Products >> Memory/Learning Products >> Shuttlebox - Active/Passive Avoidance

Shuttlebox - Active/Passive Avoidance

Features

Fusion Software Supports up to 16 Shuttle Boxes and can be used to Study both mice and rats
Both Active and Passive Avoidance Trials can be Performed.
Each shuttle box contains 2 Light and 2 Sound Sources (Conditional Stimuli) and a fully Scrambled "Constant Current" Foot Shocker ( Unconditional Stimulus)
The Sound System can Generate any Frequency (10Hz to 20,000Hz Sine Wave)
The Light, Sound and Shock Intensities are fully Adjustable via the Software
Dividing Partition has an Opening that can Open/Close Automatically via Guillotine Door
Crossing Detection uses 16 Infrared Light Beams.
Each Shuttle Box conducts its own Independent Experiment
Stagger Start/Stop Switches Integrated into each Cage
Advanced Diagnostic Utilities
Records Complete Experimental Data
Advanced Playback of Experiments
Post-Experiment Mutable Sample Duration
Comprehensive Variable List with Selectable Units
Comprehensive Security Features
Modular and Extensible Fusion Software (XP/Vista Compatible)
USB Compatible/CE Compliant

Requires

Can Be Combined With

Overview

The ShuttleBox System is fully automated for simultaneous study of up to 16 animals. The Fusion Software controls the entire experiment, processes the animal response and records/stores the results on the PC for subsequent retrieval and analysis.
Up to 16 test chambers may be connected to the PC . Each test chamber includes a scrambled foot shock, and light/sound sources on either side of cage.
Light, sound, and shock intensities are all programmable via the software. Each test chamber is completely independent , allowing different experiments to be conducted in each test chamber at the same time. Automatic detection of the subject delays the experiment start until placement in the test chamber (stagger start feature).
Real-time status display shows each test chamber, indicating side, trial number, trial type, crossings, and current time allowing remote monitoring of the subjects.

Components

The walls of the shuttle box are made of high-grade acrylic. The grid floor is suitable for application of shock. The box is bisected by a vertical partition with an opening in the middle (near the bottom) to allow the animal to move from side to side. This opening is controlled by an automated guillotine door.
Each shuttle box includes a pair of sensor panels that form a linear array of 16 infrared light beams. These light beams determine animal position and side occupied. Located on the lid of each shuttle box are two (2) light sources (LEDs) and two (2) speakers.
Note: The Speakers can generate a pure Sine Wave Tone of any Frequency (10-20,000Hz) . The shock is of the "scrambled" type, which prevents the animals from finding a "no-shock" position on the floor. The removable grid floor and catch tray allow easy access for cleaning.

Software features

A diagnostics utility is included to test all stimuli (light, sound, shock) , the optional guillotine door, as well as the Light Beams .

Parameters/Variables

Adaptation Time (seconds)
CS UCS Interval for GO Trials (seconds)
UCS (Shock) Maximum Duration (seconds)
Intertrial Interval Minimum Duration (seconds)
Intertrial Interval Maximum Duration (seconds)
Enable ITI Shock
Light Intensity (0 to 250)
Shock Intensity (0 to 2.50 mA)
Stimulus Durations
CS for GO Trial Duration
CS for NO-GO Trial Duration
CS - Same Side
CS - Opposite Side
GO / NO-GO Sequence
Number of Trials
Response Time
Escape Shock
Avoid Shock

Renderings

Shuttlebox

Photos