Anosmic Control Test
Objective: To determine whether changes in social interaction across different test conditions could be attributed to olfactory changes in the partner rat, using anosmic (olfactory-deficient) controls
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment2
Not specified • Not specified • Not specified • Not specified
Not specified • Not specified • Not specified • Not specified
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Product links help support this free resource.
Protocol Steps
Prepare anosmic control rats
Use olfactory-deficient (anosmic) male rats as controls for the experiment
Note: Anosmic rats lack normal olfactory function to serve as controls
View evidence from paper
“Anosmic controls showed that the decrease in social interaction across test conditions could not be attributed to olfactory changes in the partner.”
Place rat pairs in test box
Place pairs of male rats into the test box for behavioral observation
Note: Pairs should consist of one anosmic control rat and one normal rat to assess olfactory contribution
View evidence from paper
“Pairs of male rats were placed in a test box for 10 min and the time they spent in active social interaction was scored.”
Score active social interaction
Measure and record the time spent in active social interaction between the rat pair
Note: Active social interaction is the primary outcome measure
View evidence from paper
“the time they spent in active social interaction was scored”
Test under low light conditions with familiar box
Conduct testing with the rat pair in a familiar test box under low light conditions
Note: This condition serves as baseline for maximum active interaction
View evidence from paper
“Maximum active interaction was found when the rats were tested under low light in a box with which they were familiar.”
Test under increased light conditions
Repeat testing with increased light level while maintaining the familiar test box
Note: Increased light is expected to decrease social interaction
View evidence from paper
“When the light level was increased or when the box was unfamiliar active social interaction decreased.”
Test in unfamiliar box
Conduct testing with the rat pair in an unfamiliar test box
Note: Unfamiliar environment is expected to decrease social interaction
View evidence from paper
“When the light level was increased or when the box was unfamiliar active social interaction decreased.”
Compare anosmic control results to normal rats
Compare social interaction scores from anosmic control rats across test conditions with results from normal rats to determine if olfactory changes account for differences
Note: If anosmic controls show similar patterns to normal rats, olfactory changes are not responsible for decreased interaction
View evidence from paper
“Anosmic controls showed that the decrease in social interaction across test conditions could not be attributed to olfactory changes in the partner.”