Opto-Avoidance-Elevated Plus Maze protocol to study positive or negative valence upon optogenetic stimulation in the mouse brain

Summary: The elevated plus maze (EPM) apparatus consists of two open arms that provide aversive spaces and two closed arms that provide protective and welcoming spaces. Here, we present a protocol to implement the classical EPM apparatus in a real-time optogenetic environment to address behavioral a...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Gian Pietro Serra, François Georges, Åsa Wallén-Mackenzie
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-12-01
Series:STAR Protocols
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666166724006397
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Summary:Summary: The elevated plus maze (EPM) apparatus consists of two open arms that provide aversive spaces and two closed arms that provide protective and welcoming spaces. Here, we present a protocol to implement the classical EPM apparatus in a real-time optogenetic environment to address behavioral avoidance in mice. We describe steps for performing stereotaxic surgery, mouse manipulation, and experimental setup. Finally, we detail the procedures required for the Opto-Avoidance-EPM test in which the naturally preferred closed arms are selectively paired with optogenetic stimulation.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Serra et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.
ISSN:2666-1667