Related Experiment Videos
Drug self-administration in head-fixed mice
Elizabeth M Doncheck1,2,3, Rachel E Clarke1,4, Adam G Gordon5,6
1Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
Nature Protocols
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a head-restrained mouse model for drug self-administration, advancing addiction research and neurotechnology integration. This method offers a standardized protocol for studying the neurobiology of addiction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Drug self-administration models are crucial for understanding substance use disorder and addiction.
- Traditional methods using freely moving animals limit the integration of advanced neurotechnologies.
- Head restraint is often necessary for novel neuroimaging and electrophysiology techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a detailed, step-by-step protocol for head-restrained drug and nondrug self-administration in mice.
- To validate a novel experimental approach for addiction research.
- To facilitate the integration of head-fixed neurotechnologies with self-administration paradigms.
Main Methods:
- Development and validation of a head-restrained setup for mice.
- Detailed protocol covering custom equipment, open-source software, and catheter implantation.
- Adaptation of intravenous and oral self-administration techniques for head-fixed subjects.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation and validation of head-restrained self-administration in mice.
- Demonstration of feasibility for both drug and nondrug rewards.
- The protocol is designed to be a standalone guide for researchers.
Conclusions:
- Head-restrained self-administration provides a powerful preclinical model for addiction research.
- This approach overcomes limitations of traditional methods, enabling new technological integrations.
- The detailed protocol ensures accessibility and reproducibility for a broad range of researchers.