum PC 2 Go Ram, Windows ® XP/Vista 

with 2 USB ports minimum 

Product 

BH2 76-0474 DWB-M Dynamic Weight Bearing Test, Mouse 

BH2 76-0497 DWB-R Dynamic Weight Bearing Test, Rat 

50 



Analgesia 

Incapacitance Meter 

Incapacitance Tester 

The current value of the weight applied on each sensor cell is shown 

on the LCD display of the LE7950 control unit in a user-selected unit 

(grams, Newton or oz/lbs). A remote footswitch controls the test 

start/stop allowing rapid hands-free experiments. The control unit also 

allows to compute and display statistics (mean, SD) for the groups of 

animals under test during the measurements. No PC is required for 

running the Incapacitance Test, although the possibility is given to 

send collected data from the instrument to a PC through the integrated 

RS-232 interface SeDaCom. 

Key Features 

➤ Assess spontaneous pain in absence of the application any 

experimental noxious or non-noxious stimulus 

➤ Specially designed animal holders (mouse and rat) to get 

relevant results more rapidly 

➤ Data given using user selected unit (grams, Newton, ounces, 

or pounds) 

➤ Easy and precise instrument 


➤ Current value of the weight applied on each sensor 

➤ Mean value calculated in an user-defined interval of time 

Incapacitance Meter 

The Incapacitance test represents an unsurpassed method for 

assessing spontaneous pain in laboratory animal model with 

inflammation or nerve injury in one hind paw (neuropathy, incision etc). 

Indeed, classic measurements of nociceptive thresholds as used in 

most of the experimental studies allows assessment of only a pain 

sensitivity level, not a spontaneous pain level, in the absence of 

experimental nociceptive stimuli. 

In the incapacitance test, the animal is located in a holder specially 

designed to maintain the animal comfortably positioned on two 

separated sensor plates. The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Incapacitance 

tester enables then to quantify the spontaneous postural changes 

reflecting spontaneous pain by independently measuring the weight 

that the animal applies each hind paw on two separate sensors. In the 

absence of hind paw injury, rats applied equal weight on both hind 

paws, indicating a postural equilibrium. After unilateral hind paw tissue 

injury, a change in the weight distribution on the sensor can be 

detected, with a lower weight applied by the injured paw. 


Resolution 

Average 

Overpressure 


Communications 

Order # Model 

0.05 gr 

1 to 300 seconds 

2000 gr 

17 x 25 x 10 cm 

RS-232 (USB) 

Product 

BH2 76-0115 LE7900 Incapacitance Test Sensor 

BH2 76-0116 LE7920 Incapacitance Test Holder, Mouse 

BH2 76-0117 LE7930 Incapacitance Test Holder, Rat 

BH2 76-0118 LE7950 Incapacitance Test Control Unit, 

Includes SeDaCom 

Citations 

Laboureyra E et al. (2009) Long-Term Pain Vulnerability After Surgery in Rats: Prevention by 

Nefopam, an Analgesic with Antihyperalgesic Properties. Anesth. Analg. 109:623-631. (rat, France) 

Liu S et al. (2009) Combination of Microsurgery and Gene Therapy for Spinal Dorsal Root Injury Repair. 

Mol. Ther. 17(6):992-1002. (rat, France) 

Rivat C et al. (2008) Polyamine deficient diet to relieve pain hypersensitivity. Pain. 137(1): 

125-137 (Rat, France) 

Richebé P et al. (2009) Ketamine Improves the Management of Exaggerated Postoperative Pain 

Observed in Perioperative Fentanyl-treated Rats. Anesthesiology. 102(2):421-428. (rat, France) 



51

Analgesia 

Pressure Application Measurement 

Pressure 

Application 

Measurement 

Key Features 

➤ User controlled application of pressure directly to the joint 

➤ Automatic recording of limb withdrawal 

➤ Resolution of 0.1g (6% maximum gram force) 

➤ Maximum gram force up to 1500 grams! 


➤ Gram force 


➤ Electronic unit 

➤ Joint Transducer, 5mm 

➤ Joint Transducer, 8mm 

➤ Software 

➤ Foot pedal 

Pressure Application Measurement 

The new Pressure Application Measurement (PAM) device offered by 

Harvard Apparatus is a novel, easy to use tool for measuring 

mechanical pain threshold in experimental joint hypersensitivity 

models in rodents. 

The PAM device has been designed and validated specifically for the 

mechanical stimulation and assessment of joint pain, and therefore is 

especially useful in studying arthritis. The PAM device applies a 

quantifiable force for direct stimulation of the joint and for automatic 

readout of the response. 

The operator simply wears a special force sensor on the thumb and 

measures the force which elicits the animal’s response, normally limb 

withdrawal. 

Each PAM device comes standard with two force sensors, which have 

been specially designed to apply force to rat and mouse joints. The 

area stimulated using the small sensor is 5mm diameter, useful for 

mice. The large sensor has an 8mm diameter area of contact and is 

useful in stimulating either mice or rat joints. 

The electronic unit is compact and connects to the mains power or 

can be battery-operated for maximum flexibility. The internal batteries 

for this device may be recharged by USB connection to a PC and 

recharging occurs simultaneously with its operation. A foot pedal 

switch is provided for manual score of the peak force applied. 

The PAM device has an internal memory for data storage and also 

includes dedicated software. 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 72-6172 38500 PAM Pressure Application Device 

Citations 

Barton NJ (2007) Pressure application measurement (PAM): A novel behavioural technique for 

measuring hypersensitivity in a rat model of joint pain. Journal of Neuroscience Methods. 163, 67-75 

52 



Learning & Memory 

Guide 

Learning refers to the process by which relatively 

permanent changes occur in behavioral potential as a 

result of experience. Memory is the process by which the 

learned information is encoded, stored, and later retrieved. 

During the two last centuries, the study of learning and 

memory have been central to three disciplines: philosophy, 

psychology and biology. These in turn have contributed to 

highlighting the complexity of these concepts. 

The most common theoretical classification of memory 

distinguishes its forms on the basis of information storage 

duration; short-term memory (properly defined as the 

ability to store information temporarily, for seconds, before 

it is consolidated into long-term memory), long-term 

memory (properly defined as the ability to learn new 

information and recall this information after some time has 

passed) and working memory (used to refer to the 

temporary maintenance of information that was just 

experienced or just retrieved from long-term memory but 

no longer exists in the external environment). 

Another manner to classify forms of memory is based on the 

nature of the information and how it is aquired. On the one 

hand, declarative memory involves explicit information 

about facts and associations with other events, and must be 

recalled to consciousness to be used. On the other hand, 

procedural memory is related to the knowledge of rules of 

action and procedures, which can become automatic and 

unconscious with repetition. Procedural memory itself is 

often parceled as associative and non-associative learning. 

Non-associative learning classically refers to habituation 

(decreased response to a repetitive presentation of a 

stimulus) and sensitization (enhanced response to many 

different stimuli after experiencing an intense or noxious 

one). In associative (or Pavlovian) learning, an animal learns 

that two stimuli are associated with each other (classical 

conditioning) or that a response is associated with a given 

event/consequence (operant conditioning). 

From a historical perspective, Ivan Pavlov was the first 

experimenter to research classical conditioning. Starting as a 

simple physiological experiment with canines, his studies 

turned out to be the discovery of what is now known as 

conditioning, more specifically, classical conditioning. 

James Watson was the pioneer psychology theorist that 

translated the ideas of Pavlov’s classical conditioning to 

humans. B.F. Skinner brought a new face into the world of 

behaviorism with his work on Operant Conditioning, which is 

very similar to classical conditioning but includes reinforcers. 

After a response occurs, due to a certain stimulus, reinforcers 

(positive or negative) are inserted that will increase or diminish 

the probability that the behavior may occur again. 

Throughout evolution, mammals have developed such that 

their brains can acquire and store information about objects 

and situations, for short and long periods of time, using 

multiple sensory modalities. As a consequence, behavioral 

tasks have been developed in laboratory animals, 

attempting to characterize a number of the different types 

of information stored and the neuroanatomical structures 

used to do so. It is necessary to remember that although an 

experimenter may intend to evaluate a particular form of 

memory, other memories may interfere or enhance the 

measures of memory taken. Moreover, learning and 

memory are multifaceted. As a consequence, a complete 

understanding of the impact of a particular drug or genetic 

manipulation cannot be achieved if only one type of 

behavior or memory system is investigated. The greater the 

number of behavioral domains tested, the better the 

understanding of the specific actions of drugs and genes. 

Memory and learning deficits, which severely alter quality of 

life, appear with normal aging and are associated with 

numerous diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, brain 

damage, Huntington’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s 

Disease and HIV among others. Studying learning and 

memory neurobiological mechanisms is therefore essential 

to find efficient therapeutic strategies. To do so, various 

behavioral tasks have been developed in laboratory rodents 

and are largely validated. These are commonly used to 

assess many aspects of learning and memory abilities in 

response to drug administration and to study their 

neurobiological mechanisms. 

53

Learning & Memory Guide 


Passive Avoidance 

Passive Avoidance paradigms require the 

subjects to behave contrary to their innate 

tendencies for preference of dark areas and 

avoidance of bright ones. The apparatus 

chamber used in this test is composed of a 

black and a white compartment. Typically, 

during the conditioning phase, an aversive 

stimulus, i.e. a mild footshock, is administered 

when the subject enters into the dark 

compartment (conditioning phase). Thus, the 

conditioned response is given by the avoidance 

of this compartment while it is more attractive 

for the subject, in the test phase and memory 

performance is positively correlated to the 

latency to enter into the dark compartment. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Quick procedure for studying shortand 

long-term memory 

Classical conditioning (stimulus response learning) 

Hippocampal independent process 

Involves animal inhibiting its behavior in order 

to avoid shock (different from active avoidance 

procedures) 

Ideal test for first screening 

Simple to setup and use 

Does not require prior food deprivation 



➤ 

Requires footshock administration which can be 

stressful to the subject 


Active Avoidance 

In the Active Avoidance paradigm, subjects 

learn to avoid an aversive stimulus by initiating 

a specific locomotor response. In this task, 

animals are placed in a two-compartment 

shuttle box and have to learn the association 

between a conditioned stimulus (CS, e.g. light) 

and an unconditioned stimulus (US, e.g. 

footshock). Subjects give a conditioned 

response when they avoid receiving the shock, 

by moving to the opposite compartment during 

the CS presentation (avoidance response). If 

animals do not act, a foot shock is delivered, 

but can be avoided by moving to the opposite 

compartment (escape response). 

This test is also used for assessing depressivelike 

symptoms in animals involved in a “learned 

helplessness procedure”. In this context, the use 

of a previously inescapable shock session has 

profound and long-lasting disruptive effects on 

the ability of the animals to learn to escape 

shocks. This escape deficit can be prevented by 

administering antidepressants. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Associative learning (operant conditioning), 

short- and long-term memory 

Provides procedures for testing acquisition, 

consolidation and retention processes 

Gives index of learning progression (evolution 

curves of performance) 

Standard test for Phenotyping 





➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Neurodegenerative Diseases related to Aging 

Alzheimer’s Disease 


Phenotyping 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Requires foot shock administration which can be 

stressful for the animal 

Fear and anxiety influence avoidance 

Change in pain sensitivity can interfere with foot 

shock perception 

➤ 

Locomotor activity alterations can interfere with 

avoidance/escape responses 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 




Phenotyping 

54 





Morris Water Maze 

The Morris Water Maze is the most common 

test used to evaluate cognitive functions. It is 

typically used to identify drugs, genetic 

manipulations, or other experimental 

conditions that alter spatial memory in rodents. 

This task uses a circular pool of water in which 

a small platform is submerged beneath the 

surface and is based on the innate tendency of 

rodents to escape from water. Following 

several trials, when placed in the maze, 

subjects learn the platform location, using 

external visual cues. Latency and distance 

travelled to reach the platform are inversely 

correlated to memory performance, so are 

increased in animals with spatial memory 

impairments. Different kinds of protocols can 

be used for evaluation of non-spatial memory 

processes (cued version). 


Radial Maze 

The Radial Maze task utilizes the natural 

tendency of food-deprived rodents to learn and 

remember different spatial locations for food in 

an eight-arm radial maze. The large choice of 

protocol configurations available in this task 

have been proven to be very useful in 

assessing neurobehavioral bases for learning 

and memory. In the procedure to assess 

reference memory, only some arms are baited 

at the beginning of the session. First entry into 

a non-baited arm constitutes a reference 

memory error and repeated entries to a baited 

and non-baited arms are defined as a working 

memory error. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Spatial memory and non-spatial memory, 

working and reference memory 

Gives index of learning progression 

(evolution curves of performances) 

Standard test for Phenotyping 

Extremely sensitive to hippocampal lesions 

and aging 


No odor guidance cues 

More complex and realistic task compared to a 

binary choice such as the T or Y maze 



➤ 

➤ 

Labor intensive experiment 


swimming displacements 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 




Phenotyping 



➤ Spatial memory and non-spatial memory, working 

and reference memory 

➤ Gives index of learning progression (evolution 

curves of performances) 

➤ Robust performance, can be tested across a large 

range of delays 


➤ 

➤ 

Requires food deprivation that may represent a 

major drawback for its use in knock-out mice 


arm exploration 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 




Phenotyping 



55



Spontaneous Alternation 

The Spontaneous Alternation Task is used to 

assess spatial working memory in rodents and is 

based on the innate tendency of rodents to 

explore a prior unexplored arm or a T- or Y- 

maze. Thus, a rodent typically remembers 

which arm it has just visited. Two types of 

procedures are classically described. In a first 

procedure, the subject is allowed to freely 

explore the maze. Alternation behavior, defined 

as consecutive entries into each of the three 

arms without repetition, is measured. In another 

procedure, the subject is placed at the end of the 

start arm of a T- or Y-maze and is allowed to 

explore one of the two other arms. The subject 

is then returned to the start arm and will 

typically choose to explore the alternate arm, 

which corresponds to a correct choice. 



Delayed Alternation Task 

The Delayed Alternation Task allows assessing 

spatial working memory in a T- or Y-maze. In 

the first trial of the test, the animal is placed at 

the end of the start arm and has to choose 

between the two other arms that are baited. 

Once the choice is made, the subject is removed 

and after a variable delay, is returned to the start 

arm. In this second trial, the one baited arm is 

now the opposite arm to which was chosen 

during the first trial. The animal has to make a 

different choice than its first one (correct choice) 

to get the reward. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Spatial working and reference memory 

Simple task (binary choice) 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Spatial and non- spatial working memory 

Standard test for phenotyping 


Quick procedure 




➤ Requires food deprivation 

➤ May represent a laborious procedure 

(difficult to automate) 

➤ Locomotor activity alterations can interfere with 




➤ 




➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 




Phenotyping 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 




Phenotyping 

56 





Fear Conditioning 

Fear Conditioning is a form of Pavlovian 

learning that involves making association 

between stimuli and their aversive 

consequences. This task is based on the 

conditioning of a response to fear consisting in 

a complete lack of movements, i.e. the freezing 

behavior. During a training phase, the animal 

is exposed to a conditioned stimulus (tone or 

light), paired with a mild footshock 

(unconditioned stimulus). After a delay, the 

context-dependent fear is evaluated by 

measuring freezing behavior in subjects 

replaced in the same apparatus without 

tone/light presentation. 

Cued-dependent fear is reflected by measuring 

freezing in response to tone/light presentation 

in a distinct chamber. These tasks challenge 

different areas of the brain. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Associative learning (classical conditioning), 

short- and long-term memory 

Allows assessing memory dependent on 

hippocampus (contextual fear conditioning) or not 

(cue-dependent fear conditioning) 


Conditioning task 




➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Requires footshock which can be stressful for 

the animal 

Fear and anxiety influence the freezing response 


shock intensity perception 


Fear Potentiated Startle Reflex 

The Fear Potentiated Startle Reflex test is a 

paradigm in which amplitude of a simple reflex 

is increased when presented with a cue that 

has been previously paired with an aversive 

stimulus. In the training phase, subjects are 

exposed to several light footshock pairings in a 

startle box. Later, in the test phase, acoustic 

startling stimuli are presented consecutively to 

the light cue. If the association between the 

light cue and the foot shocks has been learned 

correctly in the training phase, light cue prior 

exposure increases the startle response. 

Inversely, in subjects with alteration of learning 

and memory abilities, prior presentation of the 

light cue does not change the startle response. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Associative learning, short- and long-term memory 

Non-operant procedure 




➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Requires footshock which can be stressful to 

the animal 

Needs intact sensorimotor gating 

Fear and anxiety influence the startle response 


shock intensity perception 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 





➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 




Phenotyping 



57



Object Recognition Test 

The Object Recognition Test is based on the 

natural tendency of rodents to investigate novelty. 

In the training phase of the task, subjects are 

allowed to freely explore objects in an 

experimental arena. After a delay, two objects, 

including the known one and a novel, are 

presented to the subject in the test phase. The 

choice to explore the novel object reflects the use 

of the recognition memory processes. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Short- and long-term memory 

Not dependent upon the hippocampus 

Less influenced by non-specific locomotor effects 






➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 




Phenotyping 


Social Recognition Test 

The Recognition Test is based on the natural 

tendency of rodents to investigate a novel 

congener instead of a familiar one. In this task, 

a first phase consists in presenting a congener 

the experimental subject. In a second phase, 

the experimental subject is exposed to two 

congeners, including the known one and a 

novel one. Observations of social interactions 

classically show that the experimental subject 

preferentially investigate the unknown 

congener. This innate tendency involves intact 

social interactions and memory processes. 


➤ Allows studying both social and memory processes 

➤ Short- and long-term memory for social information 

and cues that identify individual subjects 

➤ Requires amygdale dependent and 

hippocampal-independent processes 

➤ Less influenced by non-specific locomotor effects 

➤ Standard test for phenotyping 

➤ Simple to setup and use 

➤ Does not require prior food deprivation 



➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 




Phenotyping 

58 





5-Choice Serial Reaction 

Time Task 

The 5-Choice Serial Reaction Time (5CSRT) Task 

is commonly used to evaluate attention 

performance using visual discrimination in 

laboratory animals. It represents a conditioning 

paradigm, involving intact attention processes. 

In this test, the subject has to learn to respond to 

a brief illumination of one of the five openings, 

by poking its nose inside the correct hole in 

order to obtain a food reward. More the rules 

are learned by the subject, more the time spent 

to get the reward, as well as the number of 

errors are decreased. These parameters give 

information about the functional integrity of 

attention and learning processes and are mostly 

altered in animal models of Schizophrenia and 

Alzheimer’s Disease. 



➤ Short- and long-term memory for social information 

and cues that identify individual subjects 

➤ Requires amygdale dependent and 

hippocampal-independent processes 

➤ Less influenced by non-specific locomotor effects 



➤ Does not require prior food deprivation 



➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Classically used in rats and more recently 

adapted for mice 

Long and laborious procedure 

Requires prior food and drink deprivation 

Changes in behavioral output can be brought by 

many non-cognitive factors, such as alteration of 

locomotor activity, vision, anxiety level 


DMTP/DNMTP 

The Delayed-Matching to Position/Not-to- 

Position Task measures the ability of subjects 

to learn a rule in which they have to associate 

the position of a stimulus previously presented 

and an action for getting a reward. At the start 

of each trial, one of two retractable levers is 

presented to the subject while in an operant 

chamber. The subject has to press the lever for 

indicating that the sample has been registered. 

After a delay (fixed or variable), both levers are 

presented simultaneously. In the DMTP version 

of the task, the subject has to press the same 

sample lever as the one presented before the 

delay to receive the reward, whereas in the 

DNMTP version, the subject has to press the 

opposite lever. The number of correct 

responses indicates the subject’s learning and 

memory performance. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Short- and long-term memory, procedural and spatial 

working memory 

Operant conditioning 

No olfactory or spatial uncontrollable cues 



➤ 

➤ 

Requires prior food deprivation 


attention processes 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 





➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Schizophrenia 

Autism 






59



Social Interaction Test 

The social interaction test by pairs provides a 

popular and standard paradigm to study general 

social behavior. This test consists in allowing 

the experimental subject freely exploring an 

unfamiliar congener in its home cage or in a 

neutral environment. Social exploration is 

measured by the time spent by the experimental 

subject around the congener as well as the 

amount and duration of behaviors that compose 

social interaction (e.g. sniffing, following, 

grooming, biting, mounting, wrestling…). Social 

avoidance behavior is used in a wide variety of 

models, for instance, for assessing neophobia 

anxiety and depression-like behavior. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Classic social interaction test widely used 

in literature 

Can be completed quickly 




➤ 

Difficult to automate 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Phenotyping 

Autism 

Schizophrenia 

Neophobia 

Anxiety 

Depression 


Social Transmission of Food 

Preference Test 

Social transmission of food preference is a test 

that is used in rodents to assess memory 

processes as well as social interaction ability. 

This test is based on the fact that rodents are 

able to learn about potential food sources by 

sampling those sources on the breath of liter 

mates. This task requires a demonstrator, 

previously exposed to a scented food, which 

interacts with an observer to transmit its food 

exposure experience. If social transmission of 

food preference has occurred, the observer will 

preferentially consume the same diet that was 

fed to the demonstrator when confronted with 

a choice. 



➤ Evaluates ability to learn about the safety of food 

from its fellow liter mates 

➤ Assessing long-term odor memory and 

consolidation studies 

➤ Does not require exposure to aversive stimuli 




➤ 

Influenced by non-specific effects on olfaction 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 



Phenotyping 

60 



Attention 

Guide 

Attention is fundamental to the processing of information 

that occurs during learning and memory. Attentional 

processes enable subjects to efficiently perceive or focus 

on certain environmental stimuli and to ignore others. 

Attention is not a unitary concept and consists of several 

distinct mechanisms: 

• SUSTAINED ATTENTION (OR VIGILANCE): 

A continuous focus for the detection of rare events 

• DIVIDED ATTENTION: 

Several stimuli are simultaneously monitored 

• SELECTIVE (FOCUSED) ATTENTION: 

Focus on a restricted number of stimuli, 

while ignoring the rest 

In practice, many situations require a mixture of these 

different processes. Impairments of attention processes 

result in severe cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions and 

are found in various pathologies, In particular in attentiondeficit/hyperactivity 

disorder (ADHD), the most commonly 

psychiatric disorder of childhood. Moreover, deficits in 

attention are commonly associated with schizophrenia, 

autism and with age-related decline of memory 

performances. Whereas attention processes have largely 

been characterized in humans, experimental studies of 

neurobiological mechanisms in humans are limited. In this 

way, various behavioral tests used in humans have been 

developed in animals, in particular in laboratory rodents, 

allowing advances in attention-relative knowledge and 

growth of efficient therapeutic strategies. 

61

Attention Guide 


5/9 Holes Box 

The 5-Choice Serial Reaction Times (5CSRT) 

task is commonly used to evaluate attention 

performance using visual discrimination in 

laboratory animals. It represents a conditioning 

paradigm, involving intact attention processes. 

In this test, the subject has to learn to respond 

to a brief illumination of one of the five 

openings, by poking its nose inside the correct 

hole in order to obtain a food reward. 5-Choice 

Serial Reaction Time Test: The more the subject 

learns the rules, the more time they spend 

obtaining the reward and also the number of 

errors are decreased. These parameters give 

information about the functional integrity of 

attention and learning processes and are mostly 

altered in animal models of schizophrenia and 

Alzheimer’s disease. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Widely used in literature to study visual 

discrimination and attention 

Involves associative learning, procedural memory 

and operant conditioning 

Allows the exploration of a wide variety of 

cognitive processes 

Robust performance and specific responses 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Classically used in rats and more recently adapted 

for mice 

Long and laborious procedures 

Requires prior food and drink deprivation 


many non-cognitive factors, such as alteration of 

locomotor activity, vision, and anxiety level 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Schizophrenia 

Autism 

Neurodegenerative diseases related to aging 

Alzheimer’s 



Startle Reflex 

Prepulse Inhibition (PPI) paradigm is commonly 

used to evaluate sensorimotor gating as well as 

attention processes involved in information 

selection processing. The startle response is a 

brainstem reflex elicited by an unexpected 

acoustic or tactile stimulus. In the prepulse 

inhibition test, sensorimotor gating is assessed 

by evaluating the characteristics of the innate 

reduction fo the startle reflex induced by a 

weak pre-stimulus. This test measures preattentive 

processes that operate outside of 

conscious awareness and is widely used in 

animal models of diseases marked by inability 

to inhibit or “gate” irrelevant information in 

sensory, motor or cognitive domains. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Resproduces the same paradigm used in humans to 

detect attention and sensorimotor gating disorders 

Objective measurement: automated detection fo 




➤ 

➤ 



sensorimotor gating 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Phenotyping 


Schizophrenia 

Autism 

Obsessive compulsive disorder 


Nocturnal enuresis 

Tourette Syndrome 

62 



Learning, Memory & Attention 

Shuttle Box for Active and Passive Avoidance 


➤ Active Box (Shuttle Box) 

➤ Control Unit with RS-232 communication port 





Options 

➤ Motorized door to convert Active Box into Passive Box 

➤ Sound Attenuating Box 

➤ LE2708 avoidance programmer including shocker 

➤ ShutAvoid software to control up to 8 active or passive boxes 

➤ LE10026 shocker unit with scrambler (0-2mA output) 

Key Features 

➤ Highly sensitive weight transducer system for accurate 

animal detection 

➤ Easy to set up different wall shapes and colors 

➤ Optional guillotine door for passive avoidance 

➤ Compartments with independent grid floor 

➤ Front and top doors for easy access inside the box 

➤ Up to 8 active boxes can be controlled simultaneously 

from one PC 

➤ Neither PC interface nor PC cards are required 

➤ Safety system which guarantees that the shock intensity 

received by the animal is always the same value 

independently of the grid bars treaded 


➤ Latency to entrance into the black compartment 

(passive avoidance) 

➤ Number and latency of conditioned responses 

(active avoidance) 

➤ Number and latency of unconditioned responses 

(active avoidance) 

➤ Number and latency of null responses (active avoidance) 

➤ Number and latency of none responses (active avoidance) 

➤ Number of compartment changes during the intertrial 

intervals (active avoidance) 

➤ Latency mean and accumulated responses sorted by 

interval of time 

Shuttle Box 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Shuttle Boxes LE916 (Rats) and LE918 

(Mice) provide the ideal environment to carry out conditioned reflexes 

(Active and Passive Avoidance) in learning and memory studies. 

The Shuttle Box (LE916-918) consists of two equally sized 

compartments with two independent grid floors. A front door, in 

addition to the top ones, allows an easy access inside the box. The 

cage contains a general sound generator and a visual stimulus (light) 

for each compartment. 

The animal is detected by two weight transducers located above the 

static grids, avoiding the problems inherent to photoelectrical or grid 

tilting systems (high speeds of displacements in mice, tail detection 

in rats). 

Our Shuttle Box is thought to be easily set up and dismantled. Therefore, 

reconverting it to traditional Passive Box is quite straightforward by 

adding a sliding door (LE916D for mice or LE918D for rats). It is also 

possible to set up different wall shapes or colors in order to further 

condition the subject of study either visually or spatially. 

The Shuttle Boxes can be controlled by Programmer LE2708 or our 

software, ShutAvoid. SeDaCom software is included for transferring data 

from the programmer to a PC through a RS-232 port. The connection is 

direct between the programmer and PC. No PCI card is needed! The link 

is carried out by one only cable from one box to the other. The first box 

is connected to PC or laptop by the RS-232 port or USB. 

The second option is suitable for controlling a number of boxes 

simultaneously. 



63


Shuttle Box for Active and Passive Avoidance (continued) 


Cage Dimensions: 

LE916 Rat 

LE918 Mouse 

Minimum Weight 

Detected 



(withSeDaCom) 


Stations (with ShutAvoid) 

Connection of Several 

Units to PC 


Power Supply 

Order # Model 

510 (W) x 250 (D) x 240 (H) mm internal; 580 x 360 x 

305 mm external 

590 (W) x 190 (D) x 240 (H) mm internal; 580 x 360 x 

305 mm external 

10 grams (Mouse Box); 40 grams (Rat Box) 

Methacrylate, aluminum, stainless steel 


8 stations connected to a PC 

Neither PC interface nor PC card are required. 

One cable connects all units to the PC 

CE compliant 

110 V/220 V, 50/60Hz 

Product 

BH2 76-0250 LE916 SHUTTLE BOX with Static Floor 

(Needs Shocker) Rat 

BH2 76-0251 LE918 SHUTTLE BOX with Static Floor 

(Needs Shocker) Mouse 

BH2 76-0157 LE26 Sound Attenuating Box 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0252 LE916D Guillotine Door for Rat Shuttle Box LE916 

and Make it Capable to Run Passive 

Avoidance Experiments 

BH2 76-0253 LE918D Guillotine Door for Mouse Shuttle Box LE918 

and Make it Capable to Run Passive 

Avoidance Experiments 

Citations 

Dagnino-Subiabre A et al. (2009) Chronic stress induces dendritic atrophy in the rat medial geniculate 

nucleus: Effects on auditory conditioning Behavioural Brain Research 203(1):88-96 (rat, Chile) 

Johannesson M et al. (2009) A resource for the simultaneous high-resolution mapping 

of multiple quantitative trait loci in rats: The NIH heterogeneous stock. Genome Res. 2009 19: 150- 

158. (Rat, Spain, Sweden, UK, USA) 


heterogeneous rats and the Roman rat strains. Behav. Brain. Res. 202(1):92-101. (active 

avoidance, rat, Spain) 

Mendez M et al. (2009) Associative learning deficit in two experimental models of hepatic 

encephalopathy. Behav. Brain Res. 198(2):346-351. (active and passive avoidance, rat, Spain) 

Valverde O et al. (2009) GPR3 receptor, a novel actor in the emotional-like responses. PLoS One. 

4(3):e4704. (mice, Spain, Belgium) 

Martin-Garcia et al (2008) Neonatal finasteride induces anxiogenic-like profile and deteriorates 

passive avoidance in adulthood after intrahippocampal neurosteroid administration. Neuroscience. 

154(4):1497-1505 (rat, Spain) 

Mendez et al. (2008) Associative learning deficit in two experimental models of hepatic 

encephalopathy. Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 198, Issue 2, 17 March 2009, Pages 346-351. 

(Rat, Spain) 

Rueda N et al. (2008) Effects of chronic administration of SGS-111 during adulthood and during the 

pre- and post-natal periods on the cognitive deficits of Ts65Dn mice, a model of Down syndrome. 

Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 188, Issue 2, 9 April 2008, Pages 355-367 (mice, Spain) 

Ruiz-Medina J et al (2008) Intracranial self-stimulation improves memory consolidation in rats with 

little training. Neurobiol. Learn. Mem. 89(4):574-581 (rat, Spain) 

Trigo JM et al (2008) MDMA modifies active avoidance learning and recall in mice. Psychopharmacol. 

197:391-400 (mouse, Spain) 

Andero R et al. (2007) Electrical stimulation of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus in freely 

moving awake rats: Time- and site-specific effects on two-way active avoidance conditioning. 

Neurobiol. Learn. Mem. 87(4):510-521 (rat, Spain) 

Bura SA et al. (2007) Genetic and pharmacological approaches to evaluate the interaction between 

the cannabinoid and cholinergic systems in cognitive processes. Br J Pharmacol. 2007 March; 150(6): 

758–765. (mice, Spain, Belgium) 

Quiroz-Padilla MF et al. (2007) Effects of parafascicular excitotoxic lesions on two-way active 

avoidance and odor-discrimination. Neurobiol. Learn. Mem. (rat, Spain) 

Lopez-Aumatell R et al. (2007) Fearfulness in a large N/Nih genetically heterogeneous rat stock: 

Differential profiles of timidity and defensive flight in males and females. Behav. Brain Res. 188(1):41- 

55 (rat, Spain) 

Millan M et al. (2007) A preferential dopamine D3 versus D2 receptor antagonist and potential 

antipsychotic agent. III. Actions in models of therapeutic activity and induction of side-effects. J. 

Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. (rat, France) 

Soriano-Mas C et al. (2007) Intracranial self-stimulation after memory reactivation: Immediate and 

late effects. Brain Res. Bull. 74(1-3):51-57 (rat, Spain) 

Bura SA et al. (2007) Genetic and pharmacological approaches to evaluate the interaction between 

the cannabinoid and cholinergic systems in cognitive processes. Br. J. Pharmacol. 150(6): 758-765. 

(active avoidance, mouse, Spain). 

BH2 76-0201 LE2708 AVOIDANCE PROGRAMMER with Shocker 

BH2 76-0202 SHUTAVOID PC SOFTWARE to Control up to 8 

Active/Passive Boxes 

BH2 76-0159 LE10026 Shock Generator with Scrambler, 

0-2 mA Output 

64 




ShutAvoid Software for Active & Passive Avoidance 


➤ Software CD with USB protection key 





➤ Shuttle Box, see pages 63 – 64 

➤ Passive Avoidance Box, see pages 80 – 81 


Key Features 

➤ Good for both Active and Passive Avoidance 

➤ Experimental chambers can be controlled independently 

➤ Our unique test mode enables immediate and reliable 

box checking 

➤ The program runs automatically when the animal is detected 

in the cage 

➤ Animal position and current data can be visualized online 

➤ Provides integrated data 

➤ Analyze data in user-defined intervals of time 


➤ Number and latency of conditioned responses 

(Active Avoidance) 

➤ Number and latency of unconditioned responses 


➤ Number and latency of null responses (Active Avoidance) 

➤ Number and latency of responses during intertrial 


➤ Number of compartment crossing during the intertrial interval 


➤ Mean of the responses latencies (Active Avoidance) 

➤ Latency to enter into the black compartment 

(Passive Avoidance) 

SHUTAVOID Software 

SHUTAVOID software is an implemented version of the Panlab/Harvard 

Apparatus SHUTTLE-8 software offering a user-friendly interface to conduct 

Active and Passive Avoidance procedures in an automated manner. 

The Software SHUTAVOID controls up to 8 Shuttle Boxes or Passive Cages 

independently. The software detects how many cages are physically present 

and activates the corresponding windows. The system includes a test mode 

to enables immediate and reliable checking of the box features to ensure all 

of the elements of the experimental chamber are functioning. 

The program controls the presentation of visual and acoustic stimuli 

and shock duration, at the same time that it records the position of the 

experimental animal in each compartment of the experimental cage, 

deciding about stimuli presentation accordingly. 

Unlimited number of schedules can be defined and used either by common or 

different experimental cages. The protocol editor allows the configuration of 

all the basic parameters necessary to set an active and passive avoidance 

experiment: habituation period, duration of the inter-trial interval (fixed or 

randomized), activation and duration of the conditioned stimulus (light, 

sound or both), activation, latency and duration of the unconditioned stimulus 

(electrical shock), latency for considering the response as “null”, door status 

(open/closed), number of trials, cut-off time for response etc… 

The program runs automatically when the animal is detected in the cage 

(independently for each cage). During the acquisition of data, information 

about the protocol state, animal position and current data can be visualized 

for each cage on the corresponding control window. 

Data related to each of the observed animal responses are stored into result 

files that pick up the information acquired during the working session. The data 

files can be open and re-analyzed to generate ASCII-coded reports in which the 

information is summarized for each trial or groups of trials (user-defined). 



65


ShutAvoid Software for Active & Passive Avoidance (continued) 



2 GHz processor or higher (Celeron processor 

not supported), 2 Gb of RAM, 1 free USB for the 

protection key; 1 free RS-232 serial port for boxes 

connection (a USB-Serial adapter included in the 

software pack can be used when a RS-232 serial 

port is not available) 

Graphic Card 

Requirements 




Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0202 ShutAvoid PC Software to Control up to 8 Shuttle Boxes 

or Passive Avoidance Boxes 

Citations 

Dagnino-Subiabre A et al. (2009) Chronic stress induces dendritic atrophy in the rat medial geniculate 

nucleus: Effects on auditory conditioning. 203(1):88-96. (fear conditioning, rat, Chile, USA) 

Johannesson M et al. (2009) A resource for the simultaneous high-resolution mapping of multiple 

quantitative trait loci in rats: The NIH heterogeneous stock. Genome Res. 19:150-158. (rat, Spain) 


heterogeneous rats and the Roman rat strains. Behav. Brain. Res. 202(1):92-101. (active avoidance, 

rat, Spain) 

Mendez M et al. (2009) Associative learning deficit in two experimental models of hepatic 

encephalopathy. Behav. Brain Res. 198(2):346-351. (active and passive avoidance, rat, Spain) 

Martin-Garcia et al (2008) Neonatal finasteride induces anxiogenic-like profile and deteriorates 

passive avoidance in adulthood after intrahippocampal neurosteroid administration. Neuroscience. 

154(4):1497-1505 (rat, Spain) 

66 




Circular Pool for Evaluating Learning and Memory 

Circular Pool 

Atlantis 

Circular Pool 

Morris Water Maze is for spatial working memory studies. The circular 

pool is manufactured in polypropylene and stands on a support with 

four wheels for easier displacement. 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus proposes a complete solution for water 

maze settings since the heater, the water circulation pump, the level 

controller and the electro valve for pool filling are containing in a 

unique control box. The level controller acts directly on the electro 

valve, turning it off when the liquid arrives to the corresponding height. 

The water temperature is thermostated between 22°C and 32°C 

depending on the environmental room temperature. Two easily 

interchangeable platforms are supplied (80 and 110 mm) that can be 

located anywhere in the pool. 

For Aquatic Radial Water Maze, a removable-floating eight radial-arm 

maze structure and associated platforms can be provided upon request. 

Both Morris and Radial Water Mazes may be associated with our Video- 

Tracking Systems for detection and analysis of animal displacements and 

behavior throughout the test. Please refer to chart below. 

Key Features 

➤ Polyproylene pool 

➤ Complete system, all in one station (water pump, thermostat 

and tubing all included) 

➤ Control box controlling the water temperature (thermostated 

between 22-32˚C depending of the environmental conditions) 

➤ Easily adaptable platform size depending of the animal size 

➤ Support with 4 wheels for better displacement 

➤ Ideal environment to carry out the Morris and Aquatic Radial 

Maze studies 


➤ Circular pool with support (with wheels for easier displacement) 

➤ Water pump 

➤ Heater, electro valve and level controller 

➤ Set of 2 target islands 

➤ Set of 2 spare fuses 



Parameter Measured 

Latency Time to Raise the Target/Platform 

Permanence Time and Distance Travelled 

in Quadrants 

Total Distance Travelled 

Latency Time to the First Entrance to 

Target/Platform 

Target/Platform Crossings 

Resting/Floating Time with 

User-Defined Threshold 

Stopping Time on Target/Platform 

Wishaw's Error 

Mean Directionality 

Average Distance to Target/Platform 

Chronological Sequence of the Visits 

in the Zones 

Permanence Time in Each Arm 

Number of Entries Into Each Arm 

Distance Travelled in Each Arm 

And Other Integrated Parameters Not Directly 

Related to Water Maze Experiment 


System Suggested 

SMART & Smart JUNIOR 






SMART 

SMART 

SMART 

SMART 

SMART 

SMART 

SMART 

SMART 

SMART 



67


Circular Pool for Evaluating Learning and Memory (continued) 


Heater Intensity 

Heating Speed 

Temperature 



3000 W 

3° celsius / hour (model LE820-200) 

22-32 degrees celsius (depending on environment) 

110/220 V / 50Hz 

CE compliant 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0020 LE820-90* Circular Pool; 90 cm (D) 50 cm (H) 





* Including Heater, water pump, level controller, electro valve and LE820-500 Island Se 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0025 LE820-500 Island Set (110 and 80 mm Diameter Platforms) 

BH2 76-0026 LE820-300 Automatic Island 'Atlantis' (controlled by 

Smart Video Tracking Software) 

BH2 76-0027 LE772 Aquatic Radial Maze 

BH2 76-0028 SMART Advanced Video-Tracking Software* 

BH2 76-0029 SMART JUNIOR Standard Video-Tracking Software 

Citations 

Arqué G et al. (2008) Impaired Spatial Learning Strategies and Novel Object Recognition in Mice 

Haploinsufficient for the Dual Specificity Tyrosine-Regulated Kinase-1A (Dyrk1A). PLoS ONE 3(7): 

e2575. (water maze, mouse Spain) 

Ruiz-Medina J et al. (2008) Intracranial self-stimulation facilitates a spatial learning and 

memory task in the Morris water maze. Neuroscience. 154(2): 424-430. (water maze, rat, Spain) 

Zhang T et al . (2007) Impairments in water maze learning of aged rats that received dextromethorphan 

repeatedly during adolescent period. Psychopharmacol. 191(1):171-179 (rat, South Korea) 

Cho HJ et al. (2006) Repetitive dextromethorphan at adolescence affects water maze learning in 

femal rats. Int. J. Neurosci. 116(2): 91-101 (water maze, rat, Korea) 

Zhang TY et al. (2006) Impairments in water maze learning of aged rats that received 

dextromethorphan repeatedly during adolescent period. Psychopharmacol. 5 in process 

(water maze, rat, South Korea) 

Gimenez-Llort L et al. (2005) Mice lacking the adenosine A1 receptor have normal spatial learning 

and plasticity in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, but they habituate more slowly. Synapse. 57(1): 

8-16. (mouse, Spain, USA, Sweden) 

Calza L et al. (2003) Neural stem cells and cholinergic neurons: regulation by immunolesion and 

treatment with mitogens, retinoic acid, and nerve growth factor. PNAS 100(12): 7325-7330. (rat, Italy) 

Anisman H and McIntyre DC (2002) Conceptual, spacial, and cue learning in the morris water maze in 

fast or slow kindling rats: attention deficit comorbidity. J. Neurosci. 22(17):7809-7817. (rat, Canada) 

Altafaj et al. (2001) Neurodevelopmental delay, motor abnormalities and cognitive deficits in 

transgenic mice overexpressing Dyrk1A (minibrain), a murine model of Down's syndrome. Human Mol. 

Genetics 10(18): 1915-1923. (Morris water maze, mouse, Spain) 

Wickman K et al. (2000) Brain localization and behavioral impact of the G-protein-gated K+ channel 

subunit GIRK4. J. Neurosci. 20(15): 5608-5615. (mouse, USA) 

Economy Circular Pools 

Harvard Apparatus also offers an economy line of circular pools. 

These economy models feature: 

• Pools nested in a custom swivel caster cart with wheel brakes 

• Elevated to make the pool more accessible 

• Side drains for quick emptying and clean up 

• Island set included - 4" diameter x 12" height 

* Requires BH2 76-0501 Frame Grabber Board 


BH2 72-6055 60135 Economy Water Maze, Mouse 

(4 ft diameter) 

BH2 72-6056 60136 Economy Water Maze, Mouse/Rat 


BH2 72-6059 60235 Economy Water Maze, Rat 


68 




Radial Maze for Evaluating Working and Reference Memory 

Radial Maze 

A water version of our Radial Maze is also available (see our circular 

pool product pages 67 and 68 - or contact us for more details). 


Chronological sequence of animal 

positioning in the radial maze 

Monitoring 


MazeSoft-8 and SMART 

Key Features 

➤ Allows automated standard experiments 

➤ Different possibilities of control for opening and closing the 

doors (manual or automated) 

➤ Different possibilities for animal detection (photoelectric 

cells or video-tracking) 

➤ Mounted on a tripod of adjustable height 


➤ Radial Maze 

➤ LE766/8 Control unit (except LE760 and LE762) 

➤ PCI interface (only when LE766/8 in combination with 

MAZESOFT-8 or SMART) 

➤ 8 food baskets (one at each arm's end) 

➤ Tripod 


Radial Maze 

Our Eight Arms Radial Maze is extensively used in behavioral 

laboratories for evaluating spatial memory but also non-spatial memory 

associated with motivational cues (classically food). 

The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Radial Maze consists in a central area 

with eight sliding doors giving access to eight equally-sized arms. The 

maze, made of black plexiglas, is mounted on a tripod with adjustable 

height (1m max). Each arm has lateral walls with a height higher on the 

proximal side of the arm than on the distal side. On the distal extreme 

of each arm, a detachable recessed cup can be installed or replaced 

by cover (all included). 

The sliding doors can be opened and closed manually or automatically, 

with two options in both cases. 

• Manual doors operation can be made by the user in-site, by 

means of a mechanical thread system with pulley or off-site, by 

using a control unit with eight switches, one for each sliding door. 

• Automated doors operation can be controlled by the animal 

position throughout the test using the MAZESOFT-8 software 

associated with photoelectrical cell mounted on the Radial 

Maze and the corresponding control units, or using the SMART 

Video-Tracking System. 

Time of entry in each zone 

Current position 

Total number of entries in each zone 

Total number of reference and working memory 

Other integrated parameters: number of visits 

into the arms, response latency, etc… 


Radial Maze Dimensions: 

Rat 

Mouse 

Position Detection 

Technique 

Sliding Doors Operation 


Aquatic Radial Maze 

Dimensions 

Power Requirement 


Order # Model 

(W) x 1690 (D) x 1250/1450 (H) mm 

(W) x 867 (D) x 1250/1450 (H) mm 

IR beams in the arms, weight cell in the 

central island or SMART Video Tracking 

Manually or automated w/MAZESOFT-8 or SMART 


138 (W) x on request (D) x 250 (H) mm 

110/220 V, 50/60 Hz 

CE compliant 

Product 

BH2 76-0227 LE760 Standard Radial Maze, Rat 

BH2 76-0228 LE762 Standard Radial Maze, Mouse 

BH2 76-0229 LE767* Automated Radial Maze, Rat with SMART 

BH2 76-0230 LE769* Automated Radial Maze, Mouse with SMART 

BH2 76-0231 LE766 Automated Radial Maze, Rat 

(requires MAZESOFT-8) 

BH2 76-0232 LE768 Automated Radial Maze, Mouse 

(requires MAZESOFT-8) 

BH2 76-0027 LE772 Aquatic Radial Maze (To Be Used Along with 

Circular Pool, Must be Ordered Separately) 

* Includes PCI7200 when SMART is to control the sliding doors 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0028 SMART SMART Video-Tracking Software 

BH2 76-0144 MAZESOFT-8 MAZESOFT-8 Software 





MazeSoft-8 



69


MAZESOFT-8 Software for Learning and Memory 

MAZESOFT-8 

Key Features 


➤ Complete and easy to-use for standard experiment 

➤ Use of photoelectrical cell technology for animal 

position detection 

➤ Manual or automatic control of the doors 

➤ Provides integrated parameters (number of errors, number of 

distinct arms visited, etc) 

➤ Data reports can be reorganized according to factors entered in 

the trial header (animal, groups, etc) 

➤ Data exportation to Excel 


➤ Duration of the experiment 

➤ Current position of the animal 

➤ Number of working memory errors (repeated “visit” in the 

baited arms) 

➤ Number of reference memory (number of “visit” in the 

unbaited arms) 

➤ Total number of visited arms 

➤ Response latency (total duration of the experiment / total 

number of visited arms) 

➤ Number of different arms visited during the experiment 

(between 0 and 8) 

➤ Number of arms visited until an 'error' (last arm visited included) 

➤ List table showing the chronological order of the visited arms 

and entries into the arms 

➤ List table showing the chronological order of the entries into 

the different zones of the radial maze 


➤ Software CD and 

USB protection key 

➤ PCI-7200 




➤ Radial Maze, see page 69 

MAZESOFT-8 Software 

MAZESOFT-8 is complete and easy-to-use software for monitoring 

radial maze experiments. It has been specially designed to work with the 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Radial Maze and is equipped with rows of 

infrared photocells for the automated detection of animal position. 

The software allows for the full control of the arm doors either 

manually (by means of a button panel in the computer screen) or 

automatically, when a trained subject is being tested. 

MAZESOFT-8 allows the user setting any of the standard protocols for 

the study of working and reference memory in laboratory animals. The 

protocols are easy to configure, the user only has to enter some 

important parameters: designation of the baited arms, conditions to 

stop the experiments, time-interval between each trial, doors 

monitoring mode, criterion for considering the arm visited. Each 

protocol configuration can be saved and opened for use when 

necessary. A “trial header” can be use for recording all the necessary 

information associated with the current experiment (code of trial, 

experimenter, challenge, dose, subject identification, comments). 

In MAZESOFT-8, the maze is virtually divided into 17 sections: 8 equally 

sized arms (each one divided into proximal and distal section) and a 

central area. One experiment can be composed of several trials, 

depending on the number of experimental groups and animals per 

group used in the study. The system considers an arm being visited 

when the subject has been detected in the distal part of the arm. 

During each trial, the elapsed time, permanence time in each area and 

current position of the animal can be visualized in real-time. Real-time 

information about the animal position and the number of visits made are 

also graphically shown on the screen. A Runtime data panel shows the 

cumulated number of working and reference memory errors together 

with other important data (response latency, number and list of visits 

and entries into the arms etc.) 

MAZESOFT-8 provides a summary data table containing the complete 

information about each session (subject name, group, date) together 

with all the integrated data of interest. The tables of session can be 

reorganized before exportation according to parameters previously 

entered in the trial header (by subjects, by groups, by experimenter, 

etc). Data from the summary database as well as the detailed 

chronological listing of the animal positions for each session can be 

easily exported to Excel. 


Computer 

Requirements 

Graphic Card 

Requirements 


not supported), 2 Gb of RAM with PCI 32-bit bus 


for the protection key. 


pixels, 32-bit true colour RGB display. 


Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0144 MAZESOFT-8 MAZESOFT-8 Software 

70 




Startle and Fear Combined System 


Key Features 

➤ Combined system for startle/freezing 

➤ Combined system for mice/rats 

➤ Weight transducer sensitivity optimized 

➤ Different spacial context configurations available for fear 

conditioning paradigms 

➤ Accurate and traceable data 

➤ No PCI cards required - has USB connection, one cable links all! 


➤ Time of experiment at which each inactivity event has 

occurred (FREEZING) 

➤ Duration of each inactivity event (FREEZING) 

➤ Summary table of the total amount of freezing in each state of 

the experiment (FREEZING) 

➤ Number and duration of freezing episodes in each user-defined 

intervals of time (FREEZING) 

➤ Maximum amplitude of startle response (STARTLE) 

➤ Latency until the maximum amplitude of startle response 

(STARTLE) 

➤ Duration of the startle response (STARTLE) 

➤ Latency until the beginning of the startle response (STARTLE) 

➤ Average of the startle response (STARTLE) 

➤ Mean startle values for each trial type (STARTLE) 


➤ Experimental Chamber 

➤ Sound Proof Box 

➤ Load cell amplifier 

➤ Station interface 



Options 

➤ Shock Generator 

➤ Air Puff Unit 

➤ STARTLE Software 

➤ FREEZING Software 


The StartFear Combined system is a polyvalent system for conducting 

both fear conditioning and startle reflex experiments in one enclosure, 

regardless of the species (from 15 g to 500 g). 

The StartFear system allows recording and analysis of the signal 

generated by the animal movement through our unique high sensitivity 

weight transducer system. 

The analog signal is transmitted to the FREEZING and STARTLE 

software modules through the load cell unit for recording purposes 

and posterior analysis in terms of activity/immobility (FREEZING) or 

startle response characterization (STARTLE). 

An additional interface associated with corresponding hardware 

allows controlling the stimuli (light, sounds, shock, air puff) from the 

STARTLE and FREEZING software modules. 

The StartFear cage is made with black methacrylate walls and a 

transparent front door. In fear conditioning experiment, the walls, cover 

and floor can be of different materials or colors. A transparent cylinder 

can be placed into the experimental chamber in order to modify the 

contextual spatial perception of the subject during the test phase. 

Harvard Apparatus • phone 508.893.8999 • toll free U.S. 800.272.2775 • fax 


71


Startle and Fear Combined System (continued) 


Chamber Dimensions 



of Stations 

Sounds Frequency 

and Amplitude 


Power Supply 

Soundproof Box 

Dimensions 

Order # Model 

250 (W) x 250 (D) x 250 (H) mm 



PrePulse/pulse: adjustable from 200 to10000 Hz - 

max 120 dB; white noise: from 60 to 120 dB 

CE compliant 

110 V/220 V, 50/60Hz 

670 (W) x 530 (D) x 550 (H) mm 

Product 

BH2 76-0280 LE116 FREEZING AND STARTLE Threshold Sensor 

including Sound Attenuating Box 

Citations 

Viosca J et al. (2009) Enhanced CREB-dependent gene expression increases the excitability 

of neurons in the basal amygdala and primes the consolidation of contextual and cued fear memory. 

Learn Mem. 16(3):198-209. (Fear conditioning, mice, Spain) 

Markram K et al. (2008) Abnormal fear conditioning and amygdala processing in an animal model of 

autism. Neuropsychopharmacology. 33(4):90-112. (Rats, Switzerland) 

Cordero MI et al. (2007) Stress amplifies memory for social hierarchy. Front. Neurosci. 1(1): 175-184 

(rat, Switzerland) 

Lopez-Fernandez MA et al. (2007) Upregulation of Polysialylated Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule in 

the Dorsal Hippocampus after Contextual Fear Conditioning Is Involved in Long-Term Memory 

Formation. The Journal of Neuroscience. 27(17): 4552-4561. (Rats, France, Switzerland) 

Markram K et al. (2007) Amygdala upregulation of NCAM polysialylation induced by auditory fear 

conditioning is not required for memory formation, but plays a role in fear extinction. 

Neurobiology of learning and memory. 87(4): 573-582. (Rats, Switzerland) 

Poirier R et al. (2007) Paradoxical role of an Egr transcription factor family member, Egr2/Krox20, in 

learning and memory Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 1(art 6): 1-12. (Mice, France) 

Toledo-Rodriguez M et al. (2007) Stress before puberty exerts a sex- and age-related impact on 

auditory and contextual fear conditioning in the rat. Neural Plast. In Press. (Rats, Switzerland) 

Markram K et al. (2006) Selective learning and memory impairments in mice deficient for 

polysialylated NCAM in adulthood. Neuroscience. 144(3): 788-796. (Mice, Switzerland) 

BH2 76-0235 LE117M Mouse Holder for Startle Reflex 

(Animal Weight Required) 

BH2 76-0236 LE117R Rat Holder for Startle Reflex 

(Animal Weight Required) 

BH2 76-0281 LE111 Load Cell Amplifier (One for Each Chamber) 

BH2 76-0282 LE118 Stimuli Interface Unit (1 Chamber) 

BH2 76-0283 LE1188 Stimuli Interface Unit (up to 8 Chambers) 

BH2 76-0284 STARTLE Software to Control up to 8 Stations 

for Startle Reflex Studies 

BH2 76-0099 FREEZING Software to Control up to 8 Stations 

for Fear Conditioning Studies 

BH2 76-0404 FREEZINGGLP Freezing SW-GLP 

OPTIONS 


0-2 mA Output 

BH2 76-0286 LE119 Air Puff Unit 

BH2 76-0328 LE115 Contextual Kit for Fear Conditioning 

72 




STARTLE Software for Automated Startle Reflex Studies 


➤ Combined Startle and Fear System, see pages 71 – 72 

Key Features 

➤ Optimized animal movement detection for small animals! 

➤ Versatile software allowing the configuration of a wide 

variety of protocols 

➤ Sound frequency and amplitude controlled by software 

➤ Synchronized running 

➤ Provides a subject database as an alternative to manually 

managing subject information 

➤ Provides traceable data for GPL compliance 

➤ Records and stores the analog signals for further analysis 

➤ No PCI cards required - has USB connection 


➤ Maximum amplitude of startle response 

➤ Latency until the maximum amplitude of startle response 

➤ Duration of startle response 

➤ Latency until the beginning of startle response 

➤ Average of the startle response 

➤ Mean startle values for each trial type 


➤ Software CD 




Options 


➤ Tailor-made experimental configuration setups upon request 

STARTLE software 

STARTLE is powerful and user-friendly software featuring a protocol 

editor. This allows the experimenter to build a wide variety of different 

protocols enabling the configuration of both standard (startle reflex 

habituation, prepulse inhibition of startle reflex, fear-potentiated startle 

reflex) and unusual user-defined protocols. 

The software can run up to 8 chambers simultaneously and in a 

synchronized manner. The software also provides standardized data 

(maximum amplitude and latency to maximum) in an automated manner. 

Two activity thresholds can also be set for an accurate user-controlled 

evaluation of additional such as duration, average or latency to the 

onset response. 

The run window shows the signal chart and corresponding raw data 

table online for every chamber. In each table, information about the 

status of the protocol is shown, together with the important 

parameters of the execution. Both signal chart and raw data table can 

be saved and reloaded for recalculating parameters using different 

activity thresholds. 

As required in the Good Practices of Laboratory (GPL) directives and 

instruction, STARTLE has been built in order to obtain traceable data: i.e. 

each session recorded can be linked to the corresponding experimental 

data (date, experimenter, animal data, protocol used, etc.). 


Computer 

Requirements 

Graphic Card 

Requirements 


Order # Model 


supported), 2 Gb of RAM, 1 free USB for the 







Windows ® XP (SP2 or Higher), Vista 32 – PC 

integrated standard sound card (DirectX 

compatible, RMS at least 0.5 Volts) 

Product 

BH2 76-0284 STARTLE Software to Control up to 8 Stations 

for Startle Reflex Studies 

Citations 


Costello syndrome. Genes, Brain and Behavior. 8(1):60-71. (Startle, mouse, Spain) 

Ortiz-Abalia J et al. (2008) Targeting Dyrk1A with AAVshRNA attenuates motor alterations in TgDyrk1A, a 

mouse model of Down syndrome. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 83(4):479-88. (Startle, mouse, Spain) 



73


FREEZING Software for Automated Fear Conditioning 

Key Features 

➤ Optimized animal movement detection for small animals 

➤ Versatile software allowing the configuration of a 

wide variety of protocols 

➤ Sound frequency and amplitude controlled by software 

➤ Synchronized running 

➤ Provides a subject database as an alternative to manually 

managing subject information 

➤ Provides traceable data for GPL compliance 

➤ Records and stores the analog signals for further analysis 

➤ No PCI cards required - has USB connection 


➤ Onset time for each freezing event 

➤ Duration of each freezing event 

➤ Summary table for the total freezing in each state 

of the experiment 

➤ Number and duration of freezing episodes in each 

user-defined interval of time 






Options 


➤ Tailor-made experimental configuration setups upon request 


FREEZING Software 

FREEZING is a powerful and user-friendly tool for conducting fear 

conditioning experiments in rodents. 

The FREEZING protocol editor allows the experimenter to build a wide 

variety of protocols enabling the configuration of both standard 

(context-dependent fear conditioning, tone-dependent fear 

conditioning) and unusual user-defined protocols. 

The software can run up to 8 chambers simultaneously and in a 

synchronized manner. Two thresholds can be set for the detection of 

the animal freezing behavior: activity (for differentiating immobility from 

activity) and time (for eliminating any non-specific freezing episode 

which duration is lower than an user-defined duration). 

The run window shows the signal chart and corresponding raw data table 

online for every chamber. In each table, information about the status of the 

protocol is shown, together with the important parameters of the execution. 

Both signal chart and raw data table can be saved and reloaded for 

recalculating parameters using different activity and time thresholds. 


instruction, FREEZING has been built in order to obtain traceable data: 

i.e. each session recorded can be linked to the corresponding 

experimental data (date, experimenter, animal data, protocol used, etc.). 



Graphic Card 

Requirements 


Order # Model 










integrated standard sound card (DirectX 

compatible, RMS at least 0.5 Volts) 

Product 

BH2 76-0099 FREEZING Software to Control up to 8 Stations for Fear 

Conditioning Studies 

Citations 

Viosca J et al. (2009) Enhanced CREB-dependent gene expression increases the excitability of 

neurons in the basal amygdala and primes the consolidation of contextual and cued fear memory. 

Learn Mem. 16(3):198-209. (Fear conditioning, mice, Spain) 

Markram K et al. (2008) Abnormal fear conditioning and amygdala processing in an animal model of 

autism. Neuropsychopharmacology. 33(4):90-112. (Rats, Switzerland) 

Cordero MI et al. (2007) Stress amplifies memory for social hierarchy. Front. Neurosci. 1(1): 175-184 

(rat, Switzerland) 

Lopez-Fernandez MA et al. (2007) Upregulation of Polysialylated Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule in 

the Dorsal Hippocampus after Contextual Fear Conditioning Is Involved in Long-Term Memory 

Formation. The Journal of Neuroscience. 27(17): 4552-4561. (Rats, France, Switzerland) 

Markram K et al. (2007) Amygdala upregulation of NCAM polysialylation induced by auditory fear 

conditioning is not required for memory formation, but plays a role in fear extinction. Neurobiology of 

learning and memory. 87(4): 573-582. (Rats, Switzerland) 

➤ Combined Startle and Freezing System, see pages 71 – 72 

74 




Modular Operant Box for Operant Conditioning 

Modular Operant Behavior System 

Key Features 

➤ Entirely modular system 

➤ Easily transformed between rat and mouse chamber 

➤ Reduced number of cables 

➤ Possibility of customization 

➤ Up to 8 stations can be connected at once to PC through 

a single cable 

➤ No PCI cards required - has USB connection, one cable links all! 


➤ Number of responses (LE 85XCT) 

➤ Number of reinforcements (LE 85XCT) 

➤ Many user-defined parameters (PackWin software) 


➤ Operant Chamber (mouse or rat) 




Options 

➤ Link Box (power connection box for up to 8 modules) 

➤ Wide range of modules 

➤ Sound Attenuating Box 

➤ MPS push button 

➤ Experiment programming unit (with ratio and interval 

schedules and shocker) 

➤ PackWin software 

Modular Operant Box 

Our Modular Operant Chamber is an entirely modular experimental 

enclosure designed to conduct operant conditioning procedures (e.g. 

food reinforcement, DMTS, conflict tests, self-administration, etc). 

The operant chamber is an entirely modular structure which allows 

complete disassembling or rearrangement to build a new space of 

different dimensions/components or to enable storage in the minimum 

space. It can be easily transformed from rat chamber to chamber (or 

vice versa). 

A front door offers total accessibility inside the chamber. The mouse 

walls and cover can be of different material or color, since they are 

totally removable. 

Each chamber is associated with a Link Box which provides power to up 

to 8 (expandable to 16) Operant Modules (levers, lights, sound, 

dispensers, electrical shock) conferring to the chambers a full autonomy. 

Special accessories are provided for self-administration procedures. 

Only one cable connects the Link Box to the LE85XCT Programmer or 

PC (PackWin Software), this last for advanced protocol configuration 

and running. 

NOTE 

For set-ups greater than 8 stations, please 

contact technical support for assistance. 



75


Modular Operant Box for Operant Conditioning (continued) 


Base Dimensions 

Working Area (Mouse) 

Working Area (Rat) 


Power Supply 


of Stations 

(When Working with PC) 


Units to PC 


Order # Model 

440 (W) x 360 (D) x 35 (H) mm 

200 (W) x 200 (D) x 250 (H) mm 

250 (W) x 250 (D) x 250 (H) mm 

Stainless steel, aluminum and methacrylate 

110 V/220 V, 50/60Hz 


No need of PC interfaces! Direct connection 

through one cable! 

CE compliant 

Product 

STANDARD, PRECONFIGURED OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0146 LE1002CP Operant Chamber Setup for Mice Including 

Pellets Dispenser, Lever, Light Stimuli, Mice 

Shock Grid and LINK BOX 01 

BH2 76-0148 LE1005CP Operant Chamber Setup for Rats Includes 

Pellets Dispenser, Lever, Light Stimuli, Rat 

Shock Grid and LINK BOX 01 

BH2 76-0147 LE1002CL Operant Chamber Setup for Mice Includes 

Drop Liquid Dispenser, Lever, Light Stimuli, 

Mice Shock Grid and LINK BOX 01 

Citations 

Hayat Harati M et al. (2009) Attention and memory in aged rats: impact of lifelong 

environmental enrichment. Neurobiology of aging. In Press. (5CSRT, rat, France) 

Hernandez-Rabaza V et al. (2009) Inhibition of adult hippocampal neurogenesis disrupts contextual 

learning but spares spatial working memory, long-term conditional rule retention and spatial reversal. 

Neuroscience. 159(1):59-68. (NMTP procedures, rat, Spain) 

Augustin-Pavon C et al (2008) Sex versus sweet: Opposite effects of opioid drugs on the reward of 

sucrose and sexual pheromones. Behav. Neurosci. 122(2): 416-425. (sucrose preference, mice, Spain) 

Hernández-Rabaza et al. (2008) The hippocampal dentate gyrus is essential for generating contextual 

memories of fear and drug-induced reward. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 90(3):553-559. 

(Fear conditioning, rat, Spain) 

Pellon R et al. (2007) Pharmacological analysis of the effects of benzodiazepines on punished 

schedule-induced polydipsia in rats. Behav. Pharmacol. 18(1): 81-87. (Punished schedule-induced 

drinking, rats, Spain) 

Pérez-Padilla A, Pellón R (2006) Level of response supresión and amphetamine effects on negatively 

punished adjunctive licking. Behav. Pharmacol. 17(1): 43-49. (Punished schedule-induced drinking, 

rats, Spain) 

Conejo NM et al. (2005) Brain metabolism after extended training in fear conditioning task. 

Psicothema. 17(4): 563-568 (disruption of lever pressing in fear conditioning task, Rat, Spain) 

Manrique T et al. (2005) Early learning failure impairs adult learning in rats. Dev. Pshychobiol. 46(4): 

340-349. (Rat, Spain). 

Toro JM et al. (2005) Backward Speech and Speaker Variability in Language Discrimination by Rats. J. 

Exp. Psychol. 31(1): 95–100. (rat, Spain) 

Lopez-Moreno JA et al. (2004) Long-lasting increase of alcohol relapse by the cannabinoid receptor 

agonist WIN 55,212-2 during alcohol deprivation. J. Neurosci. 24(38): 8245-8252. (ethanol selfadministration, 

rat, spain) 

Pérez-Padilla A, Pellón R (2003) Amphetamine increases schedule-induced drinking reduced by 

negative punishment procedures. Psychopharmacol. 167(2): 123-129. (Punished schedule-induced 

drinking, rats, Spain) 

Burgal M et al. (1988) Asymmetric incorporation of [14C]cyanate and of fluorescein isothiocyanate in 

mamillary body of conditioned rats. Neurochem. Res. 13(5): 435-442. (learning, Rat) 

Cuomo V et al. (1983) Behavioral and biochemical effects in the adult rat after prolonged postnatal 

administration of haloperidol. Psychopharmacol. 81(3): 239-243. (Differential reinforcement of low 

rate schedule, rat, Italy) 

Cuomo V et al. (1981) Enduring behavioral and biochemical effects in the adult rat after prolonged 

postnatal administration of haloperidol. Psychopharmacol. 74(2): 166-169. (Differential reinforcement 

of low rate schedule, rat, Italy) 

BH2 76-0149 LE1005CL Operant Chamber Setup for Rats Includes 

Drop Liquid Dispenser, Lever, Light Stimuli, 

Rat Shock Grid and LINK BOX 01 

Contact Technical Support for the Broad List of Additional Modules 

for our Modular Operant Chambers! 

To customize your own system, select options below: 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0151 LE1002 Modular Mice Operant Chamber 

BH2 76-0152 LE1005 Modular Rats Operant Chamber 

BH2 76-0153 LE100201 Mice Shockable Grid 

BH2 76-0154 LE100501 Rats Shockable Grid 

BH2 76-0155 LE1050 MPS Push Button for LE85XCT 

BH2 76-0156 LINKBOX01 Link & Power for up to 8 Modules 

BH2 76-0157 LE26 Sound Attenuating Box 

BH2 76-0158 LE85XCT PROGRAMMER with Ratio & Interval 

Schedules and Shocker 


0 - 2 mA Output 

BH2 76-0002 PACKWIN PC software to Control up to 

8 Operant Chambers 

BH2 76-0160 LE1010 Harness Set for Electrical Stimulation 

BH2 76-0161 LE12605 Electrical Stimulator 

BH2 70-2208 – Pump 11 Plus 

76 




PackWin Software 



Packwin System 

➤ Number of response (nose-spoke, lever pressing etc.) for the 

whole session or by user-defined interval of time 

➤ Latency of response 

➤ Number of reinforcement given (food, drug, drink, shock etc.) 

➤ Number of trials made 

➤ Total duration of the experiment 

➤ Cumulated curve graphs 

➤ Response pattern graphs 

➤ Built-in 5/9 hole experiments report (number of correct, 

incorrect, premature, anticipated responses and omission, 

choice accuracy etc.) 

Key Features 

➤ NEW simplified user-interface 

➤ NEW time-saving batch analysis and built-in reports 

➤ NEW Includes our unique new Virtual Box, a specific box test panel 

and simulator 

➤ Combines sophistication with straightforwardness 

➤ Maximal flexibility provided without requiring any specific 

knowledge in programming 

➤ Cumulated and response pattern graphs 

➤ Simplified communications to hardware 

➤ Subject Data Base 

➤ Result traceability 


➤ Software installation CD 




Options 

➤ Tailor-made Experimental Configuration Setups upon request 

* Contact us for more information about set-ups larger than 8 stations. 

PackWin Software 

PackWin is a user-friendly and versatile software developed for the 

Windows platform. This software offers a powerful, yet 

straightforward, tool for developing an unmatched range of 

experiments in different types of behavior chambers; typically those for 

operant conditioning, self-administration and procedures using the 

nine-hole box. 

The user-interface of PackWin has been recently re-designed, 

providing even greater flexibility and simplicity, turning the system into 

an attractive tool for both experienced and for non experienced users. 

This software does not require previous knowledge in programming! 

The different options of the PackWin protocol editor allow the user to 

build a wide variety of different protocols. It enables the configuration 

of basic programs for operant procedure (fixed and variable ratio, fixed 

or variable interval, fixed or variable DRL, positive and negative 

reinforcement, extinction, probability to obtain a reinforcement, etc.) 

with or without discriminative stimuli (light, sound) as well as more 

specific and complex user-defined protocols (conflict, DMTS, 5 choice 

serial reaction task etc.). New assistant panels are now available for 

the configuration of 5-choice serial reaction task procedures! 

The software can run up to 32 chambers depending on the 

characteristics of the associated chamber. In addition, each chamber 

can run independently from the rest of the selected chambers or in a 

synchronized manner. Desired protocols can be selected separately 

for each chamber. 

The registered sessions can be re-analyzed for generating all the 

reports and graphs typically needed when conducting operant 

behavior studies (summary data report with 1 row by subject, response 

by time report, historic events report, cumulated curve graph, 

response pattern plot). Individual and batch analyses are facilitated in 

a new advanced analysis panel in which the user can process the 

registered sessions using different time settings (full session, userdefined 

start and stop time, session split in different interval time of 

analysis). Raw data tables can be stored in Excel format for further 

analysis. All graphs are directly exportable to image format and 

associated raw data to XLS format. 

Unique to only our system! PackWin now provides the option of 

running experiment with virtual boxes! This new enhancement allows 

the user to configure and verify the protocols created anywhere - 

without requiring direct connection with the real boxes. This new 

feature is also perfect for teaching purposes! 


instruction, PackWin has been built in order to obtain traceable data: i.e. 

each session recorded can be linked to the corresponding experimental 

data (date, experimenter, animal data, protocol used, etc.). 



77


PackWin Software (continued) 


➤ Modular Operant Box, see pages 75 – 76 

➤ Vogel Test, see page 93 

➤ 5/9 Hole Box, see page 79 

➤ Self Administration Box, see page 101 



Graphic Card 

Requirements 










Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0002 PACKWIN PC Software to Control up to 8 Experimental 

Chambers 

Citation 

Hayat Harati M et al. (2009) Attention and memory in aged rats: impact of lifelong environmental 

enrichment. Neurobiology of aging. In Press. (5CSRT, rat, France) 

Hernandez-Rabaza V et al. (2009) Inhibition of adult hippocampal neurogenesis disrupts contextual 

learning but spares spatial working memory, long-term conditional rule retention and spatial reversal. 

Neuroscience. 159(1):59-68. (NMTP procedures, rat, Spain) 

Augustin-Pavon C et al (2008) Sex versus sweet: Opposite effects of opioid drugs on the reward of 

sucrose and sexual pheromones. Behav. Neurosci. 122(2): 416-425. (sucrose preference, mice, Spain) 

78 




5/9 Holes for Attention Performance 

5/9 Holes Box 

Key Features 

➤ Hole LEDs with adjustable intensity 

➤ Associated with a very complete and flexible software - PackWin 

➤ Up to 8 stations can be connected at once to PC through 

a single cable 



➤ Number of correct responses 

➤ Number of incorrect responses 

➤ Number of persevering actions 

➤ Number of omissions 

➤ Number of anticipatory responses 

➤ Number of trials performed 

➤ Responses latency 

➤ Reinforcement (food, drink) intake latency 

➤ Number of responses during the time-out 

➤ And many user-defined parameters 


➤ Nine holes box (with 9 stainless steel lids) 

➤ Control unit with RS-232 communication port 

➤ Pellets dispenser 

➤ Feeder with light-beam detection technology 

➤ Stimuli light 





Options 

➤ PackWin software to control up to 8 boxes simultaneously 

5/9 Holes 

The nine-hole box is commonly used to evaluate attention performance 

using a visual discrimination task in laboratory animals. 

The nine-hole box is composed of a test chamber, food or drink 

dispenser, a Link Box to connect it to the PC and the PackWin software. 

The nine-hole box is assembled with black aluminum walls and a 

transparent front door. The box is equipped with an arc of 9 contiguous 

apertures set into the rear wall, a house light, a food pellet dispenser 

and a ‘pusher’ to detect the nose-pokes into the food holder. The holes 

not used in the experiment may be blocked up using a metal insert. Each 

hole is equipped with photocell beams and internal LED providing visual 

cues specific to each hole. The intensity of the LED can be adjusted in 

Link Box using the digital selector. The box is placed on a stainless-steel 

platform and the associated tray is easily removable to clean. 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus also offers an optimized nine-holes box for 

performing test in mice. This new box is supplied with 9 pellet 

dispensers in order to give the reward directly into the right stimulus 

hole when a correct response is fulfilled. 

All Panlab/Harvard Apparatus nine-hole boxes are associated with the 

potent and versatile PackWin software in order to control the experiment 

(protocol configuration, experiment running) and obtain relevant data such 

as correct responses, incorrect responses, omissions, 

prematureresponses, perseverant responses, time out responses, total 

receptacle head entries, etc. 

Different experimental paradigms for sustained attention, animal 

models of impulsive behavior and lateralized-discrimination task can 

be conducted using the nine-hole box. 

As an example, in the 5-choice serial reaction time task, short-lasting 

stimuli are given in pseudo-randomized order in one of the holes of the 

cage (commonly, hole 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9). If the animal nose-pokes into the 

correct hole, a reinforcement (pellet) is given. If the animal nose-pokes 

into an incorrect hole, a time-out period (no light) is given and next trial 

begins. The choice accuracy (% of correct responses) gives an idea of 

the functional integrity of the attention as well as learning processes. 

These parameters are mostly altered in animal models of 

Schizophrenia and Alzheimer Diseases. 


Cage Dimensions: 

LE509 Rat Cage 

LE507 Mouse Cage 

Holes Dimensions: 

Rat 

Mouse 



Stations 

Power Supply 


Order # Model 

252 (W) x 280 (D) x 240 (H) mm internal; 

440 x 360 x 315 mm external 

190 (W) x 220 (D) x 240 (H) mm internal; 

440 x 360 x 315 mm external 

23mm hole diameter; 14mm hole deep 

13mm hole diameter; 10mm hole deep 

Plexiglass, aluminum, stainless steel 


110 V/220 V, 50/60Hz 

CE compliant 

Product 

BH2 76-0000 LE509 Rats 5/9 Holes Cage w/PC Interface 

BH2 76-0001 LE507 Mice 5/9 Holes Cage w/PC Interface 

BH2 76-0002 PACKWIN PC Software to Control up to 8 Cages 

BH2 76-0367 LE512 Mice 9 Hole Box w/Pellet Dispenser 



79


Passive Avoidance Box to Assess Working Memory 

Passive Avoidance Box 

Key Features 

➤ Weight transducer technology for accurate animal detection 

➤ Very precise and stable intensity of shock delivered into the 

black compartment 


➤ Safety system which guarantees that the shock intensity 

received by the animal is always the same value 

independently of the grid bars treaded 


➤ Latency to enter into the black compartment 


➤ Passive Avoidance Box 

➤ Control unit with RS-232 communication port 

➤ Motorized door (to be controlled either by LE2708 or 

ShutAvoid software) 





Options 

➤ LE2708 Avoidance Programmer including shocker 

➤ ShutAvoid software to control up to 8 Active or Passive boxes 

➤ LE10026 Shocker unit with scrambler (0-2mA output) 

Passive Avoidance Box 

Passive Avoidance is fear-motivated tests classically used to assess 

short-term or long-term memory on small laboratory animals. 

Passive Avoidance working protocols involve timing of transitions, i.e. 

time that the animal takes to move from the white compartment to the black 

one after a conditioning session. During the conditioning session, entry into 

the black compartment is punished with a mild inescapable electrical shock. 

Our Passive Avoidance box (LE870/872) is defined by a large white 

illuminated compartment and a small black dark compartment 

separated by a guillotine gate. The animal’s position is detected by 

using high sensitivity weight transducers providing greater accuracy 

and reliable detection (zones entries) systems utlizing on photocell 

beams or on grid floor displacements. 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Passive Avoidance boxes may be controlled 

either through LE2708 Programmer or ShutAvoid software. The first option 

is recommended for one single box set-ups, and may be combined with 

the included SeDaCom software. SeDaCom enables data transfer from 

the programmer to a PC through a RS-232 port. The connection is direct 

between programmer to a PC. No PCI card is needed! The link is carried 

out by one only cable from one Box to the other. The first box is 

connected to PC or Laptop by the RS-232 port or USB. The second option 

is suitable for controlling a number of boxes simultaneously. 

80 




Passive Avoidance Box to Assess Working Memory 


Mouse Box Dimensions 

Rat Box Dimensions 

Minimum Weight Detected 




Stations 


Units to PC 


Power Supply 

250 (W) x 250 (D) x 240 (H) mm white compartment; 

195 x 108 x 120 mm black compartment 

310 (W) x 310 (D) x 240 (H) mm white compartment; 

195 x 108 x 120 mm black compartment 

10 grams (mouse box); 40 grams (rat box) 


PC (Windows ® 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 and Vista) 

(with SeDaCom) 



One cable connects all units to the PC 

CE compliant 

110 V/220 V, 50/60Hz 


BH2 76-0199 LE870 Passive Avoidance Cage, Rats 

BH2 76-0200 LE872 Passive Avoidance Cage, Mice 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0201 LE2708 Avoidance Programmer with Shocker Unit Included 

BH2 76-0202 SHUTAVOID Software to Control up to 8 Active/Passive Boxes 

BH2 76-0159 LE10026 Shock Generator with, Scrambler, 0-2 mA Output 

Citations 

Cuhna C et al. (2009) Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) overexpression in the forebrain 

results in learning and memory impairments. Neurobiology Disease. 33(3):358-368. (mouse, Italy) 

Monleon S et al. (2009) Effects of oxotremorine and physostigmine on the inhibitory avoidance impairment 

produced by amitriptyline in male and female mice. Behav. Brain Res. (mouse, Spain) In press. 

Martín-García E et al. (2008) Neonatal finasteride induces anxiogenic-like profile and deteriorates 

passive avoidance in adulthood after intrahippocampal neurosteroid administration. Neurosci. 

154(4):1497-1505. (rat, Spain) 

Rueda N et al (2008) Effects of chronic administration of SGS-111 during adulthood and during the preand 

post-natal periods on the cognitive deficits of Ts65Dn mice, a model of Down síndrome. Behav. 

Brain Res. 188(2):355-367 (Mouse, Spain) 

Tramullas M et al (2008) Facilitation of avoidance behaviour in mice chronically treated with heroin or 

methadone. Res. Rep. 189(2):332-340 (Mouse, Spain) 

Bouet V et al. (2007) Sensorimotor and cognitive deficits after transient middle cerebral artery 

occlusion in the mouse. Exp. Neurol. 203(2):555-567 (Mouse, France) 

Haelewyn B et al. (2007) Long-term evaluation of sensorimotor and mnesic behaviour following 

striatal NMDA-induced unilateral excitotoxic lesion in the mouse. Behav. Brain Res. 178(2):245-243 

(Mouse, France) 



81

Anxiety 

Guide 

Anxiety is the most common and most studies psychiatric 

field in humans. Anxiety is characteristic of situations that 

pose either real or imaginary threats to the organism and 

then includes changes in behavior. In theory, anxiety is an 

adaptive emotion that permits, by developing behavioral 

and physiological changes, to appropriately react to a 

stressful situation in order to resolve it (by escaping, 

fighting…). However, pathological variants of anxiety can 

occur and be deleterious for those affected. Anxiety 

disorders are reported as the most prevalent of the 

psychiatric diseases. 

Anxiety disorders were only recognized in 1980 by the 

American Psychiatric Association. Before this recognition, 

people experiencing one of these disorders usually 

received a generic diagnosis of “stress” or “nerves”. Due to 

the lack of understanding these disorders, very few 

received the necessary treatment. Since 1980, 

international research has shown the severe disabilities 

associated with these disorders. Most of these disabilities 

can be prevented with eary diagnosis and effective 

treatment. At the present time, benzodiazepines are the 

most common drug prescribed for relieving anxiety 

symptoms due to their action on the central nervous 

system via the modulation of the GABAA receptors. These 

substances were basically discovered by chance by 

Sternbach, working for Hoffman La Roche in New Jersey in 

1957. The original compound was found to have hypnotic, 

anxiolytic and muscle relaxant effects and the first 

benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide (Librium) was launched 

in the UK in 1960, followed by diazepam (Valium) in 1963. 

By 1983, there were 17 benzodiazepines on the market 

worth nearly $3 billion worldwide. There are now 29 

benzodiazepines available in the US and Europe for a 

variety of clinical uses. 

However, as the use of benzodiazepines is thought to 

provoke undesired effects such as physical dependence, 

research laboratory and pharmaceutical industry still focus 

their effort in understanding better the genetic and 

neurobiological substrates of anxiety and in screening new 

chemicals for their putative therapeutic effects. In this 

context, rodent behavioral models of anxiety have been 

developed and constitute an excellent tool for these 

purposes. Anxiety in rodents is comparable and analogous 

to anxiety in humans in terms of behavioral and peripheral 

manifestations an dhas been shown to share physiological 

mechanisms. The methods to assess anxiety-related 

behaviors in laboratory rodents are commonly divided in 

two categories: unconditioned (ethological) and 

conditioned (learned) tests. Unconditioned test are usually 

based on conflicts between exploratory 

approach/avoidance natural tendencies. Conditioned 

tests are based on the change of responses controlled by 

conditioning procedures. 

82

Anxiety Guide 


Open Field Test 

The open field test is classically used to assess 

anxiety in rodents. This test is based on 

conflicting innate tendencies of avoidance of 

bright light and open spaces (that ethologically 

mimic a situation of predator risk) and of 

exploring novel environment. When placed 

into a brightly lit open field for the first time, 

rats and mice tend to remain in the periphery 

of the apparatus or against the walls 

(thigmotaxis). It had been shown that 

anxiolytics administration increases exploration 

time in the center of the open field while 

stressful stimuli decrease the number of center 

visits. Open field activity, therefore, represents 

a valid measure of marked changes in “anxietylike” 

behaviors in drug-treated and genetically 

manipulated animals. Open-field procedure 


➤ Exploration based conflict task 

∑ Based on innate behavioral tendencies (ethological 

test) 

∑ Central area versus periphery choice 

∑ Simple to setup and use 

∑ Short-lasting experiment 

∑ Standard test for anxiety widely referenced in 

behavioral literature 

∑ Sensitive for both rats and mice 


➤ Repeated exposition induces habituation 

∑ Influenced by a host of variables 

∑ Needs intact locomotor performances 

∑ Difficult to dissociate impaired locomotor activity from 

anxiety induced suppression of exploration 


Elevated Plus Maze 

The Elevated Plus Maze is a widely used animal 

model of anxiety that is based on two 

conflicting innate tendencies: exploring a novel 

environment and avoiding elevated and open 

spaces constituting situations of predator risk. 

The apparatus consists of two open (stressful) 

and two enclosed (protecting) elevated arms 

that form a “plus” or cross. Time spent in 

exploring enclosed versus open arms indicates 

that the anxiety level of the animal. When 

placed into this apparatus, naïve mice and rats 

will, by nature, tend to explore the open arms 

less due to their natural fear of heights and 

open spaces. IN this context, anxiolytics 

generally increase the time spent exploring the 

open arms and anxiogenics have opposite 

effect, increasing the time spent into the closed 

arms. 


➤ Exploration based conflict task 

∑ Based on innate behavioral tendencies (ethological 

test) 

∑ Open elevated arm versus closed arm choice 

∑ Simple to setup and use 

∑ Short-lasting experiment 


➤ Repeated exposition induces habituation 

∑ Influenced by a host of variables 

∑ Needs intact locomotor performances 


➤ Anxiety 

∑ Drug screening 

∑ Phenotyping 


➤ Anxiety 

∑ Drug screening 

∑ Phenotyping 



83

Anxiety Guide 


Black and White Boxes 

The Black and White test, also known as the 

light-dark test, is based on the conflict of 

natural tendencies of rodents to avoid lighted 

and open areas and to explore novel 

environments. The apparatus contains a white 

opened compartment and a small enclosed 

black compartment. Relative time spent in 

exploring each compartment indicates the 

anxiety level of the animal: avoidance to the 

brightly lit area is considered reflecting 

“anxiety-like” behavior. When treated with 

anxiolytic drugs, rodents spend more time in 

this area, an effect observed due to a decrease 

in anxiety. 


➤ Exploration based conflict tasks 

➤ Based on innate behavioral tendencies 

(ethological test) 

➤ Light versus dark compartment choice 

➤ Standard test for anxiety widely referenced in 

behavioral literature 


➤ Short-lasting experiments 

➤ Sensitive for both rats and mice 



Aron Test 

The Aron Test, also known as the Four Plate 

Test, allows a quick characterization of putative 

anxiolytic compounds in naïve animals. The 

test consists basically of setting animals into a 

square chamber, the floor of with was 

composed of four metal plates, and monitoring 

their locomotor behavior by counting the 

number of crossings from one plate to another. 

Exploration of the chamber was markedly 

suppressed in response in subjects that 

received electrical shock at each crossing 

compared to control animals that are not 

shocked during their exploration. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Punishment based conflict test 

No need for food or drink deprivation 

Short-lasting experiments 



➤ 

➤ 

Involves aversive/stressful stimulus (foot shock) 

Influenced by non-specific changes in cognition 

and nociception 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Repeated exposition induces habituation 

Influenced by a host of variables 

Needs intact locomotor performances 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Anxiety 


Phenotyping 

➤ 

Difficult to dissociate impaired locomotor activity 

from anxiety-induced suppression of exploration 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Anxiety 

Drug screening 

Phenotyping 

84 



Anxiety Guide 


Vogel Test 

The Vogel Test paradigm is a popular conflict 

model in which water deprived rats and mice 

first learn to lick from a water spount in an 

operant chamber. Then, usually after a period 

of unpublished licking, responses are punished 

with mild footshocks, including a significant 

reduction of drinking. In this context, 

administration of anxiolytics of shown to inhibit 

shock reduction of drinking. In this context, 

administration of anxiolytics is shown to 

inhibity shock-induced drinking suppression. 


➤ 

Punishment based conflict test 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Classically used in rat, underemployed in mice 

Needs food or drink deprivation 

Involves aversive/stressful stimulus (footshock) 

Influenced by non-specific changes in response rate, 

cognition, basal water/food intake and nociception 


➤ 

➤ 

Anxiety 

Drug screening 



85

Depression 

Guide 

The term “depression” is commonly used to reflect 

a variety of experiences ranging from normal, 

transient unhappiness to pathological states of 

hopelessness, as defined in the DSM-IV (for 

diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental 

Disorders, 4th Edition). Owing to its common 

psychological and social etiologies, depression is 

hard to model in non-human subjects, but few 

experimental tests have been developed to display 

“depressive-like” symptoms in rodents. 

Depression, characterized by disturbances in 

mood, sleep, appetite, energy, motivation, 

hedonic capacity and thinking is among the most 

prevalent forms of mental illness. The major theory 

of depression, the monoamine hypothesis, 

proposes that decreasing the levels of one or more 

brain monoamine neurotransmitters, such as 5- 

hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) (5-HT), noradrenalin 

or dopamine, can be responsible of depressive 

symptoms, In this way, antidepressant drugs 

mainly act on serotoninergic and noradrenergic 

pathways in the brain. 

Since research in humans is limited, animal models 

of depression have been developed, whereas 

many symptoms of depression cannot be easily 

measured in laboratory rodents (e.g. depressed 

mood, feelings of worthlessness, suicide tendency). 

However, some behavioral tests have been shown 

to be very effective in evaluating depressive 

symptoms and are classically used to predict the 

antidepressant effect of new medications. They 

also provide potentially useful models in which to 

study neurobiological and genetic mechanisms 

underlying depressive behavioral changes. These 

paradigms have strong predictive validity and 

behavioral responses are reliable and robust within 

and across laboratories. 

The existence of numerous behavioral tests to 

measure depression in rodents reflects the 

heterogeneity of depressive-like symptoms. In this 

way, forced swimming test and tail suspension test 

are classical paradigms used to evaluate 

behavioral despair. Hopelessness, reported as a 

common trait of depression in humans, is 

mimicked in rodents by the paradigm of learned 

helplessness. Finally, anhedonia is classically 

reflected by a decrease of sweet solution 

consumption by depressive rodents. 

86

Depression Guide 


Rota Rod Test 

One relatively simplistic and widely used model 

of depression is the forced-swimming 

paradigm originally adopted by Porsolt et al 

(1978). Naïve rats and mice forced to swim in 

an aversive and confined environment innately 

fight to escape the apparatus. Following failed 

attempts to escape, they become immobile (i.e. 

float), a behavior generally considered as 

despair, “depressive-like” behavior. Prior 

treatment with antidepressants decrease the 

time spent immobile and increases the latency 

to reach the first immobility episode. 


➤ Despair model 

➤ High predictability for antidepressant effects 

in humans 

➤ Based on innate behaviors 




➤ Short duration experiment 

➤ Can be automated (measurement subjectivity) 


Grip Strength Test 

The tail suspension test was developed as an 

alternative to the Forced Swimming Test, yet 

the concept remains the same. Rodents, 

suspended by their tail, innately attempt to 

escape from this aversive situation. However, 

following failed attempts to escape, they 

experience despair and become immobile. The 

magnitude of immobility is considered to be 

correlated with the depressive state of the 

subjects and is significantly decreased by 

antidepressants. 


➤ Despair model 

➤ High predictability for antidepressant effects 

in humans 

➤ Based on innate behaviors 



➤ Short duration experiment 

➤ Can be automated (measurement subjectivity) 



➤ 

➤ 

Repeated exposure induces habituation 

Influenced by non-specific changes in motor 

performances 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Repeated exposition induces habituation 

Can only be assessed in mice 

Difficult with some mice strains (C57BL/6) 

Repeated exposure induces habituation 

Influenced by non-specific changes in motor 

performances 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Depression 


Phenotyping 


➤ Depression 


➤ Basal Depressive-like state Phenotyping 



87




The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus elevated-plus-maze is currently built in 

two different configurations (each one available for mice or rat): 

• Basic maze which can be associated to our SMART or 

Smart JUNIOR Video-Tracking System 

• Maze equipped with rows of infrared photocells connected to a 

computer through the LE3846 control unit and the Panlab/Harvard 

Apparatus MAZESOFT-4 software. 


Dimensions 

LE840/846 Rats Maze 

LE842 Mice Maze 

LE848 

Photoelectrical 

Cells Mice Maze 

1000 (W) x 1000 (D) x 500 (H) mm grey color walls; 

arms: 100 (W) x 450 (D) mm black color arms. 

650 (W) x 650 (D) x 150 (H) mm grey color walls; 

arms: 60 (W) x 295 (D) mm black arms 

640 (W) x 640 (D) x 550 (H) mm, arms: 60 (W) x 295 

(D) mm for normal mice; 370 (W) x 370 (D) x 550 (H) 

mm, Arms: 60 (W) x 160 (D) mm for very small mice 

(provided with 2 interchangeable arm dimensions) 

Key Features 

➤ Modular structure which allows storage in minimum space 

➤ Available in a number of colors 


➤ Animal position and number of entries into the different 

sectors (see MAZESOFT-4) 

➤ Animal position, speed, distance and more 

(see SMART or Smart JUNIOR video-tracking) 


➤ Gray walls 

➤ PlusMaze 

➤ MAZESOFT-4 Software and LE3846 Interface for PC 

(only for LE846 and LE848) 


Options 

➤ SMART or Smart JUNIOR Video Tracking System 

(only for LE840 and LE842) 


The standard Elevated Plus Maze is commonly used to assess anxietylike 

behavior in laboratory animals. The maze is usually a cross shaped 

maze with two open arms and two closed arms, which is elevated 

above the floor. 

This task exploits the conflict between the innate fear that rodents 

have of open areas versus their desire to explore novel environments. 

Security is provided by the closed arms whereas the open arms offer 

exploratory value. When anxious, the natural tendency of rodents is to 

prefer enclosed dark spaces to opened brightly lit spaces. In this 

context, anxiety-related behavior is measured by the degree to which 

the rodent avoids the unenclosed arms of the maze. 


Transparent Walls Height 


Technique 

Power Supply 

(When Applicable) 


Order # Model 

Methacrylate, aluminum 

100 mm rats 

IR beams with MAZESOFT-8 

or video-tracking system 

110 V/220 V, 50/60Hz 

CE compliant 

Product 

BH2 76-0074 LE840 Rats Elevated Plus Maze 

BH2 76-0075 LE842 Mice Elevated Plus Maze 

BH2 76-0076 LE846 Rats Elevated Plus Maze with Position Detection 

and MAZESOFT-4 Software Include 

BH2 76-0077 LE848 Mice Elevated Plus Maze with Position Detection 

and MAZESOFT-4 Software Included 

BH2 76-0078 LE843 T Maze Variant for Mice 

BH2 76-0079 LE847 Y Maze Variant for Mice 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0028 SMART Advanced Video-Tracking Software for LE840/842 

Standard Maze 

BH2 76-0029 

SMART 

JUNIOR 

Standard Video-Tracking Software for LE840/LE842 

BH2 76-0486 LE841 Transparent wall option for Ethological studies - 

only for LE840 

Citations 

Lalonde and Strazielle (2008) Relations between open-field, elevated plus-maze, and emergence tests 

as displayed by C57/BL6J and BALB/c mice. J. Neurosci. Meth. 171(1):48-52 (mouse, Canada) 

Lalonde et al (2008) Effects of a B-vitamin-deficient diet on exploratory activity, motor coordination, 

and spatial learning in young adult Balb/c mice. Brain Res. 1188:1122-131 (mouse, Canada) 

Lalonde and Qian (2007) Exploratory activity, motor coordination, and spatial learning in Mchr1 

knockout mice. Behav. Brain Res. 178(2):293-304 (mouse, Canada) 

Balerio GN, Aso E, Maldonado R. (2005) Involvement of the opioid system in the effects induced by 

nicotine on anxiety-like behavior in mice. Psychopharmacol. (Berl) in press. 

Yau JLW et al. (2002) Chronic treatment with the antidepressant amitriptyline prevents impairments 

in water maze learning in aging rats. J. Neurosci. 22(4): 1435-1442. (standard maze, rat, UK) 

88 




MAZESOFT-4 Software for Automated Elevated-Plus Maze 



MAZESOFT-4 Software 


Key Features 

➤ Complete and easy-to-use for standard experiments 

➤ Use of photo cell technology for animal position detection 

➤ Provides integrated parameters (ie: permanence time in 

arms, number of entries) 

➤ Data reports can be re-organized according to factors entered in 

the trial header (ie: animal, groups) 


➤ Number of visits into the zones (or association of zones) 

➤ % of visits into the zones / total number of visits 

➤ Total permanence time in each zone (or association of zones) 

➤ % of permanence time in each zone / total duration of the trial 

➤ Mean time of visit duration into each zone 

(or association of zones) 

➤ % of the mean time of visit duration into each zone / total 

duration of the trial 

➤ Number of entries into each zones (or association of zones) 

➤ % of the entries into each zone / total number of entries 

➤ Chronological sequence of animal displacements 


➤ Software and USB protection key 

➤ PCI-7200 



MAZESOFT-4 is an easy and complete software for monitoring Elevated- 

Plus Maze experiments. It has been specially designed to work with the 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Plus Maze equipped with rows of infrared 

photocells for the automated detection of animal position. 

MAZESOFT-4 is easy to configure as the user only has to enter the desired 

duration of experiment. A “trial header” can be use for recording all the 

necessary information associated with the current experiment (code of 

trial, experimenter, challenge, dose, subject identification, comments). 

The Plus Maze is divided into 9 sections: 4 identified arms (2 open and 2 

closed), each one divided into proximal and distal section and a central 

area. One experiment can be composed of several trials, depending on the 

number of experimental groups and animals per group used in the study. 

During each trial, the elapsed time, permanence time in each area and 

current position of the animal can be visualized in real-time. Full information 

about the animal’s position is also shown graphically on the screen. 

MAZESOFT-4 provides two types of result presentations: a raw data table 

and integrated results. The raw data table initiates with the header of the 

trial (name of the experimenter, code identifications, etc.) and continues 

with the detailed chronological listing of the animal positions for each trial. 

Integrated results calculated from the raw data table are provided in an 

additional summary table. For each arm, the information is separately 

given for the proximal zone, for the distal zone and for both of the zones of 

the arm. Identical information is shown for the base zone in the middle of 

the maze and for the union for opposite arms (closed and open arms). 

The tables of trials can be re-organized before exportation according to 

parameters previously entered in the trial header (by subjects, by 

groups, by experimenter, etc.). 

Data from the raw data base and from the table of result can be easily 

exported in formats widely used to perform complementary analysis 

(Word, Text, HTML or Excel). 

This MAZESOFT-4 Software in not available as a separate product. It is 

included with the following systems, BH2 76-0076 Rats Elevated Plus 

Maze with Position Detection and BH2 76-0077 Mice Elevated Plus 

Maze with Position Detection. see page 88 for complete descriptions. 




not supported), 2 Gb of RAM with PCI 32-bit bus 


for the protection key 

Graphic Card 

Requirements 






89


Open Field Box 

Open-Field Boxes 

Key Features 

➤ Optimized design for videotracking purpose 

➤ Material non-odor absorbent 

➤ Easy to clean 


Locomotor Activity 

Rearing 

Permanence Time and Entries Into the Center 

Permanence Time and Entries Close to the Walls 




SMART 



Open Field Boxes 

Open Field experiments allow the evaluation of animal basal activity and 

its evolution, in response to novelty or anxiogenic environment, 

to pharmacological treatment, lesion or genetic modification. 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus proposes square openfields available for rats 

and mice. The arena is made of durable material which has the 

advantage to be non-odor absorbent and easy to clean. The arena is 

surrounded by high walls and is available in different non reflective 

colors for videotracking purposes. The system is entirely collapsable for 

enabling storage in the minimum space. The floor can be divided into 

equal squares under request for the direct counting of animal activity. 

Possibility of customization, contact Technical Support for more details! 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0189 LE800S Square Open-Field Box for Rat: 

900 (W) x 900 (D) x 400 (H)mm, Grey 

BH2 76-0190 LE802S Square Open-Field Box for Mouse: 

450 (W) x 450 (D) x 400 (H) mm, Grey 

BH2 76-0439 LE800SC Open Field Divider for 4 Rats - 

for use with LE800S 

BH2 76-0401 LE802SC Open Field Divider for 4 Mice - 

for use with LE802S 

Round Open-Field Boxes available by special order. 

Please contact our technical support staff for more information. 

90 




Aron Test for Screen Anxiolytic Substances 

Aron Test Box 


Cage Materials 

Dimensions 

Shock 

Shock Delivery 

White, transparent plastic and stainless steel 

18 x 25 x 16 cm 

0-3 mA, timer 0-10 sec, square pulse 

Footswitch 


BH2 76-0006 LE830* Aron Test Box 

* Shock generator (BH2 76-0159) must be ordered separately. 

Key Features 

➤ An elegant and economical solution for screening anxiolytic 

drugs in mice 

➤ Punishment based conflict test 

➤ Shock with adjustable intensity 


➤ Number of punished crossings 


➤ Aron box 

➤ Control unit footswitch 





Citations 

Foreman MM et al. (2009) Anxiolytic effects of lamotrigine and JZP-4 in the elevated plus maze and 

in the four plate conflict test. Eur J Pharmacol. 602(2-3):316-20. (mouse, USA) 

Jacobsen JP et al. (2008) SK3 K+ channel-deficient mice have enhanced dopamine and serotonin 

release and altered emotional behaviors. Genes Brain Behav. 7(8):836-48. 

Masse F et al. (2008) Anxiolytic-like effects of DOI microinjections into the hippocampus (but not the 

amygdala nor the PAG) in the mice four plates test. Behav. Brain Res. 188(2):291-297 (mouse, France) 

Mirza NR et al (2008) NS11394 [3'-[5-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-biphenyl-2- 

carbonitrile], a unique subtype-selective GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator: in vitro 

actions, pharmacokinetic properties and in vivo anxiolytic efficacy. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 327(3):954- 

68. (mouse, Denmark) 

Masse F et al. (2007) Anxiolytic-like effect of 5-HT2 ligands and benzodiazepines co-administration: 

Comparison of two animal models of anxiety (the four-plate test and the elevated plus maze). Behav. 

Brain Res. 177(2):214-226 (mouse, France) 

Petit-Demouliere B and Bourin M (2007) Temporal parameters of one-trial tolerance to 

benzodiazepines in four-plate test-retest. Behav. Brain Res. 183(2):222-225. (mouse, France) 

Petit-Demouliere B et al. (2007) Factors triggering abolishment of benzodiazepines effects in the fourplate 

test-retest in mouse. Eur. Neuropsychopharmacol. In press (mouse, France) 

Masse F et al. (2007) Effect of GABAergic ligands on the anxiolytic-like activity of DOI (a 5-HT(2A/2C) 

agonist) in the four-plate test in mouse. Eur. Neuropsychopharmacol.;17(6-7):483-91 (mouse, France) 

Aron Test 

The Aron Test, or Four Plates Test, is an animal model of anxiety in 

which the exploration of the novel surroundings is suppressed by the 

delivery of a mild electric foot shock. 

The apparatus consists of a cage floored by four identical rectangular 

metal plates (8 x 11 cm) separated from one another by a gap of 4 mm. 

The plates are connected to a shocker unit that can generate electric 

foot shocks. 

Following habituation period, the animal is subjected to an electric 

shock when crossing (transition) from one plate to another, i.e. two 

legs on one plate and two legs on another. Boissier et al. 1968 has 

described this test first. The number of punished crossings is generally 

calculated for a period of 60 seconds. A substance with anxiolytic 

properties induces an increase in the number of punished passages. 



91


Black and White Test 

Black and White Box 

Black and White Test 

The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Black and White Box allows easy and 

quick evaluation of an animal’s anxiety as reflected in their behavior. 

The test identifies behavioral modifications resulting from 

pharmacological agents. The Black and White Box assesses the 

animal’s displacement in two compartments with different sizes, color, 

and illumination. 

The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus experimental box, constructed of 

perspex, is composed of a small black compartments and a larger 

white compartment separated by a connecting gate. Each 

compartment has its own removable perspex floor of the same color of 

the respective walls and 90 X 90 mm sectors delimited by lines. The 

compartments are independently illuminated: the white one with a 100 

W white bulb and the black one with a 40 W red bulb. Both bulbs are 

370 mm from the floor of the box. 

The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Black and White Box can be supplied 

with a weight transducer system for automated animal detection and 

photocell beams for evaluation of general activity during the test. The 

automated experimental chambers (up to 8) are associated to the PCbased 

control software PPCWIN for data storage and analysis. 

Key Features 

➤ Compartments with independent and highly 

contrasted illumination 

➤ Can be associated with weight transducer technology for 

optimal animal detection 

➤ Easy to clean between trials 

➤ Easy connection to a PC through RS-232 port 


➤ Total time spent in each compartment latency to the first 

change of compartment (regardless to the animal 

initial position) 

➤ Number of changes between the black and white 

compartments 

➤ Total duration of the experiment 


➤ Experimental chamber 





Options 

➤ PPCWIN Software to control up to 8 automated boxes 

simultaneously 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0007 LE810 Experimental Chamber for Mouse 

BH2 76-0008 LE816 Automated Experimental Chamber for Mouse: 

with Weight Transducer 

BH2 76-0009 LE812 Experimental Chamber for Rat 

BH2 76-0010 LE818 Automated Experimental Chamber for Rat: 

with Weight Transducer 

BH2 76-0011 PPCWIN Software for Chamber Control and Data 

Analysis (8 Units) 

Citations 

Lopez-Aumatell R et al (2007) Fearfulness in a large N/Nih genetically heterogeneous rat 

stock: Differential profiles of timidity and defensive flight in males and females. Behav. Brain 

Res. 188(1):41-55 (rat, Spain) 

Gimenez-llort L el al. (2002) Mace lacking the adenosine A1 receptor are anxious and 

aggressive, but are normal learners with reduced muscle strength and survival rate. Eur. J. 

Neurosci. 16(3): 547. (mice, Spain, Sweden) 

92 




Vogel Test 

Vogel Test Set 

Vogel Shocker 

Vogel Test 

The Vogel test has become a standard for fast screening the potential 

anxiolytic properties of drugs. In this procedure, the drinking behavior 

is punished by mild shocks leading to a significant reduction of water 

consumption in deprived animals. Drinking responses are then 

reestablished using drugs with anxiolytic properties. 

The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Vogel test consists of a standard home 

cage associated with a grid floor. An electronic unit associated with a 

special nipple ensures the detection and counting of the licks 

reflecting the animal drinking behavior. Using an exclusive nipple 

design, any casual and non-specific contacts of the animal with the 

nipple will not be considered as a drinking response. 

A multi-cage configuration allows performing the Vogel test for up to 

32 cages. The cages are associated with a LinkBox (1 for each 8 

cages) ensuring the functional interaction between the lick sensor 

system, the LE10025 Shock generator (1 per cage) and the PackWin 

software for advanced protocol configuration and data acquisition. 

The interconnection among the cages and the computer is carry out by 

a RS-232 serial communication. 


LE3208 

Internal memory for up to 99 trials 

LE10025 

Shocker intensity: from 0.1 to 2 mA; duration: 

from 0.1 to 10 sec 

Key Features 

➤ Allows Vogel experiments directly into the animal's home cage 

➤ Exclusive nipple system to exclude non-specific contacts 

➤ Up to 32 cages can be associated with a computer 


➤ Total number of licks per trial 

➤ Total number of shocks received per trial 


➤ Cage with lick detector 

➤ Bottle with special nipple 




Options 

➤ LinkBox01 interface for to 8 cages 

➤ PackWin software to control up to 32 cages 

➤ LE10025 Shocker unit with scrambler (0-2mA output) 

plus lick detector 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0316 LE862 Vogel Test Set (Excluding Control Unit) 

BH2 76-0156 LINKBOX01 Link Box Interface for up to 8 Cages 

BH2 76-0002 PACKWIN Software to Control up to 32 Cages 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0334 LE10025 Shock Generator with Scrambler (1 per Cage) 

Plus Lick Detector 

BH2 76-0319 LE8624 Vogel Test Nipple Plus Bottle 

BH2 76-0320 LE8626 Electric Contacts for Nozzle and Grid 



93








of Stations 

Power Supply Standard 

Black and white perspex, metal hook 

Windows ® XP, one or two free USB 2.0 slots 


110 V/220 V, 50/60Hz, special plugs on request 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0490 BSTST2 Set of 3 Boxes, Including Transducers a 

nd Electronic Elements 

BH2 76-0492 BSTST2LOG Interface and Software for BSTST2CA 

Key Features 

➤ Fast evaluation of antidepressive, psychotropic drugs based 

on L. Steru and R.D. Porsolt based models 

➤ Up to 6 mice monitored at the same time 

➤ Automatic measurement of immobility 

➤ Capable of automatic randomization 

➤ Reanalysis enhanced, immobility threshold can be readjusted 

➤ Direct exportation of the results into Excel 

➤ Calculates energy and power in motion 


➤ Immobility time 

➤ Power 


➤ Transducers and electronic elements 

➤ 1 set of 3 perpex compartments with adjustable floor height 





The automatic tail-suspension test allows a fast and reliable screening 

of the psychotropic properties (anti-depressants, sedatives) of drugs. 

The measuring principle is based on the energy expended by mice 

trying to escape from their suspension. During the test, the movements 

are analyzed in terms of force, energy and power developed over time. 

A complete system includes the suspension cages (3 mice or 6 mice at 

a time) and a USB based user-friendly software to run, record, analyze 

and replay the experiments. The results are either printed or stored in 

.xls file formats. 

Citations 

Païzanisa E et al. (2009) Behavioural and neuroplastic effects of the new-generation antidepressant 

agomelatine compared to fluoxetine in glucocorticoid receptor-impaired mice. 

Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 24:1-16. 

Dowiea MJ et al. (2009) Altered CB1 receptor and endocannabinoid levels precede motor symptom 

onset in a transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease. Neuroscience. 29;163(1):456-65. 

Blondeau N et al. (2009) Subchronic Alpha-Linolenic Acid Treatment Enhances Brain Plasticity and 

Exerts an Antidepressant Effect: A Versatile Potential Therapy for Stroke. Neuropsychopharmacol. 

(mouse, France) In Press. 

Pang TYC et al. (2009) Altered serotonin receptor expression is associated with depressionrelated 

behavior in the R6/1 transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease. Hum. Mol. Gen. 

18(4):753-766. (mouse, Australia) 

DiNunzio JC et al. (2008) CNS Disorders—Current Treatment Options and the Prospects for Advanced 

Therapies. Drug. Dev Ind. Pharm. 13:1-27. (mouse, USA) 

Popa D et al. (2008) Lasting Syndrome of Depression Produced by Reduction in Serotonin Uptake 

during Postnatal Development: Evidence from Sleep, Stress, and Behavior. The Journal of 

Neuroscience, 28(14):3546-3554. (muse, France) 

Renoir T et al. (2008) Differential long-term effects of MDMA on the serotoninergic system and 

hippocampal cell proliferation in 5-HTT knock-out vs. wild-type mice. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 

2008 Jul 9:1-14. (mouse, France) 

Castagné V et al. (2007) UNIT 5.8 Rodent Models of Depression: Forced Swim and Tail Suspension 

Behavioral Despair Tests in Rats and Mice. Current Protocols in Pharmacology. 38:5.8.1-5.8.11. © 

2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 

Crozatier C et al. (2007) Calcineurin (protein phosphatase 2B) is involved in the mechanisms of action 

of antidepressants. Neuroscience. 144(4):1470-1476. (Mouse, France) 

Vogt MA et al. (2007) Suitability of tamoxifen-induced mutagenesis for behavioral phenotyping. 

Experimental Neurology 211(1):25-33. (Mouse, Germany) 

Alexandre C et al. (2006) Early Life Blockade of 5-Hydroxytryptamine 1A Receptors Normalizes Sleep 

and Depression-Like Behavior in Adult Knock-Out Mice Lacking the Serotonin Transporter. J. Neurosci. 

26(20): 5554-5564. (mouse, France, Germany) 

Chourbaji S et al. (2006) IL-6 knockout mice exhibit resistance to stress-induced development of 

depression-like behaviors. Neurobiology of Disease 23(3):587-594. (Mouse, germany) 

Meziane H et al. (2006) Estrous cycle effects on behavior of C57BL/6J and BALB/cByJ female mice: 

implications for phenotyping strategies. Genes, Brain and Behavior. 6(2):192-200. (mouse, France) 

Cryan JF et al. (2005) The tail suspension test as a model for assessing antidepressant activity: 

Review of pharmacological and genetic studies in mice. Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. 29(4-5): 

571-625 (mouse; Switzerland, USA) 

Mombereau C et al. (2004) Genetic and Pharmacological Evidence of a Role for GABAB Receptors in 

the Modulation of Anxiety- and Antidepressant-Like Behavior. Neuropsychopharmacol. 29:1050-1062 

(mouse, Stwitzerland) 

Strekalova T et al. (2004) Stress-Induced Anhedonia in Mice is Associated with Deficits in Forced 

Swimming and Exploration. Neuropsychopharmacol. 29:2007-2017 (mouse, Germany) 

94 




Guide 

Addiction is a state in which an organism engaged 

in a compulsive behavior which is reinforced or 

rewarded, even when faced with negative 

consequences. 

A distinction is generally made between “reward” 

and “addiction”. “Reward” is defined as a 

biological mechanism mediating behavior 

motivated by events commonly associated with 

pleasure. Reward and motivation can be 

considered as natural components of normal 

behavior. Indeed, reward pathways clearly serve 

to direct behavior towards goals that are beneficial 

to the organism or species survival, e.g. food and 

water intake, reproductive activities and others. 

However, a pleasurable substance can lead to 

“addiction”, inducing a compulsive behavior or 

substance-seeking and intake, a loss of control of 

limiting intake and the emergence of a negative 

emotional state when access to the substance is 

prevented. A variety of substances are susceptible 

to provoke addiction, such as alcohol, illicit drugs, 

nicotine, and others. 

From a mechanistic point of view, drug addiction is 

a chronic, relapsing disease that is induced by 

disturbances in the neurobiological mechanism of 

brain function. The use of substances for 

recreational purposes is based on the fact that 

they cause rewarding effects through the pleasure 

center of the brain, mainly represented by the 

mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic pathways. 

Chronic drug abuse, however, is associated with a 

range of adaptive changes in brain physiology. 

These alterations, which appear to be both intrinsic 

and extrinsic to the rewarding pathways, gradually 

lead to the addictive disorder. 

Given that drug abuse is major health problem 

calling new therapeutic (some animal models have 

been developed) in order to study behavioral and 

neurobiological basis of addiction. Actual rodent 

models have predictive validity and are reliable for 

the study of the addictive potential of substances, 

the mechanism underlying the transition from drug 

use to addiction and the relapse or the individual 

vulnerability phenomenon. 

95

Reward & Addiction Guide 


Locomotor Response to Novelty 

Locomotor responses to novelty has been 

shown to represent a predictive factor for the 

addictive properties of drugs or vulnerability to 

a drug treatment. Indeed, in an animal model 

for vulnerability to drug abuse, animals that 

exhibit greater motor activity in a novel 

environment (high responders; HR) are found 

more sensitive to drugs of abuse and are more 

likely to self-administer these drugs compared 

to less reactive animals (low responders; LR). In 

the light of clinical evidence between drug 

abuse and mood disorders, this model is 

widely used to investigate whether individual 

differences in locomotor reactivity to novelty 

are related to anxiety and depression-like 

responsiveness in rodents. 


➤ Explore novelty-seeking behavior 

➤ Free exploration paradigm 

➤ Test maximizing avoidance/anxiety-related behavior 

respect to approach/exploratory behavior 

➤ Only one exposure (no habituation) and quickly 

performed 

➤ Easy-to-do for inexperienced users 



➤ 

Anxiogenic conditions (novel environment with no 

possibility of escape) 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Phenotyping 

Addiction 

Anxiety Disorders 


Conditioned Place Preference 

The purpose of the Conditioned Place 

Preference test is to characterize the rewarding 

potential of a drug or other experimental 

condition. The procedure involves operant 

conditioning of a preference for a particular 

environment that has been consistently paired 

with a subjective internal state induced by the 

tested substance or condition. If a drug has 

marked rewarding properties, the animal will 

spend more time in the compartment with 

which it was paired when subsequently tested 

without the drug. The Conditioned Place 

Preference procedure is classically used for a 

long duration to test the addictive liability of a 

drug for addictive properties for both research 

and pharmaceutical studies. The procedure 

may also be modified to determine whether 

genetically modified animals are more or less 

sensitive to the reinforcing effects of a drug. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Detects putative reinforcing properties of drugs 

Involves associative learning 

Used for both mice and rats 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Positive results do not imply that the animal will 

develop a drug addiction (e.g. will display 

self-administration behavior) 

The drug is given to the animal by the experimenter 


Need highly controlled experimental conditions 

(noise, light, odor, handling) 


many cognitive and non-cognitive factors, such as 

alteration of learning, locomotor activity, and vision 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Compulsive Behaviors 

Phenotyping 

Drug Dependence 

96 



Reward & Addiction Guide 


Self Administration 

Self Administration is a classic model of human 

drug taking behavior and consists of 

establishing an operant conditionng of an 

instrumental response (nose-poke, lever 

pressure) to obtain a reward, according to a 

fixed or progressive ratio. Self administration 

is a standard paradigm for studying the acute 

rewarding properties of a drug, the 

development of habitual drug-seeking behavior, 

and ultimately, addiction. This method can be 

used to assess the abusive potential of a drug. 


➤ Drug self-administered by the animal itself 

➤ Involves associative learning and operant 

conditioning 

➤ Robust performance and specific responses 

➤ Used for both mice and rats 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Requires animal surgery 


many cognitive and non-cognitive factors, such as 

alteration of learning, locomotor activity and vision 



Food-Motivated Operant 

Conditioning 

Progressive-ratio (PR) schedules permit 

studying food-motivated behavior. These 

schedules require an increasing number of 

operant responses to obtain successive 

rewards within a session. For example, a 

typical PR 5 schedule requires five responses to 

produce the first reinforcer and the response 

requirement is incremented by five each time a 

reinforcer is earned. The breaking point, 

defined as the highest ratio completed is a 

classic measurement reflecting the efficacy or 

motivational strength of food, and is increased 

in response to food deprivation or a reward of 

high palatability. 


➤ 

➤ 

Sensible to fine modifications in feeding behavior 

that can not always be assessed under free-access 

conditions 




➤ Laborious procedure: may require many sessions 

of learning 

➤ Influenced by any alteration in learning process 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 


Phenotyping 

Drug Dependence 




➤ Phenotyping 

➤ Anhedonia 



97


Place Preference Box 


Key Features 

➤ Allows a combination between the visual and tactile 

cues defining each compartment 

➤ Weight transducer technology allows animal detection 

optimization in low-contrast conditions 

➤ Software for automated storage and analysis of the data 

➤ Up to 8 stations can be connected at once to PC through a 

single cable 


➤ Total number of entries into the compartments 

➤ % distribution of the entries into different compartments 

➤ Permanence time in each compartment 

➤ % permanence time in respect to the total duration 



➤ Place preference box with removable floors 

➤ PPCWIN software (for automated animal position detection) 


➤ Opaque extractable wall covers 

Options 

➤ SMART video-tracking system 


Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Place Preference Box is a standard 

experimental chamber for automated assessment of conditioned place 

preference and aversion in rodents, two tests widely used for 

screening the reinforcing properties of drugs (or natural stimuli) as 

well as for investigating the brain neurobiological systems implicated 

in reward and addition. 

The experimental box consists of two perspex compartments of the 

same size interconnected by a central grey corridor. The 

compartments can be differentiated by both visual and tactile cues: the 

color of the walls in each compartment (white or black) and the texture 

of the floors (smooth or rough). The box is provided with transparent 

front walls which may be covered with extractable opaque covers 

(included). Manually operated sliding doors are provided to manage 

the access to the two compartments from the corridor. 

The experimental box can be supplied with or without automatic 

animal position detection system. The automated animal position 

detection is carried out by a weight transducer system which is 

associated to the PC-based control software PPCWin. 


Experimental Box Dimensions: 

Rat 

Compartments 

Mouse 

Compartments 


Technique 



Units to PC 


Power Requirement 

Order # Model 

300 (W) x 300 (D) x 340 (H) mm; corridor: 80 (W) x 

100 (D) x 340 (H) mm; doors: 100 (W) x 140 (H) 

100 (W) x 130 (D) x 130 (H) mm; corridor: 72 (W) x 

72 (D) x 130 (H) mm; doors: 60 (W) x 60 (H) mm 

Weight transducers 

Perspex 


One cable connects all units to the PC. 

CE compliant 

110/220 V, 50/60 Hz 

Product 

BH2 76-0216 LE890 Standard Place Preference System for Rats 

BH2 76-0217 LE891 Standard Place Preference System for Mice 

BH2 76-0218 LE892 Automated Place Preference System 

for Rats Using Weight Transducers 

BH2 76-0219 LE893 Automated Place Preference System 

for Mice Using Weight Transducers 

BH2 76-0011 PPCWIN Software Associated to Automated Boxes 

(up to 8 units) 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0028 SMART SMART Video-Tracking System 

(to be used with LE890 or LE891) 

BH2 76-0029 

SMART 

JUNIOR 

Smart JUNIOR Video-Tracking JUNIOR 

(Requires SJPP) 

BH2 76-0415 SJPP Place Preference Module 

98 




Spatial Place Preference Box 

Key Features 

➤ Allows combination between the visual, tactile and spatial cues 

defining each compartment 

➤ Optimize the differentiation between compartments 

➤ Minimize initial place preference during pre-test phase 

➤ Transparent walls to minimize time in corridor 

➤ Video-tracking system optimizes detection 


➤ Total number of entries into compartments 

➤ % distribution of entries into different compartments 


➤ % permanence time in respect to the total duration 

➤ Chronological sequence of animal displacement 


➤ Spatial Place Preference Box 

➤ 2 reversible floors (one dark grey, one light grey) 

➤ 4 parallel piped triangles (two colored in stripes, the other 

two in dots) 

➤ 2 three sided pyramids (one colored in stripes, the other 

in dots) 

➤ 2 sliding doors (one with stripes, one with dots) 

Options 

➤ SMART Video Tracking System 

➤ Smart JUNIOR Video Tracking System 

Spatial Place Preference Box 

The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus spatial place preference box is an 

experimental chamber developed with the aim to optimize place 

preference and aversion studies in small laboratory animals, especially 

mice. The design of the box is based on a close collaboration with 

prominent Professors Dr. Rafael Maldonado and Dr. Olga Valverde from 

the Laboratory of Neuropharmacology in Barcelona, Spain. 

The apparatus consists of a box with two equally sized compartments 

interconnected by a rectangular corridor. The compartments are 

differentiated by the motifs painted on the walls (dots or stripes) and 

the color (different shade of grey tones, light or dark) and texture 

(smooth or rough) of the floor. The innovation of our box is the 

possibility to combine a new additional spatial dimension allowing the 

animal to differentiate the different compartments in a more 

discriminative manner. Transparent walls are also used to minimize the 

time the animal spent in the corridor. 

The introduction of these new discriminative elements allows: 

• Optimizing the results obtained in the place preference and 

aversion paradigms (low variability in the response, reduced 

number of animals per group) 

• Organizing the discriminative elements in a wide variety of 

configurations for studies evaluating spatial or contextual memory 

• Using the elements as discriminative cues associated with drug 

exposure in diverse other experimental designs. 

The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus spatial place preference box can be 

associated with the SMART video-tracking system for detection and 

analysis of animal position throughout the test or PPCWIN, see page 100. 


Reversible Floor Textures 

Box Dimensions for Mice: 

Total (ext.) 

Compartments (int.) 

Aisle (int.) 

Box Dimensions for Rats: 

Total (ext.) 

Compartments (int.) 

Aisle (int.) 

Walls Width 

Order # Model 

One side rough, one side smooth 

46 (w) x 27 (d) x 25 (h) cm 

20 (w) x 18 (d) x 25 (h) cm 

20 (w) x 7 (d) x 25 (h) cm 

88 (w) x 47 (d) x 45 (h) cm 

40 (w) x 34 (d) x 45 (h) cm 

25 (w) x 13 (d) x 45 (h) cm 

6 mm 

Product 

BH2 76-0278 LE895 Spatial Conditioned Place Preference for Mice 

BH2 76-0279 LE897 Spatial Conditioned Place Preference for Rats 

BH2 76-0376 LE896 Spatial Place Preference Mice-Position 

Detection Weight Cells 

BH2 76-0441 LE898 Spatial Place Preference Rats-Position 

Detection Weight Cells 

BH2 76-0011 PPCWIN PPCWIN Software (to be used with LE896/LE898) 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0028 SMART SMART Video-Tracking System 

(to be used with LE895 or LE897) 

BH2 76-0029 

SMART 

JUNIOR 

Smart JUNIOR Video-Tracking JUNIOR 

(Requires SJPP) 

BH2 76-0415 SJPP Place Preference Module 



99


PPCWIN Software 


➤ Place Preference Box, see page G60 

➤ Spatial Place Preference Box, see page G61 

➤ Black & White Box, see page G57 

Key Features 


➤ Easy-to-use software for standard conditioned place 

preference experiments 

➤ For both place preference and black and white experiments 

➤ A test mode enables immediate checking of the 

communication between the software and the 

experimental chambers 

➤ Current animal position can be visualized in real-time during 

the acquisition of data 

➤ Provides integrated results 

➤ Tables of result easily exportable in Excel format for 

further analysis 

➤ RS-232 or USB port direct connection 


➤ Total number of entries into the black, white and 

grey compartments 

➤ % distribution of entries into the different compartments 


➤ % permanence time in respect to the total 

experimental duration 


➤ Latency to the first transition regardless to the initial position 

➤ Experiment duration 





PPCWIN Software 

PPCWIN is an easy-to-use software for monitoring Conditioned Place 

Preference (or aversion) tests and Black and White experiments (for 

anxiety). It has been specially designed to work with the 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus Automated Place Preference and Black and 

White boxes equipped with weight transducers for the automatic 

detection of animal position. 

PPCWIN controls independently up to 8 experimental chambers. The 

system includes a test mode enabling immediate and reliable checking of 

the communication between the software and the experimental chambers. 

The Place Preference and Black and White boxes are basically divided 

in two different compartments connected by a grey corridor/door, 

respectively. One experiment can be composed of several sessions, 

depending on the number of experimental groups and animals per group 

used in the study. PPCWIN is easy to configure as the user only needs to 

enter the desired duration of experiment and some specific information 

about the session (subject name, group, etc). During data acquisition, 

information about protocol state, animal position and current data can be 

visualized for each cage on the corresponding control window. 

PPCWIN provides a raw data table with all the standard parameters 

for conditioned place preference and black and white experiments 

(permanence time in the compartments, number of entries, etc.) and a 

detailed chronological sequence of animal displacements for each 

session. A report table can be generated containing the results from 

different stored session. Data from the tables of result can be easily 

exported in formats widely used to perform complementary analysis. 



Graphic Card 

Requirements 


Order # Model 










integrated standard sound card (DirectX compatible) 

Product 

BH2 76-0011 PPCWIN PPCWIN Software for up to 8 Boxes 

100 




Self Administration Box 

The chamber is assembled with black aluminum walls and a 

transparent front door. The chambers employ a stainless-steel grid 

floor that allows waste to collect in a removable tray. All floor 

components (including the grid) are removable for systematic cleaning. 

Special modules are available for self-administration and selfstimulation 

procedures: lever or nose-spoke, food or drink dispensers, 

drug delivery system and stimuli (light, sound, shock, etc.). Each 

chamber is associated with a LinkBox which provides power to up to 8 

(expandable to 16) self-administration modules conferring to the 

chambers a full autonomy. Only one cable connects the LinkBox to the 

PC, this last for advanced protocol configuration and running. 

All Panlab/Harvard Apparatus self-administration boxes are associated 

with the potent and versatile Packwin software which allows 

configuring any kind of user-defined schedules (training, priming, 

fixed-ratio, progressive ratio, extinction, relapse, etc.) and providing 

relevant data in this context (number of pressing on active and inactive 

levers, number of injection received, pattern response graph etc.) 

Packwin must be ordered separately. 

Key Features 

➤ Entirely modular box 

➤ Easily removable waste tray 

➤ Associated with PackWin software 

➤ Reduced number of cables 



➤ Number of responses (lever pressing or nose-spoke) 

➤ Response rate 

➤ Number of reinforcement received 

➤ Number of responses during drug injection & time-out 

➤ User-defined parameters capabilities 

➤ Cumulative curve graph 

➤ Reponse pattern graph 


➤ Experimental chamber 




Options 

➤ Linkbox (power connection box for up to 8 modules) 

➤ Wide range of modules 

➤ Sound attenuating box 

➤ PackWin software 

Self Administration Box 

The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus self-administration box is an entirely 

modular experimental enclosure designed to conduct a wide variety of 

different schedules for studying reward and addiction in laboratory 

animals. 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0151 LE1002 Modular Operant Chamber, Mice 

BH2 76-0152 LE1005 Modular Operant Chamber, Rat 

BH2 76-0153 LE100201 Mice Shockable Grid 

BH2 76-0154 LE100501 Rats Shockable Grid 

BH2 76-0156 LINKBOX01 Link & Power Supply 

for up to 8 Chamber Modules. RS-232 Output 

BH2 76-0157 LE26 Sound-proof Box 

BH2 76-0002 PACKWIN Multipurpose Behavior Software 

for up to 8 LINKBOX 01 

BH2 76-0342 LE100265 Lever for Mice 

BH2 76-0360 LE100565 Lever for Rats 

BH2 76-0341 LE100264 Retractable Lever for Mice 

BH2 76-0359 LE100564 Retractable Lever for Rats 

BH2 76-0343 LE100267 Light Stimuli for Mice 

BH2 76-0361 LE100567 Light Stimuli for Rats 

BH2 76-0331 LE100242 Adjustable Buzzer for Mice 

BH2 76-0350 LE100542 Adjustable Buzzer for Rats 

BH2 76-0347 LE100290 Acoustic Stimulus (Buzzer) for Mice 

BH2 76-0365 LE100590 Acoustic Stimulus (Buzzer) for Rats 

BH2 76-0335 LE100250 Pellets Dispenser w/Feeder for Mice 

BH2 76-0353 LE100550 Pellets Dispenser w/Feeder for Rats 

BH2 76-0336 LE100251 Photoelectric Detector of Access 

(Feeder & Drink & Nose Poke) for Mice 

BH2 76-0354 LE100551 Photoelectric Detector of Access 

(Feeder & Drink & Nose Poke) for Rats 

BH2 76-0159 LE10026 Shock Generator with Scrambler, 0-2 mA Output 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0162 LE1015 Harness Set for Drug Administration 

BH2 76-0160 LE1010 Harness Set for Electrical Stimulation 

BH2 76-0161 LE12605 Electrical Stimulator (Auto-Stimulation) 



101

Food and 

Drink/Metabolism 

Guide 

Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur in 

living organisms in order to maintain life. These 

processes allow organisms to grow and reproduce, 

maintain their structures, and respond to their 

environments. Body weight in adults is normally stable 

over the course of months to years. This stability in body 

weight occurs despite large fluctuations in caloric intake, 

thus demonstrating that energy intake and energy 

expenditure are finely regulated. Indeed it has been 

shown that changes in body weight result in 

compensatory modifications in energy expenditure 

which attempt to return body weight to the baseline 

value. In a similar way, the composition and volume of 

body fluids is submitted to a fine regulation in order to 

maintain a water balance, which is essential for the 

survival and function of a living organism. However, the 

human body does not store water in the way that it stores 

calories (as glycogen or body fat), so a constant daily 

supply is needed. 

Metabolism is usually divided into two categories. 

Catabolism breaks down large molecules for example to 

harvest energy in cellular respiration. Anabolism, on the 

other hand, uses energy to construct components of 

cells such as proteins and nucleic acids. Specific 

proteins (enzymes and hormones) in the body control the 

chemical reactions of metabolism, and each chemical 

reaction is coordinated with other body functions. In 

fact, thousands of metabolic reactions happen at the 

same time – all regulated by the body – to keep the 

cells healthy and working. After food is eaten, molecules 

in the digestive system, called enzymes, break proteins 

down into amino acids, fats into fatty acids, and 

carbohydrates into simple sugars (e.g. glucose). In 

addition to sugar, both amino acids and fatty acids can 

be used as energy sources by the body when needed. 

These components are absorbed into the blood, which 

transports them to the cells. After they enter the cells, 

other enzymes act to speed up or regulate the chemical 

reactions involved with “metabolizing” these compounds. 

During these processes, the energy from these 

compounds can be released for use by the body or 

stored in body tissues, especially the liver, muscles, and 

body fat. In this way, the process of metabolism is really 

a balancing act involving two kinds of activities that go 

on simultaneously – the building up of body tissues and 

energy stores and the breakdown of body tissues and 

energy stores to generate more fuel for body functions. 

This tight regulation of intake and expenditure is 

mediated by the central nervous system. This regulation 

needs a constant monitoring of the balance (intake, 

expenditure, storage) integrated by the hypothalamus 

that receives information through metabolic, neural and 

hormonal signals. Any dysfunctions in these systems may 

lead to important metabolism disorders such as 

diabetes, anemia, hyper/hypo-thyroidism and eating 

disorders such as obesity and anorexia. These disorders 

are considered a serious and growing public health 

problem and research laboratories, pharmaceutical 

companies as well as psychologists are seeking to 

develop adequate therapeutic strategies for these and 

other conditions. 

102

Food and Drink/Metabolism Guide 


Indirect Calorimetry 

Knowledge in the field of animal energy 

expenditure is largely based upon indirect 

calorimetry, which is estimation of metabolic 

heat production by the organism from 

measurements of indices such as oxygen 

consumption or carbon dioxide production. 

For the purpose of most energy-expenditure 

studies, indirect calorimetry consists of 

measuring the volume of expired air per unit of 

time and determining the percentage of oxygen 

utilized. This data is then used for estimating 

the metabolic rate (energy expenditure) and the 

respiratory exchange ratio (relative 

measurement of fat, carbohydrate and protein 

oxidation). Indirect calorimetry studies are 

generally accomplished by utilizing 

sophisticated systems whereby the amount of 

oxygen consumed and carbon dioxide produced 

by an animal is precisely measured over a 

period of time. These systems consist of cage 

(chambers), air pumps, air flow controllers, 

valves, and a gas analyzer all controlled by a 

potent software for the acquisition, storage and 

analysis of the data. Indirect calorimetry can be 

evaluated together with food and drink intake 

and activity in metabolism studies. 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Studies energy intake and expenditure in small 

laboratory animals 

Non-invasive technique 

Entirely automated procedure 

Indirect evaluation 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Needs sophisticated equipment 

Needs expertise for correct use 

May be influenced by temperature, humidity, ambient 

air changes (controlled environments are 

recommended) 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Obesity 

Bulimia 

Anorexia 

Diabetes 


Phenotyping 


Food and Drink Intake 

Major health problems linked to food and drink 

intake, such as alcoholism and obesity, the 

search to define the role of brain and molecular 

mechanisms in regulating food and drink intake 

has taken on a new priority. Food intake 

consists of meal size multiplied by meal 

number which constitutes a feeding pattern. 

Specific analysis of these parameters is of 

particular interest since they are controlled by 

distinct brain areas and neurochemical 

messengers and reflect different physiological 

significance (meal size relates to satiation, 

whereas meal number relates to satiety). 

Moreover, drinking has generally not been 

considered in meal definition, a close temporal 

relationship exists between eating and 

drinking. 

In this way, a precise monitoring of food and 

drink intake (amount and meal pattern analysis) 

along the circadian circle is necessary to 

evaluate fine alterations of these functions, in 

response to treatments, brain lesions or genetic 

manipulations. Food and drink intake is a 

parameter that can be evaluated together with 

indirect calorimetry in metabolism studies. 


➤ 

➤ 

Allows studying intake amount and meal pattern 

along the day/night circle 

Intake measurements can be automated 


➤ 

➤ 

Laborious procedure if done manually 

Not all the automated equipment commercially 

available allow a precise evaluation of intake, 

specifically in mice 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Obesity 

Bulimia 

Anorexia 

Diabetes 

Drug Addiction 



Phenotyping 



103

Food and Drink/Metabolism Guide 


Treadmill Test 

The treadmill test in rodents is a useful tool 

with great value in the study of functional 

capacity and is a validated standard model for 

investigations in the field of human 

metabolism. A subject is forced to walk/run on 

a treadmill (adjustable speed and inclination) 

during specific periods of time. This test allows 

the study of various physiological and 

behavioral functions such as long and shortterm 

effort during exercise, locomotion, 

metabolic exchanges, cardiac function, motor 

coordination and fatigue. 




of exertion 

➤ Easy-to-do (for inexperienced users) 

➤ Applicable for mice and rats 


➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Needs repetitive daily exposures for training on 

the apparatus 

Requires constant vigilance by the researcher to 

ensure the animal runs for the experimental duration 

Use of aversive stimuli to encourage running 



Food-Motivated Operant 

Conditioning 

Progressive-ratio (PR) schedules permit 

studying food-motivated behavior. These 

schedules require an increasing number of 

operant responses to obtain successive 

rewards within a session. For example, a 

typical PR 5 schedule requires five responses to 

produce the first reinforcer and the response 

requirement is incremented by five each time a 

reinforcer is earned. The breaking point, 

defined as the highest ratio completed is a 

classical measure reflecting the efficacy or 

motivation strength of food and is increased in 

response to food-deprivation or reward high 

palatability. 


➤ 

➤ 

Sensible to fine modifications in feeding behavior 

that can not always be assessed under free-access 

conditions 

Sensitive enough for both mice and rats 



➤ Laborious procedure and requires many sessions to 

train the subjects 

➤ Influenced by any alteration in learning process 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Oxidative Stress 

Diabetes 


Ischemia 

Osteopenia/Osteoporosis 



➤ Phenotyping 

➤ Anhedonia 

104 



Food & Drink/Metabolism 

Oxylet System 

Modular System for Respiratory Metabolism, Food/Drink Intake and Activity in Rodents 

BH2 76-0451 

Home Cage for Rat 

and Mouse 

BH2 76-0451 

BH2 76-0452 

BH2 76-0455 

BH2 76-0459 

Key Features 

➤ Extremely compact “built-in” system 

➤ Same system for rats and mice 

➤ Laser sensor greatly reduces the influence of air humidity 

and temperature on measurements 

➤ Independent air flow control in each cage 

➤ Highly accurate and stable monitoring of the food and drink 

consumption and activity due to the use of newly adapted 

weight transducer technology 

➤ Autoclavable experimental cages 

➤ NEW! Option for respiratory metabolism measurements 

in neonates! 

Respiratory Metabolism Monitoring 

The Oxylet is a modular system allowing the integration of respiratory 

metabolism (O2 consumption and CO2 production), food and drink 

intake, activity and rearing measurement in specifically adapted home 

cages in laboratory models. 

Respiratory metabolism is evaluated by means of indirect calorimetry 

an optimized system for studies in laboratory rodents (mice and rats). 

The system uses standard Allentown Caging Equipment (ACE) home 

cages which are fully autoclavable for easy cleaning. Air tight lids, grid 

floors, and food/drink dispensers are available as accessories to these 

home cages depending on the species to be used, mice or rats. Our 

specially designed lid easily converts the system for use with either 

rats or mice in the same home cage! 

The Oxylet system also consists of the air flow control unit, which 

allows a fine regulation of the air flow inside the chamber, is controlled 

independently for each connected cage. A total flow of 20 L/min can 

be obtained which will permit the user to conduct simultaneous 

experiments with different animal species and sizes – making our 

system the most flexible available! 

From the air flow control unit, cage samples are sent to the most 

crucial component of the system – the gas analyzer. The gas analyzer, 

which contains a laser sensor for O2 and an infrared spectroscopy 

sensor for CO2, feature the highest level of quality with a 0.01% sensor 

resolution! 

Special Oxylet configuration is now available for performing 

calorimetry studies with rat neonates! Our optimized and validated 

technology includes specially designed metabolic chambers which 

account for smaller air volumes. Accurate sampling of this small flow 

is possible through fine adjustments of low air flow (0 – 2L/min) to 

obtain values for gases exchanged during the pup’s resting state. 

Specifically controlled air flow ensures sufficient time for the chamber 

gas equilibrium and for small changes in gas concentration created by 

the pup to be sampled. 

The Oxylet system can also be adapted with our rodent treadmills for 

exercise studies! Simply combine our air flow controller and gas 

analyzer with our single lane rat or mouse treadmills (see pages 27 to 

28) and select the air tight lane option. 

Food and Drink Intake Monitoring 

Food and drink intake as well as activity are evaluated using the 

extensiometric weight transducer technology developed by Panlab/ 

Harvard Apparatus. These transducers and their associated amplifiers 

are mounted in a specially designed platform beneath each adapted 

home cage. This technology allows the continuous assessment of the 

animal food and drink consumption as well as spontaneous activity with 

the highest accuracy and stability. Food intake is monitored with an 

accuracy of 0.02g and drink with an accuracy of 0.01g fluid – the most 

sensitive intake monitoring commercially available for individual rodents! 

The base system home cages can be associated with 2 external 

dispensers – both food, both drink, or one of each – depending on 

researchers’ preference. Optional standard wire bar lids can be used 

for providing additional food and drink for non-monitored intake (for 

example, useful in preference studies of different drinks). 



105


Oxylet System (continued) 


BH2 76-0451 

BH2 76-0453 

BH2 76-0455 

BH2 76-0459 


Oxygen Sensor 

Technology 

Laser Diode Absorption 

Measurement Range 0-100% 

(only limited by the hogh calibration point used) 

Resolution 0.01% 

Linearity ±0.2% 

Noise 

Accuracy 

Carbon Dioxide Sensor 

Technology 

Measurement Range 0-10% 

Resolution 0.01% 

Accuracy 

±0.03% (20 ms average) 

±0.2% (24 hours) 

InfraRed Spectroscopy 

< 10% of reading between 5% - 10% CO2; 

< 0.3% absolute of reading < 5% CO2 

Activity and Rearing Monitoring 

Continuous recording of spontaneous activity is easily monitored through 

the extensiometric weight transducers in the specially designed platform 

beneath each adapted home cage. This transducer technology allows 

detection of the animal’s movement without displacement to a high level 

of precision – even for the finest of mice movements! 

Rearing assessment requires simply two additional InfraRed (IR) 

frames connected to the system. 

Our optimized modular design provides easily expandability for any of 

the options of the system. The researcher can select only those 

components of initial interest but with the flexibility of adding any of the 

others at a later date. Our highly integrated system minimizes 

components to save valuable laboratory space, contains fewer cables 

between successive daisy-chained cages and is easier to clean and 

maintain. The built-in display shows real-time data for total amount of 

food and drink consumed, total activity, and total number of rearings for 

quick monitoring of experimental progress from the front of the system. 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus is proud to announce 

the newest addition to the Oxylet system – 

the Neonate Oxylet! 

Our system has been modified to accommodate neonatal rats as small 

as 4 grams. A complete system would be the O2 and CO2 Gas 

Analyzer (LE405), Neonate air switching unit for 2 neonates 

(LE4002FLN), and either of the neonate chambers (NEO1 or NEO2). To 

expand the neonate system beyond 2 animals, you will also need the 

Extension Air Switching Unit (LE4004FLN) and the additional number of 

neonate chambers (up to a maximum of 32 animals). Please contact 

our technical support department for additional details and literature. 

LE405 Dimensions 

LE405 Digital Output 

LE405 Analog Signal 

Outputs 

LE400FL Air Flow 

LE400FLN Air Flow 

LE400FL Switching 

Intake Amplifier 

Resolution 

Intake Amplifier Drift 

Order # Model 

260 (W) x 330 (D) x 120 (H) mm 

RS-2332 Serial Port 

Connectors: Panel BNC female; Output O2: 

10 mV/% O2 Range; Range O2: 0-1V; Output CO2: 

100 mV+ (100 mV/%CO2); Range CO2; 0.1 – 1V 

0 to 20 l/min 

0 to 2 l/min 

Cycle 2 to 4 chambers in an interval 

running from 1 to 999 seconds 

20 mg (for food and drink) 

< 0.1 mg/day 

Experimental Chamber Dimensions: 

Rat/Mouse 

Rat Pup 

IR Frame 

259 (D) x 234 (W) x 209 (H) mm 

215 and 550 ml 

16 IR beams spaced 15.6 mm 

Product 

BH2 76-0426 LE4002FLN Neonate Rat Air Switching 

Unit/Sample Pump - 2 animals 

BH2 76-0427 LE4004FLN Extension Neonate Rat Air Switching 

Unit/Sampling Pump – 4 animals 

BH2 76-0428 NEO1 Neonate chamber, 215 ml 

BH2 76-0429 NEO2 Neonate chamber, 550 ml 

106 




Oxylet System (continued) 


Order # Model 

Product 

BASE SYSTEM 

BH2 76-0451 LE1301 Home Cage for Rat and Mouse 

(Requires accessories for species used) 

BH2 76-0452 LE1302 Accessories for Rat 

(Air tight lid, grid floor, food and drink dispenser) 

BH2 76-0453 LE1303 Cage Accessories for Mouse 

(Air tight lid, grid floor, food and drink dispenser) 

BH2 76-0454 LE1304 Standard wire bar lid for standard pellets 

and bottle accessories 

BH2 76-0080 METABOLISM Metabolism Software Platform (up to 32 

enclosures) Requires Metabolism 

Experimental Modules for calorimetry, food 

and drink intake, and/or associated activity 

and rearing 

CALORIMETRY COMPONENTS 

BH2 76-0195 LE405 O2/CO2 Analyzer 

BH2 76-0193 LE4002FL Air Supply and Switching Unit 

for up to 2 Experimental Cages 

BH2 76-0194 LE4004FL Air Supply and Switching Unit 

for up to 4 Experimental Cages 

Citations 

Franckhauser S et al. (2008) Overexpression of Il6 leads to hyperinsulinaemia, liver inflammation and 

reduced body weight in mice. Dialectologia. 51(7):1306-1316 (mouse, Spain) 

Knauf et al. (2008) Brain Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Signaling Controls the Onset of High-Fat Diet- 

Induced Insulin Resistance and Reduces Energy Expenditure. Endocrinology. 49(10): 4768-4777 


Bauche I et al. (2007) Overexpression of Adiponectin Targeted to Adipose Tissue in Mice: Impaired 

Adipocyte Differentiation. Endocrinology 148(4): 1539-1549. (Energy expenditure, mice, France) 

Cariou B (2007) FXR-deficiency confers increased susceptibility to torpor FEBS Letters, 581(27): 

5191-5198. (Energy expenditure, mice, France, Netherlands) 

Clerc P et al. (2007) Involvement of Cholecystokinin 2 Receptor in Food Intake Regulation: Hyperphagia 

and Increased Fat Deposition in Cholecystokinin 2 Receptor-Deficient Mice. Endocrinology 48(3): 1039- 

1049. (Energy expenditure, mice, France) 

Ikeuchi M et al. (2007) Effects of Astaxanthin in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet. Bioscience, 

Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. 71(4): 893-899. (obesity, mice, Japan) 

Prieto-Lloret J et al. (2007) Hypoxia transduction by carotid body chemoreceptors in mice lacking 

dopamine D2 receptors. J. Appl. Physiol. 103: 1269-1275 (LE 400-4, mice, Spain) 

Tiraby C et al. (2007) Resistance to high-fat-diet-induced obesity and sexual dimorphism in the 

metabolic responses of transgenic mice with moderate uncoupling protein 3 overexpression in 

glycolytic skeletal muscles. Diabetologia. 50(10): 2190-2199. (Energy expenditure, mice, France) 

Valle A et al. (2007) Sex Differences in Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenic Features During Caloric 

Restriction. Cell. Physiol. Biochem. 19:195-204. (Rat, Spain). 

Franckhauser S, Muñoz S, Elias I, Ferre T, Bosch F (2006) Adipose Overexpression of 

Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase Leads to High Susceptibility to Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance 

and Obesity. Diabetes 55:273-280. (Energy expenditure, mice, Spain) 

Bienvenu G, Seurin D, Le Bouc Y, Even P, Babajko S, Magnan D (2005) Dysregulation of energy 

homeostasis in mice overexpressing insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 6 in the brain. 

Diabetologia. 48(6): 1189-1197. (O2 consumption, mice, France) 

Prieto-Lloret J et al. (2003) Ventilatory responses and carotid body function in adult rats perinatally 

exposed to hyperoxia. J. Physiol. 154: 126-144 (LE 400-4, spirometry, rat, Spain) 

BH2 76-0145 METAOXY Metabolism Software Experimental Module – 

calorimetry 

INTAKE COMPONENTS 

BH2 76-0455 LE1305 Platform with sensors and amplifiers 

for Food and Drink and Activity 

BH2 76-0456 LE1306 Drinking bottle Rat/Mouse 

BH2 76-0457 LE1307 Feeding Container Rat/Mouse 

BH2 76-0081 METAINT Metabolism Software Experimental Module – 

Food and Drink Intake 

ACTIVITY COMPONENTS 

BH2 76-0455 LE1305 Platform with sensors and amplifiers 

for Food and Drink and Activity 

BH2 76-0459 LE1308 IR Frame for Rearing Detection 

BH2 76-0087 METAACT Metabolism Software Experimental Module – 

Activity and Rearing Detection 



107


Metabolism Software and Associated Modules 

Metabolism Software 


Key Features 

➤ Converts and analyzes analog signals received from the 

different modules of our Oxylet System 

➤ Calculates data in user-defined intervals of time 

➤ Allows correlation between food/drink consumption, O2/CO2 

metabolism and associated animal spontaneous activity 


➤ O2 consumption 

➤ CO2 production 

➤ Respiratory quotient (O2/CO2) 

➤ Energy Expenditure (using Weir equation) 

➤ Food consumption by user-defined interval of time 

➤ Drink consumption by user-defined interval of time 

➤ Mean activity by user-defined interval of time 

➤ Number of rearing by user-defined interval of time 

➤ Treadmill Data if applicable – speed, covered distance, number 

of shocks received, total duration of shocks received 





METABOLISM software is the last element of the chain of components 

of the Panlab/Harvard Apparatus modular OXYLET system. 

METABOLISM allows the extraction of the data obtained from these 

Panlab/Harvard Apparatus devices as well as the calculation of 

important parameters for physiological studies. A combined evaluation 

of the respiration metabolism, food/drink intake, spontaneous activity 

and rearing is then rendered possible by the use of this very simple and 

easy-to-use software. 

METABOLISM consists in different modules, activated upon customer 

request: 

• META-OXY -> for O2/CO2 metabolism studies 

(Including treadmill based studies). 

• META-INT -> for Intake studies 

• META-ACT -> for Activity studies (Including rearing) 

The program gets data in digital form from the Panlab/Harvard 

Apparatus devices. METABOLISM can also import and convert analog 

data from the *.txt files generated by Data Acquisition Systems 

(PowerLab ® recommended). 

Analog output from each of the software modules is intergrated and a 

graphical representation of the time course for each parameter is 

available. Evaluation curves allow an easy correlation between 

calorimetry, intake and activity. 

Gathered data can be processed and re-processed using different time 

intervals of calculation. The program displays a data table which can 

be saved in Excel format for further analysis. 




Order # Model 

3 GHz processor or higher (CELERON excluded; 

4GHz recommended), 256 MB of RAM 

(512 MB recommended) 

Windows ® 98, 2000, XP or Vista compatible 

operating system (XP recommended) 

Product 

BH2 76-0080 METABOLISM Metabolism Studies Plarform 

Needs Metabolism Experimental 

Modules for Calorimetry, Food & Drink Intake 

and/or Associated Activity and Rearing 

Respectively 

BH2 76-0145 META-OXY Metabolism Software Experimental Module - 

Calorimetry (Respiratory Metabolism) 

BH2 76-0081 META-INT Metabolism Software Experimental Module - 

Food & Drink Intake Monitoring 

BH2 76-0087 META-ACT Metabolism Software 

Experimental Module - 

Activity and/or Rearing Recording 

108 




PheCOMP System 

Applications continued 

➤ Meal Pattern Analysis 

➤ Addiction 

➤ Reward 

➤ Obesity 

➤ Alcohol Dependence 

➤ Anxiety 


➤ Home cage 

➤ Floor Grid 

➤ Top lid with filter 

➤ Platform including bridge amplifier, A/D converter, 

and data display 

Options 

➤ IR Frames for Activity and Rearing recording 

➤ Wire bar lid for MultiTake 

➤ Two-compartment separator 

PheCOMP System 

Key Features 

➤ Cutting-edge system for studying compulsive food and drink 

behavior in rodents 

➤ Unmatched sensitivity for mice (20 mg) 

➤ Pioneers in the use of very high stability weight transducers 

➤ Multiple combinations of dispensers 

➤ Ensures complete retrieving of food and liquid wastage 

➤ Uncompromised access to food 

➤ Continuous recording 

➤ External dispensers preserving animal living space 

➤ Compact system with minimal maintenance 

➤ Enables place preference studies 


➤ Food and drink intake amount (Compulse) 

➤ Meal pattern analysis (Compulse) 

➤ Global Activity (ActiTrack) 

➤ Animal Tracking (ActiTrack) 

Applications 

➤ Food and Drink Intake 

➤ Compulsive behavior tests – food/liquid preference, 

food/drink adulteration, anticipatory place preference 

➤ Global Activity 

➤ Locomotor Activity 

➤ Rearing 

➤ Stereotypies 

➤ Circadian Rhythms 

The PheCOMP system is an innovative solution for measuring 

food/liquid consumption and correlated motor activity as a means of 

assessing compulsive behavior in rodents. 

Developed as part of the EC-funded PHECOMP project 

(www.phecomp.com), this system allows for the behavioral 

characterization of several animal models of neuropsychiatric 

disorders related to compulsive behavior in a home cage environment. 

The Panlab/Harvard Apparatus PheCOMP system uses weight 

transducer technology for measuring food and drink consumption, thus 

allowing a continuous signal and precise analysis of animal meal 

pattern with our associated powerful software package. The animal 

home cage can be associated with up to four external units for food or 

drink, all user-defined. The system registers absorbed food and its 

wastage by means of weight transducers of very high stability mounted 

into the supporting platform under each cage. The volume of water 

consumed, along with any leakage, is also accounted for using the 

same transducers. 

Animal activity and rearing are recorded simultaneously using 2- 

dimensional infrared frames. The signals from each weight transducer 

unit and the IR frame are amplified, digitalized and sent to the PheCOMP 

software for data acquisition and analysis. A track of the animal’s activity 

is recorded and can be analyzed using our ActiTrack software for further 

analysis of the animal’s position throughout the experiment. 

They system can be expanded easily with a single cable connecting the 

platforms in series and the last platform is connected by RS-232/USB to 

the PC. 



109


PheCOMP System (continued) 

The modular design of the PheCOMP system allows a wide range of 

experimental procedures for characterizing the evolution of animal 

compulsive behavior: 

• General schedule for behavioral testing obese vs. 

non-obese animals 

• Choice test 

• Bitter test 

• Starvation 

• Screening of anti-obesity compounds 


Accuracy 

Home Cage Dimensions 

Platform Dimensions 

Activity IR Frame 

Rearing IR Frame 


< 0.03 mg for both food and drink 

189 x 297 x 128 mm 

410 x 320 x 75 mm 

400 x 290 x 13 mm, 16 x 16 beams (16mm spaced) 

400 x 16 mm, 16 x 16 beams (16 mm spaced) 

Windows ® 98, 2000, XP or Vista compatible 

system, 3 GHz Hard disk, 512 MB or RAM (1GM 

recommended), 256 color palette graphics card 

for 1024 x 768 pixels, 32 bit true color RGB display, 

one free RS-232 port or 1 free USB port 

Order # Model 

Product 

BH2 76-0203 MultiTake PheCOMP System Including Home Cage, Lid 

with Filter, Grid Floor, Bridge Amplifies, A/D 

Converter, RS-232 (USB), Data Display. Requires 

Combinations of LE1401 and LE1402 

BH2 76-0204 Compulse PheCOMP System Software 

OPTIONS 

BH2 76-0209 LE1401 MultiTake Feeder for Mouse 

BH2 76-0210 LE1402 MultiTake Drink Unit 150 ml for Mouse 

BH2 76-0206 LE8827 MultiTake IR Frames for Activity/Rearing 

BH2 76-0425 LE1403 MultiTake 2-Compartment Divider 

BH2 76-0205 LE1404 MultiTake Home Cage Top Filter 

BH2 76-0207 LE1405 MultiTake Grid Floor 

BH2 76-0208 LE1406 MultiTake Wire Bar Lid 

BH2 76-0003 ActiTrack ActiTrack Software for Activity/Rearing 

110

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