Startle Response

The fully computerized TSE Startle Response/PPI test system is designed for accurate and reliable determination of the startle reflex and investigation of sensorimotor gating in rodents, for example in schizophrenia research. In "PPI" (pre-pulse inhibition) experiments a weak pre-pulse is followed by the startle stimulus inducing a reduced startle response.

Animals are restrained in small cages restricting major movements and placed on species-specific measuring platforms with integrated high-precision sensors in sound-attenuating isolated cabinets. The flexible software package allows the creation of user-defined protocols including complex "pre-pulse" designs. Reaction time, i.e. response latency, and startle amplitude for each trial are presented in results tables. Graphs allow the performance of several animals to be compared.

• Pair of high-performance loudspeakers for sine sound and noise generation with up to 130dB startle intensity
• Acoustic pre-pulse and startle stimulus generation with computer-controlled amplitude and frequency setting
• Optional air puff components for tactile startle experiments
• Suitable for fear-potentiated and light-enhanced startle trials