Automated Mouse Maze Advisor Dr Michael Mc Donald

Automated Mouse Maze Advisor: Dr. Michael Mc. Donald Matthew Nichols Anand Krishnan

Original T Maze Concept n n Protocol developed by a student of Tom Walsh in 1987 Used male rats

Using to Mice n Mice do not like to be touched n Learn that if they just sit there, they will not be handled as often n This is BAD

Automating Maze n Use computers to run test n Mouse will only need to be handled to start and stop the trials n Frees up the researcher during long tests

Maze Construction and Design n Use standard personal computer to control maze n Maze will use commercially available parts n Only truly custom part is the software

Maze Design

Four Operating Modes n Habituation period n Original T maze test n Modified T maze test n Differential Outcome

Habituation Period n All doors are open n Mouse is set in the maze and allowed to run free n Mouse learns to feel comfortable

Original T Maze Test n n Starts Stem with left arm closed Gets food from the right arm Mouse is returned to the stem All doors are open and the mouse must go to left arm

Modified T Maze Test n n n Right Arm, Stem, Left Arm, Stem, Right Arm, Stem, … If mouse chooses wrong path no need to reset. No need to wait for mouse to return to start

Differential Outcome n Mouse starts in the stem n Different Stimuli is in left or right arm n Mouse must choose

Final Product n 1 computer controls multiple mazes n Any new modality would only require a software upgrade n Data is storable in. CSV file