The Zantiks AD unit can be used as an operant chamber for mice, as well as for other studies. The Zantiks LT unit, a larger scale version of the Zantiks AD unit with similar functionality, can be used for open field and novel object studies.
Both the Zantiks AD and Zantiks LT units have a base screen and an optional side screen to present visual stimuli, as well as providing the environment needed for reliable tracking of the animal.
Mouse, a model organism
Mice are used for research modelling human behaviour under physiological and pathological conditions, for screening therapeutic agents and for toxicology studies.
Many features at the anatomical, cellular and molecular level are common to mouse and humans. The mouse also shares many brain functions with humans, such as hunger, circadian rhythm, aggression, memory, sexual behaviour and emotional responses. In addition, more than 90% of the mouse and human genes are syntenic and nearly 99% of human genes have mouse equivalents.
Behavioural assays
Zantiks units can be used for various behavioural studies in mice.
- 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT)
- Light/Dark Transition test
- Object recognition task
- Open field
- Passive avoidance
- Rodent continuous performance test (rCPT)
- Trial-unique, delayed nonmatching-to-location (TUNL)
- Two-choice discrimination task
- Y-maze spontaneous alternation
- Fear conditioning
Zantiks AD - mouse exploring 5-choice chamber
Zantiks LT - mouse during a Y-maze assay
Zantiks AD - mouse during a two-choice assay with visual stimuli on a side screen
Zantiks LT - mouse during a light/dark test
Zantiks LT - timelapse video of mouse in fear conditioning cage with overhead and side view. Video courtesy of Paul Marshall, Australian National University
