Description
Mouse |
40Ć40 cm; 30cm height |
Cylinder: 13.2 x 4.4 x 4.4 cm |
Rat |
60Ć60 cm; 40cm height |
Cylinder: 21 X 7 X 7 cm |

Introduction
The Emergence Test is designed to minimize handling of the subject. It involves placing the animal in a holding container before introducing it into an open arena. The holding container offers a secure environment compared to the more exposed open-field arena. The primary task is to measure how long it takes for the subject to leave the container and begin exploring the arena. Animals with elevated anxiety levels typically remain in the container longer, avoiding the open space. This test is useful for assessing the impact of anxiogenic and anxiolytic substances on behavior, as well as for investigating lesion-induced behaviors and neuropsychiatric conditions.
The apparatus for the Emergence Test includes a spacious open field with high walls and a cylindrical holding container, all made from opaque acrylic. Other commonly used tests for evaluating locomotion and anxiety-related behaviors include the Elevated Plus Maze, the Zero Maze, and the Light/Dark Box.
Apparatus & Equipment
The Emergence Test apparatus is made from opaque acrylic and features an enclosed open field. The high walls of the field keep the subject contained and eliminate external visual cues that could affect the subject’s behavior. The holding container is an opaque cylinder, measuring 21 x 7 x 7 cm, which houses the subject. The cylinder is fitted with lids and is firmly fixed to the apparatus to prevent any movement or rolling.
Training Protocol
Before starting the trials, thoroughly clean the apparatus using a 70% ethanol solution. It is important to clean the equipment between trials to avoid any residual stimuli affecting performance. Ensure the maze is well-lit with overhead lighting to eliminate shadows. For detailed observations, a video and tracking system like Noldus EthoVision XT can be utilized.
As the Emergence Test is designed to assess neophobia, pretraining of the subject is not necessary.
Data Analysis
The data obtained from the Emergence Test is straightforward. The parameters that can be recorded are as follows,
- Emergence latency time.
- Total time spent in the barrel.
- Number of head pokes.
- Number of entries in the open field.
- Exploration time.
Strengths & Limitations
Summary & Key Points
- Emergence Test is used in the assessment of neophobia and explorative behaviors.
- Emergence Test is an adaptation of the Open-Field Task.
- In comparison to the Open-Field Task, the Emergence Test is less anxiogenic.
- The task evaluates novelty-induced behavior by observing the emergence latency and time spent exploring the arena.
- Emergence Test is a useful toolkit to screen potential anxiogenics and anxiolytics.
- Emergence Test may not provide a specific measure of neophobia. Hence, it should be used in combination with other behavioral assays.
References
Leibrock, C., Ackermann, TF., Hierlmeier, M, Lang, F., Borgwardt, S., Lang, UE. (2013).Ā Akt2 Deficiency is Associated with Anxiety and Depressive Behavior in Mice. Cell Physiol Biochem, 32(3), 766-777.
Holson, R. R. (1986).Ā Mesial Prefrontal Cortical Lesions and Timidity in Rats. Physiology & Behavior, 37, 221-230.
Lalonde, R., & Strazielle, C. (2009).Ā The relation between open-field and emergence tests in a hyperactive mouse model. Neuropharmacology, 57, 722-724.
Pare, W. P., Tejani-Butt, S., & Kluczynski, J. (2001).Ā The Emergence Test: Effects of Psychotropic Drugs on Neophobic Disposition in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and Sprague Dawley Rats.Ā Prog Neuro-psychopharmacol and Biol.Psychiat., 25, 1615-1628.