$3,490.00
The bifurcating T-maze has emerged as a valuable tool for assessing the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in zebrafish behavior. While traditionally employed as a screening maze, this apparatus can also be effectively utilized for more complex choice and learning experiments involving these aquatic vertebrates.
The T-maze setup allows researchers to present zebrafish with a choice between two distinct arms, enabling the investigation of decision-making processes and the influence of neurochemical systems on spatial navigation. By leveraging this versatile apparatus, scientists can gain deeper insights into the neural mechanisms that underlie cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and behavioral flexibility, in the zebrafish model.
The flexibility of the bifurcating T-maze setup empowers researchers to design a wide range of experimental paradigms, from simple screening tests to more sophisticated learning protocols. This adaptability allows for the examination of various aspects of zebrafish behavior, contributing to our comprehensive understanding of the factors that shape their cognitive and social repertoire.
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Features |
Starting zone (30 cm×10 cmx15 cm) separated from the rest of the maze by a transparent removable door. |
Long (50 cm×10 cm) arm |
Two short (20 cm×10 cm) arms |
Two removable opaque partitions (4.5 cm×30 cm) for each short arm |
Removable deep water chambers (30 cm×30 cm x 30cm) |
One of two chambers; used as reservoir; contained artificial grass; shells; stones and coloured marbles that offered a favourable habitat for the fish. These supplies are not included. |
The Zebrafish Bifurcating T-Maze is a versatile behavioral testing apparatus that allows researchers to assess a range of cognitive and learning abilities in these aquatic vertebrates. Unlike the conventional T-Maze designed for rodents, this adaptation leverages the unique characteristics and environmental preferences of zebrafish.
The bifurcating setup presents the subject with a choice between two distinct arms, one of which is designed to offer a more favorable environment, such as a deeper water chamber. By carefully controlling the visual cues and barriers, researchers can evaluate the fish’s ability to learn and remember the location of the preferred arm.
The use of zebrafish in this type of maze test is particularly advantageous due to their evolutionary proximity to humans and the availability of powerful genetic tools for probing neural mechanisms. Furthermore, the ease of maintaining and housing zebrafish makes them an appealing model organism for high-throughput behavioral screening.
In addition to the Bifurcating T-Maze, the zebrafish research toolkit includes other specialized apparatuses, such as the Y-maze, Three-Chamber Choice, and Place Preference Test. These versatile tools enable researchers to investigate a wide spectrum of behaviors, from spatial learning and memory to social interaction and anxiety-like responses.
By employing these innovative zebrafish-based experimental platforms, scientists can gain valuable insights into the genetic, neurochemical, and environmental factors that shape the cognitive and behavioral repertoire of these fascinating aquatic creatures. The flexibility and scalability of these assays make them powerful assets in the study of neuroscience, pharmacology, and beyond.
The Zebrafish Bifurcating T-maze presents a versatile and dynamic experimental setup for researchers to investigate various aspects of zebrafish behavior and cognition. This acrylic aquatic tank is designed with a distinctive T-shaped configuration, featuring a long start arm that bifurcates into two shorter choice arms.
The thoughtful dimensions of the apparatus allow for a well-structured exploration of the fish’s decision-making and spatial learning abilities. The start arm, measuring 50 x 10 cm, is equipped with a 30 x 10 cm start zone that is separated from the rest of the maze by a removable transparent door. This design element enables precise control over the initiation of each trial and the observation of the fish’s spontaneous exploratory behavior.
At the end of each choice arm, there are removable, deep water chambers measuring 30 x 30 cm. These chambers can be customized by the addition of artificial grass, colored marbles, or other environmental cues, effectively transforming them into distinct reservoirs. Furthermore, the inclusion of removable, opaque partitions, measuring 4.5 x 30 cm, allows researchers to prevent the fish from viewing the contents of the two choice arms, thereby isolating the influence of visual stimuli on their decision-making process.
The versatility and attention to detail in the design of the Zebrafish Bifurcating T-maze empower researchers to create a wide range of experimental paradigms, from simple screening tests to more sophisticated learning and memory protocols. This comprehensive tool offers a valuable platform for exploring the complex interplay between environmental factors, neurochemical systems, and the cognitive abilities of these fascinating aquatic vertebrates.
The well-being and optimal experimental conditions for the zebrafish subjects are of paramount importance in this research. It is crucial that the housing tanks maintain a constant and appropriate temperature and pH levels, ensuring a stable and stress-free environment for the fish throughout the testing sessions. Additionally, the water quality must be meticulously monitored and maintained at acceptable standards, with proper aeration to support the fish’s respiratory needs.
To facilitate comprehensive behavioral analysis, the deployment of automated tracking and video software, such as the Noldus Ethovision XT, placed strategically above the testing apparatus is highly recommended. This advanced technological integration allows for the precise and objective recording of the zebrafish’s movements and responses within the maze, providing valuable data for the researchers.
Furthermore, it is essential to thoroughly clean and rinse the tank between each subject, preventing any potential cross-contamination or carryover effects that could compromise the integrity of the results. This meticulous attention to experimental details and subject welfare ensures the reliability and reproducibility of the data collected, ultimately strengthening the scientific insights gained from this innovative zebrafish-based approach.
The data collected from the Zebrafish Bifurcating T-Maze can include
Braida, D., Ponzoni, L., Martucci, R., Sparatore, F., Gotti, C., &Sala, M. (2014). Role of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on learning and memory in zebrafish. Pschopharmacology, 231 (9), 1975-85.
Yu L, Tucci V, Kishi S, Zhdanova IV (2006). Cognitive aging in zebrafish. PLoS One. 1:e14.
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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.
