Open Field Protocol

General Overview
The open field test is a simple assessment used to determine general activity levels, gross locomotor activity, and exploration habits in mice. Assessment over several days allows habituation to the environment to be evaluated.

Apparatus
The open field test is a simple assessment used to determine general activity levels, gross locomotor activity and exploration habits in mice. Assessment takes place over 2-4 days in either a circular platform arena (Ø=61 cm, wall height 24 cm), or one of two square arenas (either 20.3 x 20.3cm or 40.6 x 40.6cm). The square arenas are mounted within specially designed sound attenuating shells constructed of polypropylene, and regular and expanded PVC.

Procedure
Procedures are identical on all days and are as follows: A mouse is placed in the center of the open field arena and allowed to freely move about for 20-60 minutes while being tracked by an automated tracking system. At the conclusion of each trial the surface of the arena is cleaned with 90% ethanol.