The test enables the initial exploratory activity of the animal and its variations brought about by psychotropic drugs to be unmistakably assessed. The recording of the “head plunging” stereotype takes place automatically, via miniature I.R. emitters/receivers embodied in the the board holes.
The Board, made of grey Perspex panels, is dimensioned 40x40 cm, 2.2 cm thick. The board is supported by two adjustable brackets, hinged to the bottom panel, so that the “walking platform” can be positioned from 7 to 18 cm over the table level. The test can be easily performed; it lasts few minutes and does not require any previous training of the animal.
Data can be routed to the PC via the optional Multifunction Printer: in alternative, the standard 6650 can be connected to a PC parallel port via an optional cable, to acquire the number of pokes via ANY-maze and combine them with data collected by the videotracking software.
A special model of Mouse Hole-Board is also available, with no electronics, ideal for Videotracking. The 46653 is a simple open field, dimensioned 40x40cm, with 16 holes diam 3cm, spaced 10cm apart (from center to center), enclosed in transparent (or opaque) walls. A similar model, the 46652, is also available, dimensioned 1mx1m, 35cm high, 16 holes diameter 3.8cm, to test rat exploratory behavior.