Habituation and dishabituation (olfaction test)
Ariadna Laguna, Miquel Vila, Núria Peñuelas, Marina Lorente Picón
Abstract
Habituation and dishabituation (olfaction test) for mice
Steps
Individualize each mouse in a different cage with new bedding.
Present one cotton swab to the animal for object habituation for 10 min.
Present a second swab impregnated with water for 3 min.
Measure the number of times the animal goes towards the second cotton swab and the time the animal spends sniffing it.
Present a third swab impregnated with lemon essence (Essenciales) for 3 min.
Measure the number of times the animal goes towards the third cotton swab and the time the animal spends sniffing it.
Calculate the discrimination index (DI) according to the formula: (Time exploring lemon essence – Time exploring water) / (Time exploring lemon essence + Time exploring water).
