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Updated: Jun 12, 2025
Optogenetic Manipulation of Neuronal Activity to Modulate Behavior in Freely Moving Mice
Published on: October 27, 2020
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.
Abstract:
The elevated plus maze (EPM) apparatus consists of two open arms that provide aversive spaces and two closed arms that provide protective and welcoming spaces. Here, we present a protocol to implement the classical EPM apparatus in a real-time optogenetic environment to address behavioral avoidance in mice. We describe steps for performing stereotaxic surgery, mouse manipulation, and experimental setup. Finally, we detail the procedures required for the Opto-Avoidance-EPM test in which the naturally preferred closed arms are selectively paired with optogenetic stimulation. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Serra et al.1.
