Source Paper
Cognitive neurobehavior and synaptic plasticity after vagus nerve stimulation in female rats: Interaction between estrous cycle and neurostimulation
Olsen LK, Jones KA, Sharma B, Ethridge VT, Gargas NM et al.
Bioelectron Med • 2026
Elevated Zero Maze (EZM)
behavioralRatSprague-Dawley
Objective: To identify changes in anxiolytic-like behavior
Protocol Steps
1
Platform setup
Use a 100 cm diameter circular platform elevated 65 cm above ground, divided into four equal arms with two opposing open arms and two opposing enclosed arms with 30 cm dark walls
View evidence from paper
“The 100 cm diameter circular platform was elevated 65 cm above the ground floor. Divided into four equal arms”
2
Animal placement
Place animals in the middle of a closed arm, randomizing between the relative left or right closed arm for each trial
View evidence from paper
“Animals were placed in the middle of a closed arm (randomized for each trial between the relative left or right closed arm)”
3
Testing session
Allow the animal to explore for five minutes without an experimenter within view while monitoring activity
View evidence from paper
“The animal was allowed to explore without an experimenter within view for five minutes while their activity was monitored”
4
Data collection
Record behavior using video tracking system throughout the five-minute session
View evidence from paper
“their activity was monitored using Ethovision XT (v11.5, Noldus)”