A circular runway for detecting spatial learning and memory abilities of small animals

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of animal learning ability testing, in particular to a ring-shaped runway for detecting the space learning and memory ability of small animals, which comprises a ring-shaped bottom plate, an inner baffle is arranged on one side of the inner ring of the ring-shaped bottom plate, an outer baffle is arranged on one side of the outer ring of the ring-shaped bottom plate, an experimental area for placing experimental objects is arranged on the ring-shaped bottom plate, and a water drinking area for water drinking of research objects is arranged on the ring-shaped bottom plate. The application has the beneficial effect that in the behavioral study of animal space memory, the application can reduce the information interference suffered by the research objects and can truly reflect the space memory of the research objects under normal conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal learning ability testing technology, and in particular to a circular track for testing the spatial learning and memory abilities of small animals. Background Technology

[0002] The most widely used mazes in animal spatial memory behavior studies include water mazes, open fields, cross mazes, Y mazes, Barnes mazes, pentagonal mazes, and eight-armed mazes, with mice being a common research subject.

[0003] A significant problem with the aforementioned types of mazes is the presence of substantial information interference throughout the maze. For example, the Y-maze contains many corners, making it impossible to determine what environmental information a mouse perceives at different locations within the maze. If we simultaneously record the mouse's brain electrical or fluorescent signals, these signals could originate from the mouse seeing distant corners or other nearby environmental stimuli. Therefore, it is impossible to definitively determine which environmental morphology the mouse's electrical and optical signals are responding to at any given moment, because we cannot ascertain the spatial memory stimulus the mouse is receiving at that instant.

[0004] In related technologies, in order to accurately control the environmental information received by mice, experiments can be conducted by fixing the mouse's head and playing a pre-recorded video to control the environmental information it receives. This method can indeed strictly control the spatial memory stimuli it receives, but this method cannot be performed on freely moving mice, so it still cannot truly reflect the spatial memory of mice.

[0005] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is how to reduce information interference to research subjects during memory studies and accurately reflect their spatial memory. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a circular track for detecting the spatial learning and memory abilities of small animals. In animal spatial memory behavioral research, this track can reduce information interference to the research subjects and accurately reflect the spatial memory of the research subjects under normal conditions.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a circular track for detecting the spatial learning and memory abilities of small animals, comprising a circular base plate, an inner baffle plate on one side of the inner ring of the circular base plate, an outer baffle plate on one side of the outer ring of the circular base plate, an experimental area for placing experimental objects on the circular base plate, and a drinking area for the research subjects to drink water on the circular base plate.

[0008] In practical application, this invention uses mice as research subjects. The mice can run within a circular track formed by a ring-shaped base, inner baffles, and outer baffles. Because the circular track has no corners, the visual cues seen by the mice at all positions are consistent, reducing environmental interference. Therefore, when an experimental object significantly different from the background is placed in the experimental area, the mouse's visual cues are limited to that object. Furthermore, because the maze is circular, the mouse can only see a small area in front of it. Thus, the mouse can only see the experimental object when it enters the experimental area, precisely pinpointing the moment when the mouse receives the visual stimulus from the experimental object. Therefore, when a mouse enters the experimental area and its brain electrical or optical signals are recorded, it can be determined that the mouse's electrical or optical signals correspond to that specific experimental object, rather than being caused by other environmental interference.

[0009] Furthermore, the drinking water area is equipped with a one-way door, a water inlet, a through-beam detector, and a water supply control device. The water inlet and the through-beam detector are distributed on both sides of the one-way door. The signal receiving end of the water supply control device and the signal transmitting end of the through-beam detector are electrically connected. The water supply control device supplies water to the water inlet according to the signal from the through-beam detector.

[0010] By employing the above technical solution, the one-way gate only allows the mouse to move from the side of the one-way gate closest to the through-beam detector to the side closest to the water inlet. During the experiment, when the through-beam detector detects the mouse passing by, it sends a signal to the water supply control device, which then supplies water to the inlet. After passing through the one-way gate, the mouse can drink at the inlet. At this point, the one-way gate closes, and the mouse cannot return along the same path. The mouse must run another lap along the circular track to complete its next watering attempt. This design prevents the mouse from becoming bored and stopping moving within the circular track, ensuring the successful completion of the spatial memory test. Furthermore, this method allows for control of the mouse's direction of movement on the circular track.

[0011] Furthermore, the one-way door is rotatably mounted on the side of the outer baffle close to the inner baffle. A limit block is provided on the side of the outer baffle close to the inner baffle. The limit block is located on the side of the one-way door close to the through-beam detector. A tension spring is connected to the side of the one-way door close to the through-beam detector. The side of the tension spring away from the one-way door is connected to the outer baffle.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, in the natural state, the one-way door and the limiting block remain in contact under the action of the tension spring. During the process of the mouse passing through the one-way door, the mouse will drive the one-way door to rotate. After the mouse passes through the one-way door, the tension spring will drive the one-way door to automatically reset. At this time, the mouse cannot pass through the one-way door in the opposite direction. The one-way passage function of the one-way door is realized in this way.

[0013] Furthermore, the water supply control device includes a water supply controller, a water supply pipe, and a solenoid valve. The water supply pipe supplies water to the water inlet. The solenoid valve is installed on the water supply pipe. The signal receiving end of the water supply controller is electrically connected to the signal transmitting end of the through-beam detector. The control end of the water supply controller is electrically connected to the electrical control end of the solenoid valve.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, when the through-beam detector detects a mouse passing by, the through-beam detector sends a signal to the water supply controller, which controls the solenoid valve to open, so that the water supply pipe delivers water to the water inlet. When the signal from the through-beam detector is disconnected, the water supply controller controls the solenoid valve to close. In this way, intermittent water supply to the water inlet can be achieved.

[0015] Furthermore, a camera is installed on the experimental object in the experimental area.

[0016] By employing the above technical solution, once the mouse enters the experimental area, the camera can capture images of the mouse, confirming the moment of its entry. By comparing the moment of entry with the moment of electrical or optical signal generation in the mouse's brain, it can be determined that the mouse's electrical or optical signals correspond to this specific experimental object and are not caused by other environmental interference. The camera serves a verification function, improving the accuracy of the test.

[0017] Furthermore, the annular base plate and the inner baffle are integrally connected, and the annular base plate and the outer baffle are integrally connected.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the integrated structure gives the circular track high stability, making it less likely for mice to damage the track during running, thus improving the track's service life.

[0019] Furthermore, the inner baffle includes multiple inner splicing arc-shaped plates, and the outer baffle includes multiple outer splicing arc-shaped plates. The inner splicing arc-shaped plates and the outer splicing arc-shaped plates are configured to cooperate with each other. The cooperating inner splicing arc-shaped plates and the outer splicing arc-shaped plates are connected to each other. The top surface of the inner splicing arc-shaped plate abuts against the top surface of the annular base plate, and the outer splicing arc-shaped plate abuts against the outer side surface of the annular base plate. An mounting circular plate is provided on the inner side of the annular base plate. The outer peripheral wall of the mounting circular plate fits against the inner peripheral wall of the annular base plate. Multiple telescopic cylinders are provided on the mounting circular plate. The multiple telescopic cylinders are arranged in a circumferential array. The telescopic shaft of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the inner splicing arc-shaped plate, and the telescopic cylinders and the inner splicing arc-shaped plates are configured to cooperate with each other.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the outer and inner baffles are separate structures. When the outer or inner baffle is partially damaged, only the outer or inner splicing arc plate at the damaged location needs to be replaced, reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, after long-term use, the circular track will accumulate mouse feces, hair, and other debris. In this case, controlling the retraction of the corresponding telescopic cylinder causes the inner splicing arc plate to move outward, scraping the debris from the surface of the circular base plate to the outer area of ​​the circular track. Then, the telescopic cylinder drives the outer and inner splicing arc plates to reset. When the outer splicing arc plate and the inner wall of the circular base plate are in contact, multiple inner splicing arc plates also remain in contact, thus completing the reset. This structure reduces maintenance costs and also provides a cleaning function. It can also be used to clean areas in the mouse's visual blind spots during experiments.

[0021] Furthermore, a storage ring is sleeved on the outer side of the annular base plate, and the top surface of the storage ring is lower than the top surface of the annular base plate.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the inner splicing arc plate can push the garbage on the top surface of the annular base plate to the storage ring for storage, which facilitates subsequent unified cleaning.

[0023] Furthermore, a pusher portion is formed at the bottom of the inner splicing arc plate, and the pusher portion protrudes towards one side of the outer splicing arc plate.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the pusher section makes it easier to push the garbage on the top of the annular bottom plate when the inner spliced ​​arc plate cleans the top surface of the annular bottom plate, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0025] Furthermore, the angle between the drinking area and the experimental area on the annular base plate is within the range of 90°. ～ 180°.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, when the mouse stays in the drinking area, it cannot observe the experimental area, and when the mouse stays in the experimental area, it cannot observe the drinking area. This method can reduce the possibility of mutual interference between the drinking area and the experimental area during the experiment, and can ensure the accuracy of the experimental results.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0028] 1. The circular track formed by the annular base plate, inner baffle, and outer baffle of this invention allows mice to run within it. Since the circular track has no corners, the visual cues seen by the mice at all positions are consistent, reducing environmental interference. Therefore, when an experimental object significantly different from the background is placed in the experimental area, the mouse will only notice the placed experimental object as a visual cue. Furthermore, because the maze is circular, the mouse can only see a small area in front of it, so it can only see the experimental object when it enters the experimental area. This precisely pinpoints the moment when the mouse receives the visual stimulus from the experimental object. Therefore, when a mouse enters the experimental area and behavioral studies simultaneously record the electrical or optical signals in the mouse's brain regions, it can be determined that the mouse's electrical or optical signals correspond to that specific experimental object, rather than being caused by other environmental interference.

[0029] 2. This invention incorporates a one-way gate, a water inlet, a beam detector, and a water supply control device at the drinking area. During the experiment, when the beam detector detects a mouse passing by, it sends a signal to the water supply control device, which then supplies water to the inlet. After passing through the one-way gate, the mouse can drink at the inlet. The one-way gate then closes, preventing the mouse from returning. The mouse must run another lap around the circular track to complete its next drinking session. This design reduces the likelihood of the mouse becoming bored and stopping on the circular track, ensuring the successful completion of the spatial memory test.

[0030] 3. This invention sets the angle between the drinking area and the experimental area on the base plate to 100°. ～ A 180° angle is used to reduce the possibility of interference between the drinking and experimental areas during the experiment, ensuring the accuracy of the experimental results. When the mouse is in the drinking area, it cannot observe the experimental area, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a circular track used to detect the spatial learning and memory abilities of small animals, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a circular running track drinking area for detecting the spatial learning and memory abilities of small animals, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of a circular track used to detect the spatial learning and memory abilities of small animals, according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning status of a circular track used to detect the spatial learning and memory abilities of small animals, according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Sectional view along the middle AA.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a circular track used to detect the spatial learning and memory abilities of small animals, according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0038] The attached diagrams are labeled as follows: 001, experimental object; 1, annular base plate; 2, inner baffle; 21, inner spliced ​​arc plate; 211, pusher; 3, outer baffle; 31, outer spliced ​​arc plate; 4, experimental area; 5, drinking water area; 6, one-way door; 7, water inlet; 8, through-beam detector; 9, water supply control device; 91, water supply controller; 92, water supply pipe; 93, solenoid valve; 10, limit block; 11, tension spring; 12, connecting plate; 13, storage ring; 14, mounting circular plate; 15, telescopic cylinder; 16, camera. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Of course, the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0040] Example 1:

[0041] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention provides a technical solution for a circular track for detecting the spatial learning and memory abilities of small animals, comprising a circular base plate 1, an inner baffle 2 on one side of the inner ring of the circular base plate 1, and an outer baffle 3 on one side of the outer ring of the circular base plate 1, the inner baffle 2 and the outer baffle 3 enclosing the inner and outer sides of the circular base plate 1. An experimental area 4 for placing experimental objects 001 is provided on the circular base plate 1, and a drinking area 5 for the research subjects to drink water is provided on the circular base plate 1. In this embodiment, the circular base plate 1 and the inner baffle 2 are integrally connected, and the circular base plate 1 and the outer baffle 3 are integrally connected, together forming a circular track.

[0042] For ease of description, the following descriptions use mice as experimental subjects, but the experimental subjects are not limited to mice and can also be other animals.

[0043] During the experiment, mice ran within a circular track formed by a circular base plate 1, an inner baffle 2, and an outer baffle 3. Since the circular track had no corners, the visual cues seen by the mice at all positions were consistent, reducing environmental interference. Therefore, when an experimental object 001, significantly different from the background, was placed in experimental area 4, the only visual cue the mouse noticed was the placed experimental object 001. Furthermore, because the maze was circular, the mouse could only see a small area in front of it. Thus, the mouse could only see experimental object 001 when it entered experimental area 4, precisely pinpointing the moment when the mouse received the visual stimulus of experimental object 001. Therefore, when the mouse entered experimental area 4, and behavioral studies simultaneously recorded the electrical or optical signals in the mouse's brain regions, it could be determined that the mouse's electrical or optical signals corresponded to this single experimental object 001, rather than being caused by other environmental interference.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The drinking water area is equipped with five one-way doors (6), water inlets (7), through-beam detectors (8), and water supply control devices (9). Water inlets (7) are located on the annular base plate (1) and are used for water storage. The transmitter and receiver of the through-beam detectors (8) are respectively installed on the inner baffle (2) and outer baffle (3). The one-way doors (6) are rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the outer baffle (3) and are used for one-way sealing of the annular track. Water inlets (7) and through-beam detectors (8) are located on either side of the one-way doors (6).

[0045] Specifically, a limit block 10 is fixed on the inner wall of the outer baffle 3. The limit block 10 is located on the side of the one-way door 6 near the beam detector 8. A tension spring 11 is provided on the side of the one-way door 6 near the limit block 10. The two ends of the tension spring 11 are respectively connected to the one-way door 6 and the outer baffle 3. In the natural state, under the action of the tension spring 11, the one-way door 6 and the limit block 10 remain in abutment, and at this time the one-way door 6 blocks the circular track.

[0046] Reference Figure 2 The water supply control device 9 includes a water supply controller 91, a water supply pipe 92, and a solenoid valve 93. The water supply pipe 92 supplies water to the water inlet 7. The solenoid valve 93 is installed on the water supply pipe 92. The signal receiving end of the water supply controller 91 is electrically connected to the signal transmitting end of the through-beam detector 8. The control end of the water supply controller 91 is electrically connected to the electrical control end of the solenoid valve 93.

[0047] The one-way gate 6 only allows mice to move from the side of the one-way gate 6 closest to the through-beam detector 8 to the side closest to the water inlet 7. During the experiment, when the through-beam detector 8 detects a mouse passing by, it sends a signal to the water supply controller 91. The water supply controller 91 then controls the solenoid valve 93 to open, allowing water to flow from the water pipe 92 towards the water inlet 7. When the signal from the through-beam detector 8 is lost, the water supply controller 91 controls the solenoid valve 93 to close. This method enables intermittent water supply to the water inlet 7. After passing through the one-way gate 6, the mouse can drink at the water inlet 7. At this point, the one-way gate 6 automatically closes under the action of the tension spring 11, preventing the mouse from returning along the same path. The mouse must run another lap around the circular track to drink again. This design reduces the likelihood of the mouse stopping due to boredom, ensuring the successful completion of the spatial memory test. Furthermore, this method allows control over the direction of the mouse's movement on the circular track.

[0048] It should be added that, in this embodiment, the central angle between the drinking area 5 and the experimental area 4 on the annular base plate 1 ranges from 100° to 180°. When the mouse stays in the drinking area 5, the mouse cannot observe the experimental area 4. When the mouse stays in the experimental area 4, the mouse cannot observe the drinking area 5. This method can reduce the possibility of mutual interference between the drinking area 5 and the experimental area 4 during the experiment, and can ensure the accuracy of the experimental results.

[0049] It should be added that this device is used to test the memory abilities of laboratory animals. Spatial memory can be achieved through the memorization of many cues. For example, common spatial memory cues include "spatial reference memory (establishing a reference frame by using a fixed landmark at a distance in the environment, and then placing nearby objects into this reference frame based on their positional relationship with the distant landmark)", "inter-object relationships (for example, if there are two objects in the experiment, the animal can remember these two objects based on their relative positional relationship)", "self-navigation cues (for example, after the experiment begins, no matter where the animal is placed in the experimental device, the subject's object is always in the position where the animal first turns right, moves straight, and then turns left; the animal can remember the object by remembering this relationship with its own movement)", and "olfactory navigation cues (judging one's own position based on olfactory cues in the environment)". For spatial memory researchers, evaluating the quality of spatial memory research largely depends on whether the behavioral design excludes interference from other cues.

[0050] In this specific example, a circular track can be placed on a turntable. The device offers several methods for targeted study of the different clues mentioned above.

[0051] For "spatial reference memory", some conspicuous markers can be placed outside the device to induce spatial reference memory in animals. The circular track can be made rotatable, and by rotating the track, the initial position of the animal and the drinking area 5 can be changed continuously, while the experimental area 4 remains unchanged relative to the environmental markers. Specifically, the experimental object 001 can be fixed by suspension to ensure that the experimental object 001 does not move. In this way, the animal can develop spatial reference memory for the object in the experimental area 4, and the brain activity can be recorded each time the animal moves to the object and develops spatial reference memory.

[0052] The "clues of inter-object relationships" can be manipulated by changing the positions of experimental area 4 and drinking area 5. During the experiment, conspicuous markers are placed at the far end of the device. The circular track can be made rotatable. Then, the track is rotated periodically during the experiment, while maintaining the relative positions of drinking area 5 and experimental area 4. Specifically, experimental object 001 can be placed on the track to ensure synchronous rotation. In this way, the animal's memory of experimental area 4 relies solely on its relative position to drinking area 5. With the aid of EEG recording, the specific brainwaves observed when the animal memorizes using "clues of inter-object relationships" can be determined.

[0053] For "self-navigation cues", the relationship between experimental area 4 and the animal's initial placement position can be kept unchanged, allowing the animal to memorize the spatial information of the object through "self-navigation cues". Then, EEG recording can be used to judge the EEG activity when the animal navigates using "self-navigation cues".

[0054] Regarding olfactory navigation cues, we generally aim to eliminate their interference. Animals generate olfactory cues by urinating at different locations in their environment during spatial navigation, leading to olfactory-dependent navigational activities when they subsequently move to those locations. There are two ways to eliminate this interference. First, by applying a rich and uniform olfactory scent throughout the space, the odor markers produced by the animal's urine can be masked, thus eliminating the interference. Second, the device can be modified to use an "underwater circular track," placing the entire device in shallow water to mask the odor markers produced by the animal. The method of driving the animal's continuous movement can be changed to feeding; after each lap in the water, the animal enters a "feeding area" where food is provided. Hungry animals are then placed in the circular track, where they will continuously run to obtain food. Because the olfactory cues are masked by the water, interference from olfactory cues can be eliminated when recording spatial memory using electroencephalography (EEG).

[0055] It is understandable that different animal species have different spatial memory abilities. Sometimes we want the animal's memory of experimental area 4 to be unaffected by its relative position to drinking area 5. In this case, we can appropriately increase the diameter of the circular track. When the diameter is large enough, experimental area 4 and drinking area 5 will be far apart, and the animal will no longer associate drinking area 5 with experimental area 4. This way, we can eliminate the influence of the relative position of drinking area 5 and experimental area 4 on the EEG data collected from experimental area 4.

[0056] The implementation principle of a circular track for detecting spatial learning and memory abilities in small animals, as described in Embodiment 1 of this invention, is as follows: During the experiment, mice can run within a circular track formed by a circular base plate 1, an inner baffle 2, and an outer baffle 3. Since the circular track has no corners, the visual cues seen by the mice at each position are consistent, reducing environmental interference. Therefore, when an experimental object 001, significantly different from the background, is placed in experimental area 4, the only visual cue the mouse notices is the placed experimental object 001. Furthermore, because the maze is circular, the mouse can only see a small area in front of it. Thus, the mouse can only see the experimental object 001 when it enters experimental area 4, accurately pinpointing the moment when the mouse receives the visual stimulus of the experimental object 001. Therefore, when the mouse enters experimental area 4, and behavioral studies simultaneously record the electrical or optical signals in the mouse's brain regions, it can be determined that the mouse's electrical or optical signals correspond to this single experimental object 001, rather than being caused by other environmental interference.

[0057] Example 2:

[0058] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the inner baffle 2 and the outer baffle 3 adopt a spliced ​​structure. The inner baffle 2 includes four inner spliced ​​arc-shaped plates 21, which abut together end to end in sequence. The outer baffle 3 includes four outer spliced ​​arc-shaped plates 31, which abut together end to end in sequence. The inner spliced ​​arc-shaped plates 21 and the outer spliced ​​arc-shaped plates 31 are arranged in a one-to-one manner, and the mutually cooperating inner spliced ​​arc-shaped plates 21 and outer spliced ​​arc-shaped plates 31 are connected by a connecting plate 12. The connecting plate 12 can be detachably connected to the top of the inner spliced ​​arc-shaped plates 21 and the outer spliced ​​arc-shaped plates 31 by bolts. The top surfaces of the inner splicing arc plate 21 and the annular base plate 1 abut against each other, and the outer splicing arc plate 31 abuts against the outer peripheral side wall of the annular base plate 1. The bottom of the inner splicing arc plate 21 forms a pusher 211, which protrudes towards the side of the outer splicing arc plate 31. The inner splicing arc plate 21 can be used as a cleaning device.

[0059] A storage ring 13 is fitted onto the outer side of the annular base plate 1, with the inner circumferential wall of the storage ring 13 fitting against the outer circumferential wall of the annular base plate 1. The top surface of the storage ring 13 is lower than the top surface of the annular base plate 1, and also lower than the bottom surface of the outer splicing arc plate 31. An arc-shaped groove is formed at the top of the storage ring 13 for storing waste. A mounting circular plate 14 is snapped onto the inner side of the annular base plate 1, with the outer circumferential wall of the mounting circular plate 14 fitting against the inner circumferential wall of the annular base plate 1. The annular base plate 1, the storage ring 13, and the mounting circular plate 14 remain coaxial. Four telescopic cylinders 15 are detachably mounted on the mounting circular plate 14 via bolts. The four telescopic cylinders 15 are arranged in a circular array, and the piston ends of the four telescopic cylinders 15 are respectively connected to the four inner splicing arc plates 21.

[0060] During long-term use, mouse feces and hair easily accumulate on the top surface of the circular base plate 1, especially at the edges, making it difficult to clean. In this case, controlling the extension of the corresponding telescopic cylinder 15 causes the inner arc-shaped plate 21 to move outwards, pushing the debris with the pusher 211 until it is temporarily stored in the lower storage ring 13 for later cleaning. Afterwards, the telescopic cylinder 15 resets the outer arc-shaped plate 31 and the inner arc-shaped plate 21. When the inner arc-shaped plate 21 and the inner wall of the circular base plate 1 are in contact, all inner arc-shaped plates 21 remain in contact, completing the reset. Furthermore, this method can also be used to clean areas in the mouse's visual blind spot during experiments, minimizing disturbance to the mice.

[0061] It should be added that, since the inner splicing arc plate 21 cannot clean the top surface of the annular base plate 1 completely, there will be cleaning dead corners. When the inner splicing arc plate 21 cleans the annular base plate 1, a brush can be used manually to clean the garbage in the cleaning dead corners, so that the garbage falls from the gap between the outer splicing arc plate 31 and the annular base plate 1 into the storage ring 13.

[0062] Understandably, when the circular track is in the spliced ​​state, the outer splicing arc plate 31 and the inner splicing arc plate 21 will surround the edge of the circular base plate 1, so the edge of the circular base plate 1 is prone to accumulating garbage and is not easy to clean. However, when the outer splicing arc plate 31 and the inner splicing arc plate 21 are separated from the circular base plate 1, the surround of the edge of the circular base plate 1 will disappear, making the garbage on the top of the circular base plate 1 easier to clean and avoiding the possibility of garbage accumulating at the edge of the circular base plate 1.

[0063] It should be noted that when multiple inner arc-shaped panels 21 are in a fitted state, they limit each other. At this time, the inner arc-shaped panels 21 can only move outwards, not inwards. Therefore, misalignment is less likely to occur when the inner arc-shaped panels 21 are spliced. The splicing method of the outer arc-shaped panels 31 is similar and will not be described in detail here.

[0064] Furthermore, since the outer baffle 3 and the inner baffle 2 are separate structures, when the outer baffle 3 and the inner baffle 2 are partially damaged, it is only necessary to replace the outer splicing arc plate 31 or the inner splicing arc plate 21 at the damaged location, which can also reduce maintenance costs.

[0065] Example 3:

[0066] Reference Figure 6 The difference from Example 1 is that, during the experiment, a camera 16 is installed on the experimental object 001 in experimental area 4. When the mouse enters experimental area 4, the camera 16 can capture images of the mouse. The camera 16 can confirm the moment the mouse enters experimental area 4. By comparing the moment the mouse enters experimental area 4 with the moment the electrical or optical signals in the mouse's brain region are generated, it can be determined that the mouse's electrical or optical signals correspond to this one experimental object 001, and are not caused by other environmental interference. The camera 16 has a verification function, improving the accuracy of the test. In addition, the camera 16 can also record the mouse's movements in experimental area 4 at close range.

[0067] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circular track for detecting spatial learning and memory abilities in small animals, characterized in that, The device includes an annular base plate (1), an inner baffle (2) on one side of the inner ring of the annular base plate (1), an outer baffle (3) on one side of the outer ring of the annular base plate (1), an experimental area (4) for placing experimental objects (001) on the annular base plate (1), and a drinking area (5) for the research subjects to drink water on the annular base plate (1). The drinking water area (5) is equipped with a one-way door (6), a water inlet (7), a through-beam detector (8), and a water supply control device (9). The water inlet (7) and the through-beam detector (8) are located on both sides of the one-way door (6). The signal receiving end of the water supply control device (9) and the signal transmitting end of the through-beam detector (8) are electrically connected. The water supply control device (9) supplies water to the water inlet (7) according to the signal from the through-beam detector (8). The one-way door (6) is rotatably mounted on the side of the outer baffle (3) near the inner baffle (2). A limit block (10) is provided on the side of the outer baffle (3) near the inner baffle (2). The limit block (10) is located on the side of the one-way door (6) near the through-beam detector (8). A tension spring (11) is connected to the side of the one-way door (6) near the through-beam detector (8). The tension spring (11) is connected to the outer baffle (3) on the side away from the one-way door (6). The water supply control device (9) includes a water supply controller (91), a water supply pipe (92), and a solenoid valve (93). The water supply pipe (92) supplies water to the water inlet (7). The solenoid valve (93) is installed on the water supply pipe (92). The signal receiving end of the water supply controller (91) is electrically connected to the signal transmitting end of the through-beam detector (8). The control end of the water supply controller (91) is electrically connected to the control end of the solenoid valve (93). The inner baffle (2) includes multiple inner spliced ​​arc-shaped plates (21), and the outer baffle (3) includes multiple outer spliced ​​arc-shaped plates (31). The inner spliced ​​arc-shaped plates (21) and the outer spliced ​​arc-shaped plates (31) are arranged in a one-to-one manner. The inner spliced ​​arc-shaped plates (21) and the outer spliced ​​arc-shaped plates (31) are connected to each other. The top surface of the inner spliced ​​arc-shaped plate (21) abuts against the top surface of the annular base plate (1), and the outer spliced ​​arc-shaped plates (31) and the outer surface of the annular base plate (1) are connected. The annular base plate (1) is provided with a mounting circular plate (14) on its inner side. The outer peripheral wall of the mounting circular plate (14) is in contact with the inner peripheral wall of the annular base plate (1). Multiple telescopic cylinders (15) are provided on the mounting circular plate (14). The multiple telescopic cylinders (15) are arranged in a circular array. The telescopic shaft of the telescopic cylinder (15) is connected to the inner splicing arc plate (21). The telescopic cylinder (15) and the inner splicing arc plate (21) are configured to cooperate with each other.

2. The circular track for detecting spatial learning and memory abilities in small animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, A camera (16) is installed on the experimental object (001) in the experimental area (4).

3. A circular track for detecting spatial learning and memory abilities in small animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular base plate (1) and the inner baffle (2) are integrally connected, and the annular base plate (1) and the outer baffle (3) are integrally connected.

4. A circular track for detecting spatial learning and memory abilities in small animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, A storage ring (13) is sleeved on the outer side of the annular base plate (1), and the top surface of the storage ring (13) is lower than the top surface of the annular base plate (1).

5. A circular track for detecting spatial learning and memory abilities in small animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the inner splicing arc plate (21) forms a pusher (211), which protrudes towards the side of the outer splicing arc plate (31).

6. A circular track for detecting spatial learning and memory abilities in small animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the drinking water area (5) and the experimental area (4) on the annular base plate (1) is between 100° and 180°.

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