Vogel’s Test
A precision acrylic chamber system for conflict/punishment testing in rodents, featuring integrated shocker grid, fiber optic lick detection, and automated software for anxiety and approach-avoidance behavior research. Available in mouse and rat configurations with programmable shock delivery and liquid reward systems.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Overview
The Vogel's Test apparatus is a precision-engineered behavioral neuroscience tool designed for conflict and punishment testing in laboratory rodents. This acrylic chamber-based system integrates critical components including a removable grid shocker, advanced lick-o-meter with fiber optic detection, and comprehensive automation software to create a controlled environment for studying approach-avoidance behaviors. The apparatus enables researchers to assess anxiety-related behaviors by creating conflict situations where animals must choose between receiving a rewarding liquid and experiencing aversive stimuli.
Key Features
The system features a removable grid shocker with configurable current delivery from 0.1 to 4.0 mA in precise 0.1 mA increments, allowing for fine-tuned stimulus control. The integrated fiber optic lick detection system provides accurate behavioral monitoring while the adjustable lick position and configurable liquid volume delivery ensure experimental flexibility. The apparatus includes replaceable acrylic plates offering both black and white contexts for environmental manipulation studies, while the easy-to-remove feces/waste collector maintains hygienic conditions between sessions.
Applications
This apparatus serves as an essential tool for conflict and punishment testing paradigms, enabling researchers to investigate anxiety-related behaviors and approach-avoidance decision-making processes. The system supports comprehensive anxiety assessment protocols and provides quantitative measures of behavioral responses to aversive stimuli in controlled laboratory conditions. The programmable shock delivery and liquid reward systems allow for sophisticated experimental designs examining the balance between motivation and fear responses.
Species Compatibility
The Vogel's Test apparatus accommodates both mice and rats with species-specific chamber dimensions and shocker grid configurations. Mouse chambers measure 25 x 25 x 20 cm with 3 cm diameter shocker rods spaced at 5 cm intervals, while rat chambers provide 35 x 35 x 30 cm dimensions with 6 cm diameter rods spaced at 10 cm intervals. This dual compatibility ensures optimal experimental conditions for each species while maintaining standardized protocols across different animal models.
Features & Benefits
output_current
- 0 – 4mA
current_adjustment_increments
- 0.1mA
recording_interval
- 1-10 hours
shock_length
- 0-10s
typical_shock_intensity
- 0.5mA
shock_timing
- 2 seconds after drinking begins
punishment_frequency
- every 20th lick
test_duration
- 3 minutes
water_deprivation_period
- 2 days
optical_lick_detection
- Yes
adjustable_liquid_volume
- Yes
adjustable_lick_sensitivity
- Yes
automated_data_collection
- Yes
automated_liquid_pattern_dispense
- Yes
data_export_format
- Excel
grid_base_material
- Stainless steel rods
waste_collector
- Easy to remove
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Material
- Acrylic
- Plexiglass
- Stainless Steel
Power/Voltage
- 163V (direct current)
Dimensions
- 38 cm x 38 cm
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Weight
- 6.06 kg
Dimensions
- L: 65.0 mm
- W: 36.0 mm
- H: 27.0 mm
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | CS-958340 | $4,900.00 | Available | 35 x 35 x 30 cm |
| Mouse | CS-958340 | $3,900.00 | Available | 25 x 25 x 20 cm |
What’s in the Box
- acrylic chamber
- removable shocker grid
- lick-o-meter
- fiber optic sensor
- feces/waste collector
- software
What current range is available for the shock delivery system?
The system provides programmable current delivery from 0.1 to 4.0 mA in precise 0.1 mA increments, allowing for fine-tuned stimulus control and dose-response studies.
How does the lick detection system work?
The apparatus uses a fiber optic sensor integrated with the lick-o-meter for precise, non-invasive detection of licking behavior with minimal electromagnetic interference.
Can the system accommodate both mice and rats?
Yes, the apparatus comes in species-specific configurations: mouse chambers (25x25x20 cm) with 3 cm diameter rods spaced at 5 cm, and rat chambers (35x35x30 cm) with 6 cm diameter rods spaced at 10 cm.
How many units can be operated simultaneously?
The software supports operation of up to 16 units simultaneously, enabling high-throughput behavioral studies and large-scale experimental designs.
What environmental contexts are available?
The system includes replaceable acrylic plates providing both black and white contexts, allowing for environmental manipulation and context-dependent learning studies.
Is the liquid delivery volume adjustable?
Yes, the system features configurable liquid volume delivery, allowing researchers to customize reward magnitude for different experimental protocols and individual animal preferences.
How is data management handled?
The software includes historical data storage capabilities for comprehensive data management, supporting longitudinal studies and protocol optimization over time.
What maintenance features are included?
The apparatus features a removable grid shocker for easy cleaning and maintenance, plus an easy-to-remove feces/waste collector for efficient between-session hygiene management.
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