Random Search Task in Open Field
Objective: Compare spatial firing characteristics of CA1 neurons in dorsal and ventral hippocampus during a food-reinforced random search task to assess spatial selectivity differences between hippocampal regions
This is a Random Search Task in Open Field protocol using rat as the model organism. The procedure involves 4 procedural steps, 3 equipment items, 1 materials. Extracted from a 1994 paper published in Journal of Neuroscience.
Model and subjects
rat • Not specified • unknown • Not specified • Not specified
Study window
Estimated timing pending
Core workflow
Surgical preparation and electrode implantation • Behavioral task setup • Food-reinforced random search task
Primary readouts
- Spatial firing characteristics of CA1 neurons
- Classification of neurons as complex spike cells or theta interneurons
- Presence and characteristics of place fields
- Spatial selectivity of neurons
Key equipment and reagents
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Protocol Steps
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Surgical preparation and electrode implantation
Implant recording electrodes in dorsal and ventral hippocampi of opposite hemispheres in rats
Note: Electrodes positioned to allow simultaneous recording from both regions in many cases
View evidence from paper
“Neural activity was recorded in the dorsal and ventral hippocampi of opposite hemispheres in the same rats, in many cases simultaneously”
Behavioral task setup
Place rat in square chamber containing simple visual landmarks for spatial reference during random search task
Note: Chamber contains visual landmarks to provide spatial cues
View evidence from paper
“random search task in a square chamber containing simple visual landmarks”
Food-reinforced random search task
Rat performs random search task in chamber with food reinforcement as reward
Note: Task is food-reinforced to motivate search behavior
View evidence from paper
“food reinforced, random search task in a square chamber containing simple visual landmarks”
Neural recording during task
Record neural activity from CA1 neurons in dorsal and ventral hippocampi while rat performs random search task
Note: Simultaneous recording from opposite hemispheres in many cases
View evidence from paper
“Neural activity was recorded in the dorsal and ventral hippocampi of opposite hemispheres in the same rats, in many cases simultaneously”