Source Paper
Use of the Open Field Maze to Measure Locomotor and Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice
Michael L. Seibenhener, Michael C. Wooten
Journal of Visualized Experiments • 2015
View Abstract
Animal models have proven to be invaluable to researchers trying to answer questions regarding the mechanisms of behavior. The Open Field Maze is one of the most commonly used platforms to measure behaviors in animal models. It is a fast and relatively easy test that provides a variety of behavioral information ranging from general ambulatory ability to data regarding the emotionality of the subject animal. As it relates to rodent models, the procedure allows the study of different strains of mice or rats both laboratory bred and wild-captured. The technique also readily lends itself to the investigation of different pharmacological compounds for anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects. Here, a protocol for use of the open field maze to describe mouse behaviors is detailed and a simple analysis of general locomotor ability and anxiety-related emotional behaviors between two strains of C57BL/6 mice is performed. Briefly, using the described protocol we show Wild Type mice exhibited significantly less anxiety related behaviors than did age-matched Knock Out mice while both strains exhibited similar ambulatory ability.
Open Field Maze
Objective: Measure locomotor activity and anxiety-like behaviors in mice by observing their movement and thigmotaxis in an open field arena
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Equipment1
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Protocol Steps
Animal Preparation
Prepare mice for testing, including both laboratory bred and wild-captured strains of different mouse types
Note: Protocol allows study of different strains of mice or rats both laboratory bred and wild-captured
View evidence from paper
“As it relates to rodent models, the procedure allows the study of different strains of mice or rats both laboratory bred and wild-captured”
Open Field Testing
Place mice in the open field maze and observe their behavior to measure general ambulatory ability and anxiety-related emotional behaviors
Note: The test is fast and relatively easy, providing variety of behavioral information
View evidence from paper
“It is a fast and relatively easy test that provides a variety of behavioral information ranging from general ambulatory ability to data regarding the emotionality of the subject animal”
Behavioral Analysis
Analyze general locomotor ability and anxiety-related emotional behaviors between different strains
Note: Analysis includes comparison of anxiety-related behaviors and ambulatory ability between strains
View evidence from paper
“a simple analysis of general locomotor ability and anxiety-related emotional behaviors between two strains of C57BL/6 mice is performed”