A fully automated Drosophila olfactory classical conditioning and testing system for behavioral learning and memory assessment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Aversive olfactory classical conditioning has been the standard method to assess Drosophila learning and memory behavior for decades, yet training and testing are conducted manually under exceedingly labor-intensive conditions. To overcome this severe limitation, a fully automated, inexpensive system has been developed, which allows accurate and efficient Pavlovian associative learning/memory analyses for high-throughput pharmacological and genetic studies.

New method

The automated system employs a linear actuator coupled to an odorant T-maze with airflow-mediated transfer of animals between training and testing stages. Odorant, airflow and electrical shock delivery are automatically administered and monitored during training trials. Control software allows operat

SUBMITTER: Jiang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4749449 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature