The Concentric Square Field Test for monitoring behavioral
profiles in AA and ANA rats
E. Roman1, M. Berg1, P. Hyytiä2, B.J. Meyerson3 and I. Nylander1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Bioscience, Division of Pharmacology,
Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
2Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, National Public Health
Institute, Helsinki, Finland
3Department of Neuroscience, Division of Pharmacology, Uppsala University,
Uppsala, Sweden
The ethanol-preferring AA (Alko, Alcohol) and ethanol-avoiding ANA (Alko,
Non-Alcohol) rats are selectively bred for high and low voluntary ethanol
intake, respectively. Beside the differences in voluntary ethanol intake
there exists behavioral differences where the AA rats are considered to
be less emotionally reactive. The aim of the present experiment was to
use a battery of behavioral tests in order to further compare the behavioral
profiles in these two lines of rats. Adult male AA and ANA rats (12 rats/group)
were used. The test battery consisted of the Concentric Square Field (CSF)
test and the more traditional Open Field (OF) and Elevated Plus-Maze (EPM)
tests. The rats did not have previous experience of the test arenas. The
CSF test provides multiple areas with different physical design for the
animal to explore. The idea underlying this test is that the various areas
should provide different elements of risk versus shelter and explorative
incentives. Behavioral differences were detected in both the OF and the
EPM test. The multivariate CSF test provided a more comprehensive analysis
with special regard to approach/avoidance patterns associated with risk
assessment and risk taking. The ANA rats were characterized by a higher
explorative activity and differed clearly from the AA males in their approach/avoidance
pattern as to open versus sheltered areas indicating a difference between
the two lines in risk assessment and risk taking strategies. From a methodological
point of view it is concluded that the CSF test arena provides an interesting
complement to the OF and EPM tests.
Paper presented
at Measuring Behavior 2005
, 5th International Conference on Methods and Techniques
in Behavioral Research, 30 August - 2 September 2005, Wageningen, The
Netherlands.
© 2005 Noldus
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