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gustatory
behavioral analysis
We utilize the MS-160 'Davis Rig' manufactured by
DiLog Instruments, Inc. to measure licking responses during
short-term taste stimulus access.
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The Davis MS-160 Davis Rig (shown right) allows
automated
presentations of up to 16 different taste stimuli while collecting
measurements
of animals' behavioral responses at a resolution of 1 ms. Data analysis programs include examination of
cumulative licks, latency
until first lick, interlick interval, and rate of licking.
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The Davis Rig uses a
customized
computer program to control the order of stimuli,
the time between each stimulus, and the length of the stimulus
presentation.
The acoustic isolation chamber housing the Davis Rig contains
air circulation fans, a white noise generator, and a
web-based camera
to
allow observation of the animal during testing. |
A
rat waits for the shutter to open presenting a taste stimulus.
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The shutter in
the open position allows access to one of sixteen bottle spouts. |
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View a video clip
of a rat responding in the Davis Rig.
We utilize the AC-108 lickometer manufactured by DiLog Instruments, Inc. to measure licking responses during
long-term taste stimulus access. |
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The AC-108 is an 8-channel lickometer capable of recording the
licking behavior of rats for up to 24 hours. The 8 lickometers can
be installed in single cages allowing testing of a single solution
for 8 rats at a time or the lickometers can be installed 2 per cage
to allow 2-bottle data collection for 4 rats at a time. The time of
each lick made by a rat is recorded with a 1 microsecond resolution.
Custom software allows microanalysis of the licking behavior. The
microanalysis can be used to identify licking behaviors associated
with taste-mediated cues such as lick rate and number of licks
within a burst or licking behaviors typically associated with
post-ingestive cues such as licks per meal and meal durations.
View a video
clip of a rat being tested in the AC-108. |
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surgery
& histology laboratory |
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The surgery / histology suite is equipped with three
computers, five WiFi laptops, four dissecting
microscopes, and two small animal surgery stations.
Two externally vented fume hoods provide protection
when working with hazardous or volatile chemicals. |
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Two adjacent rooms provide
dedicated chemical storage and chemical preparation areas
equipped with Mettler balances, micropipetters, mixing &
heating stations, double-lock narcotics safe, and
refrigeration / subzero freezer access.
electrophysiological recording laboratory
In 2005, a
state-of-the-art electrophysiological recording rig was added to
the neuroscience laboratory.
The system is capable of recording integrated whole nerve
responses and single nerve fiber responses as well as multi-unit
and single-unit neuron responses in peripheral ganglion or the
central nervous system.
The
electrophysiological recording equipment includes: a
floating tabletop, homeothermic temperature regulation,
cautery,
air turbine drill, aspirator, surgical tools,
dissecting scope
with camera, microdrive manipulator, differential amplifier,
micro1401 & spike digital acquisition system, a
DELL CPU, 19"
LCD screen with PIP for CPU & scope camera dual display, and a
custom stimulus delivery system.
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