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Water Maze
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- Complete hardware & software package based on the TSE VideoMot2 system
- Space-saving notebook solution
- Select from a variety of pool sizes & colors, platforms and accessories
- Automatic software-controlled Atlantis platform available
- A detailed analysis protocol is produced by a mouse-click
- Data export includes the WinTrack export format for further evaluation of search strategies
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The Morris Water Maze paradigm, in which the animal has to learn the position of a submerged platform in a pool of water,
has become a popular tool for testing learning & memory in small rodents. The performance of the animal is sensitive
to manipulations in the hippocampus.
The TSE water maze package for VideoMot2 includes a pool with platform, low-light sensitive CCD camera & lens,
camera connecting kit, DVD recorder, PC or notebook with built-in control interface, remote control and all
connecting cables as well as the video tracking software VideoMot2.
Quadrants and target position can be easily drawn over the image of the pool using the software. When the animal is
released in the pool tracking is started using a remote control. Data acquisition is stopped automatically when the
animal has reached the target or after it has stayed there for a user-defined time or after a set total duration has
elapsed. Latency to reach the target is the relevant parameter here. For probe trials the platform is removed and
the percentage time spent in the target quadrant is compared to the time spent in other quadrants. All standard water
maze evaluation parameters are provided by the VideoMot2 software module and can be easily exported for further
statistical evaluation.
Y-Maze Continuous Alternation
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- Quick and easy working-memory test in an unbaited maze
- Y-Mazes for video tracking for mice or rats
- Alternative: Fully automated systems for mice or rats
- Three identical arms are mounted symmetrically on an equilateral triangular center
- Variety of wall colors and materials
- The mazes can be placed on a table or on an aluminum base
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This working-memory test is based on spontaneous exploration - no training and no food restriction
is therefore required. If the short-term memory is functioning then, in successive arm visits, the
animal has the tendency neither to return to the arm that it has just left, nor to enter the arm that
it exited the time before last. Instead the number of so-called triplets (i.e. 3 successive arm visits),
in which the animal enters 3 different arms, is increased. These triplets are known as "alternations".
TSE Y-Mazes Continuous Alternation for mice or rats can be used in combination with a video tracking
system (TSE VideoMot2 system) or for manual observation. We also supply mazes
made completely from infrared translucent black material that allow animal detection in complete darkness in
combination with the TSE IR Lightbox! VideoMot2 offers a dedicated analysis protocol for this paradigm that
can be produced with a mouse-click.
TSE Y-Mazes Continuous Alternation for mice or rats are also available as fully computerized systems
equipped with infrared location sensors at the arm entrances that can be operated regardless of the ambient
light level and are therefore especially suitable if high-anxiety animal strains are to be studied. Data
collection and analysis is done with the easy-to-use Y-Maze Windows software.
Test data in both configurations is presented in predefined tables listing the number of alternations as an
index for working-memory performance.
We also provide Y-Mazes for conditional discrimination tasks. Select between a variety of hardware components
to build your maze according to your requirements.
T-Maze Systems
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- Evaluate alternation behavior in a 2-choice task (Working-Memory performance)
- Infrared sensor combinations monitor entries into compartments
- Food reinforcement - infrared sensors monitor food removal
- Modular wall design - easy exchange of wall material & color
- Automated doors optional
- System configurations for acoustical discrimination available
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Our fully automated T-Maze systems for mice and rats are configured for rewarded alternation tasks and can
also be configured for acoustic discrimination tasks. In the delayed alternation task, in which a delay is
introduced between trials, the memory of the animal is tested (Working-Memory performance).
Each T-Maze consists of two choice arms and one start arm mounted at a square center – a start compartment
is optional. Both choice arms are equipped with food cups with integrated infrared sensors – optional
software-controlled pellet dispensers can be used to deliver the reward. Manual doors are included –
automatic doors are available on request. All mazes are available as table-top systems or with an optional
aluminum base.
The animal is released from the start position and allowed to select one of the choice arms. Criterion is
left-right spatial alternation or an acoustic stimulus (application of WAV files). The T-Maze control software
package provides predefined standard paradigms. Choice accuracy is presented in a results table together with
time-based results parameters such as response latency.
The T-Maze is also available as a non-automated system for use in the TSE VideoMot2 system
or for manual observation.
Radial Maze (8-Arm Maze)
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- Evaluate spatial learning & memory performance in mice & rats
- Both working & reference memory can be tested in one task
- Precision infrared sensors monitor transfers between compartments and food removal from the food containers
- Optional automatic pellet feeders & motorized doors
- Optional acrylic wall material & low wall height configurations to facilitate visibility of extra-maze cues
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The TSE Radial Mazes are completely computerized systems used to investigate the effects of drugs or brain injury on
hippocampus-dependent learning and memory performance. In the usual task food is available in opaque containers at the
end of each arm or in selected arms only. The animal has to learn to visit each arm without going back to an
already-visited empty arm or entering an arm that has never been baited. Learning and memory impairments will influence
the performance in subsequent retention tests.
In the Radial Maze software for Windows a variety of control parameters can be defined including the start position
(fixed or random), termination criterion (duration, arm entries, food removal), the feeding pattern (such as "4-out-of-8"),
or whether the animal is to be confined in the center to prevent perserverative behavior (only if automatic doors are present).
The number of correct choices, i.e. first entries into baited arms, as well as performance errors are available in
pre-configured analysis tables. The maze can also be run with non-baited arms or using the continuous refilling option to
monitor the locomotory pattern in the maze.
The TSE Radial Maze is also available as a non-automated system for use in the TSE VideoMot2 system
or for manual scoring.
We also provide dust-free precision pellets for mice and rats.
Barnes Maze
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- Test of spatial learning & memory in a "dry" environment especially suited for mice
- Select between large (40 holes) and small (20 holes) configuration
- Choice of colors in order to fulfill the contrast requirement of the video tracking system
- Includes start box made of opaque PVC or acrylic material
- Escape tunnel can be easily fixed below each hole
- The maze top can be placed on the base in 4 pre-configured positions
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The TSE Barnes Maze for mice is a device for studying spatial learning & memory using the
VideoMot2 System or other video tracking systems, or for visual
observation. No dietary restrictions are required to run the task and the stress level is much
lower than in the Morris Water Maze or Radial Maze tests of spatial memory. The animal is placed
in the center of an aversive brightly lit open platform. During acquisition the animal is supposed
to learn the spatial location of an escape tunnel that is fixed below one of the holes that serves
as positive reinforcement. Extra-maze cues have to be available in the environment to allow for
spatial orientation.
Our Barnes Maze is available in two standard sizes that differ in the number of holes. The escape tunnel
can be easily fixed as required beneath any of the holes - its design ensures that the user can easily
remove the animal at the end of the experiment by simply pulling the tunnel from the mounting tube.
The VideoMot2 tracking system outputs the locomotory pattern of the animal, thus allowing the visualization
of the search strategy used by the animal at a glance (random, serial or spatial). Total distance moved and
average speed are calculated as well and presented in a protocol that can be printed and exported for further
statistical evaluation.
Elevated Plus Maze
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- Anxiety testing system for mice & rats
- Elevated Zero Mazes for for video tracking
- Alternative: Fully automated systems
- Variety of materials and colors including clear acrylic
- Closed arm walls can be individually inserted into guide rails to allow for easy cleaning between trials
- In the automated systems 3-point-infrared sensors monitor visits in arms and center
- The maze top is fastened to a lightweight support frame and can be easily disassembled
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The Elevated Plus Maze test is one of the most widely used models for testing unconditioned anxiety in small rodents.
It is based upon their natural aversion to heights and open spaces which is decreased by anxiolytically effective
drugs. Four arms are arranged in the shape of a cross ("Plus"). Two arms have surrounding walls ("closed arms"),
the other arms have no walls ("open arms"). A small ledge prevents the animal from falling off the open arm.
TSE Elevated Plus Mazes for mice or rats can be used in combination with a video tracking system
(TSE VideoMot2 system or for manual observation. We also supply mazes made completely
from infrared-translucent black material that allow animal detection in complete darkness in combination with the TSE
IR Lightbox! VideoMot2 offers a dedicated analysis protocol for this paradigm that can be produced with a mouse-click.
TSE Elevated Plus Mazes for mice or rats are also available as fully computerized systems equipped with infrared
location sensors at the arm entrances that can be operated regardless of the ambient light level and are therefore
especially suitable if high-anxiety animal strains are to be studied. Data collection and analysis is done with the
easy-to-use Elevated Plus Maze Windows software. Analysis parameters include open arm time and number of open arm
visits as a measure of anxiety. Total arm entries are used as a measure of general activity.
Elevated Zero Maze
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- Anxiety testing system for rats & mice
- Elevated Zero Mazes for video tracking
- Alternative: Fully automated systems´
- 2 closed and 2 open quadrants – no center compartment
- The maze top is fastened to a lightweight support frame and can be easily removed for cleaning
- Variety of dimensions and wall materials including clear acrylic
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The Elevated Zero Maze is a modification of the Elevated Plus Maze model for unconditioned anxiety. Two closed
and two open equally sized opposite runways (quadrants) are mounted on a base that raises the maze above the
floor. The open runways are surrounded by small ledges to prevent the animal from falling off the maze. In
contrast to the Elevated Plus Maze, the Elevated Zero Maze does not have a center compartment thus allowing
uninterrupted exploration of the open and closed spaces. Any ambiguity in interpretation of the time spent in
a center compartment is therefore prevented.
TSE Elevated Zero Mazes for mice or rats can be used in combination with a video tracking system
(TSE VideoMot2 system) or for manual observation. We also supply mazes made from
infrared translucent material that allow animal detection in complete darkness in combination with the TSE IR
Lightbox! VideoMot2 offers a dedicated analysis protocol for this paradigm that can be produced with a mouse-click.
TSE Elevated Zero Mazes for mice or rats are also available as fully computerized systems equipped with infrared
location sensors at the entrances of the closed quadrants that can be operated regardless of the ambient light level
and are therefore especially suitable if high-anxiety animal strains are to be studied. Data collection and
analysis is done with the easy-to-use Elevated Zero Maze Windows software. Analysis parameters include open
quadrant time and number of open quadrant visits as a measure of anxiety. Total quadrant entries are used as a
measure of general activity.
Copyright © 1995 - 2009 TSE Systems International Group - All rights reserved.
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