Simple Odor Recognition Protocol

General Overview
This task was designed to test simple forms of nonassociative memory by assessing activity and habituation in an open field and by assessing exploration of a novel odor. In addition the novelty odor test that can be used to broadly screen for functions such as olfactory perception, olfactory driven exploration and habituation, novelty preference, and memory. Testing takes place over a 3 day period. On Days 1 and 2 mice are placed in an open field and allowed to move freely for a specified period of time. Day 3 consists of 2 sessions; during the 1st session 2 identical odor cubes are introduced and the time the mice spend exploring each in recorded. During the 2nd session one of the odor cubes changed for a new odor and the time the mice spend exploring each is again recorded.

Apparatus
Accuscan Activity Boxes using Versamax Program with Odor Cubes [Vortex™ Cube, Dale Air (Aroma by design), Lancashire, U.K.; Orange Fresh, Lemon Wild, Vanilla, and Almond] mounted in the center of the left and right walls directly about the infrared detectors.

Procedure
NOTE: Make sure to place mice in the same box on all 3 days

Day 1 (Habituation)
Place each mouse in activity box with no odor present and allow to roam freely for 30 minutes
           Clean boxes with 70% ethanol between each mouse

Day 2 (Habituation)
     Same as Day 1

Day 3 (Odor test day)

     Session A
          Affix 2 cubes of the same odor in each box on the left and right side in the center of the wall and directly above the infrared detectors using Velcro as shown below:


          Place mouse in box and allow to roam freely for 10 minutes. Then remove to homecage for 3 minutes

     Session B
           During the 3 minute interval take the odor cube from the right side of box 1 and switch it with the odor on the right side of box 2. Do the same with boxes 3 and 4 as shown below:


     After the 3 minutes interval, place each mouse in the same box it was in during session A and allow mouse to move freely about for 10 minutes. Then remove to homecage.