Open field test in rats
Veerle Baekelandt, María Sanchiz Calvo, Eduard Bentea
Abstract
Protocol for performing the open field test in rats. The open field test measures spontaneous locomotion during 5-min free exploration of an open field arena (1m x 1m), and can be used to measure hypolocomotion in animal models of Parkinson's disease. Rats with decreased nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurotransmission show decreased mobility during the open field test.
Steps
Test
Bring cages to the behavioral room for at least 1h 0m 0s prior to the test for habituation
Place rat individually in a clean open field arena (1m x 1m)
Video tape from above for 0h 5m 0s and record parameters of spontaneous activity (distance traveled, movement time, immobility) using an activity tracking software.
Clean arena with mild soap solution
