Open field tests are widely used to evaluate exploratory behavior and validate anxiety related behaviors.

Open field test, also known as open box test, is a method of evaluating the autonomous behavior, exploratory behavior, and tension of experimental animals in a novel environment. By measuring the frequency and duration of certain behaviors of experimental animals in novel environments, we can reflect their autonomous and exploratory behaviors in unfamiliar environments.

Experimental equipment

The experimental setup consists of two parts: an open field reaction chamber and an automatic data acquisition and processing system. The rat open field reaction chamber is 30-40cm high, with a bottom edge length of 100cm, black painted inner walls, and an average of 25 4cm × 4cm small squares on the bottom. A camera is placed 2 m directly above it, and its field of view can cover the entire interior of the open field. The open field lighting is fully artificial lighting, which can be artificially set as "day" and "night". During the day, it is simulated by four energy-saving lamps on both sides of the wall emitting about 2001ux of illumination, and at night, it is illuminated by an infrared light source on one side of the wall. The experimental personnel and computer equipment are located in another room to reduce interference with the animals, and the laboratory background noise is controlled below 65dB.

Experimental methods and steps

The experiment was conducted in a quiet environment. Place the animal in the center of the bottom of the box, while taking a video and timing. After observing for a certain period of time, stop filming. The observation time can be determined according to the experiment, usually 3-5 minutes. Clean the inner wall and bottom of the square box to prevent any residual information from the previous animal test (such as urine, urine, and odor) from affecting the results of the next test. Replace the animal and continue the experiment.

Note: This product is mainly used as an experimental instrument for scientific research. Non clinical medical equipment.