Open Field Test
jillian.seiler
Abstract
The Open Field Test is a measure of rodent anxiety-like behavior. The rodent’s natural “anxious” tendency is to spend time in the outer borders of the chamber, close to the walls; this is called thigmotaxis. A rodent exhibiting decreased anxiety will spend more time in the center of the chamber, where it is unprotected by the walls. If only measuring anxiety-like behavior, measure time spent in the outside of the field and time spent in the center of the field (in this case, “center” refers to the 33cmx33cm square shape in the center of the field). You can also use the Open Field Test to look at locomotion (distance traveled and velocity), as well as exploratory behaviors (rearing).
This protocol is adapted from Tye, et al., 2013 (doi: 10.1038/nature11740) and was originally designed to be used with optogenetic stimulation. If you are performing an Open Field Test without stimulation, you can decrease the time to 10 minutes.
Attachments
Steps
Procedure
Open Ethovision and apply necessary settings.
If not done already, swab Open Field with 70% Ethanol and let dry.
Grasp mouse lightly by the middle of the tail and place in center of the Open Field.
Press “Start” in Acquisition window of Ethovision.
When the animal has finished the test, gently remove it from the Open Field and return it to the
homecage.
Clean the Open Field with 70% Ethanol and paper towels, and continue with next animal.
Analysis
Compare time in center and time in thigmo between groups, or, if using optogenetic stimulation, compare time in center and time in thigmo across 3 minute periods.
Assess freezing behavior (time spent frozen and instances of freezing).
