$5,990.00
The Zebrafish choice chamber from MazeEngineers enables experiments akin to the widely used five-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT). When testing commences, lights activate and the gate opens. A food dispenser delivers rewards according to a fixed schedule. Proper illumination persists until the correct entry or for a defined interval. Data typically encompass trial counts, accuracy rates, omissions, and latency. This chamber features an automated gate, proximal and distal lighting, and is managed via Conductor Software for controlling lights and gates.
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Features |
Overall Length: 36cm |
Automated Gate |
Length From Start area: 21 cmm |
Length from Stimulus Area: 15cm |
Acrylic five-choice maze with five apertures |
Color Reward light (red; green; blue; yellow; and white) |
Auto door |
Water tank |
Control box |
Zebrafish pellet dispenser |
Software |
Zebrafish conditioned place preference (CPP) is a popular method for evaluating the rewarding effects of various food substances and psychoactive compounds. This task assesses the positive-reinforcing effects by measuring the zebrafish’s preference for an environment that was previously associated with a particular substance.
The CPP paradigm leverages the zebrafish’s natural preference for black over white. In this assay, the primary stimulus acts as an unconditioned stimulus. When paired with a secondary stimulus (a visual cue) that functions as a conditioned stimulus, it induces an approach behavior towards the paired environment (Darland & Dowling, 2001).
The CPP procedure is typically divided into three phases. In Phase I, zebrafish can explore all compartments of the CPP tank freely, and the time spent in each compartment is recorded to establish a baseline preference. In Phase II, the fish are confined to each compartment and receive either the experimental or control treatment for a set period. During Phase III, zebrafish are again allowed to move freely between compartments, and the time spent in each is recorded to determine their final preference. CPP behavior is quantitatively assessed by subtracting the baseline preference recorded in Phase I from the final preference observed in Phase III.
Quantitative measure of CPP behavior =Ā Ā (Final place preference ā Baseline place preference).
A significant shift towards the compartment conditioned with the experimental treatment indicates that the treatment is rewarding (Mathur et al., 2011).
Darland and Dowling were the trailblazers in developing the CPP behavior model for adult zebrafish (Darland & Dowling, 2001). They created an apparatus specifically to assess the addictive properties of various compounds. In their study, they initially recorded the baseline place preference, then confined the zebrafish to their least preferred compartment while exposing them to cocaine, and finally assessed the change in place preference to determine the effects.
The Zebrafish 5-Choice Chamber features a spacious tank measuring 42 x 49 x 15 cm and an inner custom-designed tank dedicated to testing. Built from opaque acrylic, the inner tank includes an automated door dividing it into distinct areas: the food magazine and the stimulus region. The use of opaque acrylic minimizes external visual distractions and reflections within the unit. The food delivery area is situated 21 cm from the gate, while the stimulus area is 15 cm away. Supporting the gate are two acrylic columns attached to the inner tank. The floor design facilitates waste and excess food removal while providing a contrasting background for effective video recording and monitoring.
The stimulus area is designed with a curved layout for optimal visual detection, partitioned into 5 slots with dividers. Each slot houses a stimulus LED emitting bright, distinct-colored light from the food magazine LED. Equipped with an LED light, the food magazine includes a slot for food delivery, positioned outside the testing tank.
This apparatus includes automation software for seamless control of lights and gate operations.
The subjects must be housed in tanks with stable temperature and pH levels, ensuring these conditions remain consistent throughout sessions to minimize stress or harm to the fish. Adequate aeration and water quality must also be maintained at all times. Automated tracking and video software, such as Noldus Ethovision XT or ANY-Maze, can facilitate behavior tracking and recording. Cameras positioned overhead provide comprehensive monitoring of fish movements and behaviors. Between each subject, it is essential to empty the tank and conduct thorough rinsing before subsequent use to maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards.
The pretraining and training procedures for the fish in the 5-Choice Chamber are as follows:
The following data can be collected during the 5-Choice Chamber task.
The general testing parameters of response rates are calculated as follows.
Parker MO, Millington ME, Combe FJ, Brennan CH (2012).Ā Development and implementation of a three-choice serial reaction time task for zebrafish (Danio rerio). Behav Brain Res. 227(1):73-80. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.10.037.
Parker, M.O., Brock, A.J., Sudwarts, A., & Brennan, C.H. (2014).Ā Atomoxetine reduces anticipatory responding in a 5-choice serial reaction time task for adult zebrafish. Psychopharmacology (Berl)231(13): 2671ā2679. doi:10.1007/s00213-014-3439-z.
Parker, M.O., Ife, D., Ma, J., Pancholi, M., Smeraldi, F., Straw, C., & Brennan, C.H. (2013).Ā Development and automation of a test of impulse control in zebrafish. Front Syst Neurosci. 7: 65. doi:Ā 10.3389/fnsys.2013.00065.
Robbins TW (2002).Ā The 5-choice serial reaction time task: behavioural pharmacology and functional neurochemistry. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 163(3-4):362-80.
| Length | 36cm |
|---|---|
| Material | Acrylic |
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DISCLAIMER: ConductScience and affiliate products are NOT designed for human consumption, testing, or clinical utilization. They are designed for pre-clinical utilization only. Customers purchasing apparatus for the purposes of scientific research or veterinary care affirm adherence to applicable regulatory bodies for the country in which their research or care is conducted.
