Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

THE LIGHT SWITCH-OFF RESPONSE AS A PUTATIVE RODENT TEST OF INNATE FEAR

Full text
Author(s):
Saito, Viviane M. ; Brandao, Marcus L.
Total Authors: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Neuroscience; v. 334, p. 160-165, OCT 15 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Recent discussions on the ethics in animal experimentation instigate the refinement of methods used in Behavioral Neuroscience, particularly regarding fear/anxiety paradigms. We propose the Light Switch-Off Test (LSOT), based on the innate motivation to cease an aversive stimulus (bright light), displayed naturally by rodents in their habitat. Forty-six male adult Wistar rats were allocated into independent groups: control, diazepam at 1 or 2 mg/kg, and meta-Chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) at 0.5 or 1 mg/kg. The experimental box has two square compartments, separated by an acrylic portal. In each side of the box, there is a 40-W incandescent light bulb. After a habituation period in the box, 40 light stimuli (trials lasting up to 20 s each) are emitted at random intervals. By crossing compartments during the lighted period, the rat could switch-off the stimulus. Parameters observed are the number of switch-off responses (SORs), latency of SOR and intertrial locomotion. The SOR frequency was higher in rats treated with mCPP at 1 mg/kg, an anxiogenic drug, while diazepam at the doses used in this study did not produce effects. Animals exposed solely to the box for the length of the test did not respond in a false positive way. Therefore, the SOR represents a good index to measure the innate rodent fear of bright-lighten areas, once they react quickly in order to turn off the stimulus. Among its many advantages, the LSOT is a simple, replicable, non-invasive and minimally stressful procedure, since it does not expose animals to excessively aversive stimulus. (C) 2016 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/03707-5 - Role of GABAergic mechanisms in the inferior colliculus and periaqueductal gray matter on the sensorimotor gating of fear and anxiety
Grantee:Viviane Mitsuko Neves Saito
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate