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Opto-Avoidance-Elevated Plus Maze protocol to study positive or negative valence upon optogenetic stimulation in the
Gian Pietro Serra1, François Georges2, Åsa Wallén-Mackenzie3
1Uppsala University, Department of Organism Biology, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
STAR Protocols
|December 7, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a new method combining the elevated plus maze (EPM) with optogenetics to study mouse behavior. The Opto-Avoidance-EPM test uses light stimulation to influence mouse choices in the maze.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Animal Models
Background:
- The elevated plus maze (EPM) is a standard tool for assessing anxiety-like behavior in rodents.
- Traditional EPM studies lack precise control over the aversive or protective qualities of maze arms.
- Optogenetics offers a powerful method to manipulate neural activity with high temporal and spatial resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a protocol for integrating optogenetics with the EPM apparatus.
- To develop a method for precisely controlling behavioral avoidance in mice using real-time optogenetic stimulation.
- To introduce the Opto-Avoidance-EPM test for detailed behavioral analysis.
Main Methods:
- Stereotaxic surgery for targeted viral vector delivery and fiber implantation.
- Mouse handling and habituation protocols for optogenetic experiments.
- Real-time optogenetic stimulation paired with EPM testing to modulate arm preference.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of optogenetic control within the EPM environment.
- Demonstration of selective pairing of optogenetic stimulation with the preferred closed arms.
- Quantification of behavioral avoidance changes induced by optogenetic manipulation.
Conclusions:
- The Opto-Avoidance-EPM protocol provides a novel and precise tool for studying behavioral avoidance.
- This method allows for the direct manipulation of neural circuits influencing spatial preference and anxiety.
- The integrated approach enhances the understanding of the neural underpinnings of avoidance behaviors.
