Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
09:09
Elevated Plus Maze for Mice
Published on: December 22, 2008
[Assessment of anxiolytics (2)--An elevated plus-maze test]
1Biology Laboratory, Yamasa Corporation, Choshi, Japan.
Nihon Shinkei Seishin Yakurigaku Zasshi = Japanese Journal of Psychopharmacology
|April 1, 1995
Summary
The elevated plus-maze test reveals that rodent behavior and drug effects are influenced by maze size, particularly open arm width. Careful consideration of experimental conditions is crucial for accurate results.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Animal Behavior
Context:
- The elevated plus-maze is a common tool for assessing anxiety-like behavior in rodents.
- Rodents naturally prefer enclosed spaces, a tendency exploited by this test.
- Anxiolytic and anxiogenic drugs alter rodent exploration patterns in the maze.
Purpose:
- To investigate how variations in elevated plus-maze size affect basal rodent behavior.
- To examine the influence of maze dimensions on the detection of anxiolytic effects, using diazepam as a model drug.
Summary:
- Rodent behavior in the elevated plus-maze varied significantly with maze dimensions, especially open arm width.
- Maze size can impact the observed anxiolytic activity of drugs like diazepam.
- The elevated plus-maze is a cost-effective and straightforward method for measuring drug effects on anxiety.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the importance of standardizing maze dimensions in elevated plus-maze studies.
- Suggests that maze size optimization may be necessary for reliable drug screening.
- Acknowledges limitations, such as difficulty in detecting certain anxiolytics (e.g., serotonin receptor-acting drugs).
