Rodent Behavior Core
Description
The UTSW Rodent Behavior Core can assist investigators in all aspects of rodent behavioral testing including the design and execution as well as the data analysis and interpretation. The core facility is equipped to perform a broad battery of behavioral tests to thoroughly phenotype overall motor and sensory function of rats and mice as well as phenotype specific behaviors that are of interest to the investigators.
Charges
The staff of the Rodent Behavior Core will perform all experiments and data analysis at a standard rate of $100/hour. The exact cost of each experiment will vary according to the number of animals, the type of behavior being assessed and the duration of the experiment. Discounts may apply if a battery of tests is requested or an extensive or ongoing project is undertaken. Please contact Dr. Shari Birnbaum for an estimate of the charges for your particular experiment.
In addition, please note that the Core does not charge per diem rates for the housing and care of laboratory animals. These rates will be charged independently by the ARC. The per diem rate for animals in NC4 is currently $0.64/cage/day for mice and $1.10/cage/day for rats.
The experimental procedures will be covered by the Behavior Core’s animal protocol so no modifications need to be made to a lab’s existing animal protocol.
Behavior Tests Available
| What you want to test |
Available Tests |
|---|---|
| Motor Function | Locomotor Activity * Rotorod Running Wheels Balance Beam Wire Hanging Digigait(Gait Analysis) Jumping Test |
| Anxiety-Related Behaviors |
Open Field Activity * |
| Depression-Related Behaviors |
Forced Swim Test (Porsolt) * |
| Addiction/Reward-Related Behaviors |
Conditioned Place Preference * (for drug or food) |
| Learning and Memory |
Morris Water Maze Task * |
| Social Interaction |
Juvenile Interaction |
| Schizophrenia-Related Behaviors |
Haldol Induced Catalepsy |
| Pain/Analgesia |
Foot-shock Sensitivity |
* Available for both rats and mice