Adjustable and resettable avoidance behavior experiment box

Abstract

The invention discloses an adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box, and relates to the field of animal behavioristics research, the adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box comprises a sound insulation box, the sound insulation box is internally provided with a test box, and the test box is internally divided into an operation area, a discrimination area and a preparation area; an electrical stimulation device is arranged at the bottom of the operation area, and an award device and a test device capable of performing trend and avoidance dual tests are arranged on the side wall, corresponding to the operation area, of the test box; the operation area and the distinguishing area are communicated spaces, and movable automatic reset devices are arranged in the operation area and the distinguishing area; the distinguishing area and the preparation area are separated through a fixed partition plate, and an animal channel is arranged on the fixed partition plate. The method can be used for detecting decision behaviors under the clue conflict conditions of reward and disguise, can help the experimental animals to reset, can be matched with various experimental modes such as smell testing and pattern testing, and has higher flexibility and expansibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of animal behavior research, and in particular to an approach-avoidance behavior experimental box which can be adjusted and reset. Background Art

[0002] The "approach-avoidance conflict" behavior paradigm (hereinafter referred to as "approach-avoidance") refers to the behavior pattern exhibited when faced with conflicting motivations or choices. This paradigm is very important in the fields of psychology, decision theory, and behavioral economics. Specifically, approach-avoidance conflict involves the contradiction between an individual's pursuit of a positive goal (approach) and the avoidance of a negative consequence (avoidance).

[0003] The training of "approach and avoidance" includes two parts: "approach" and "avoidance". The existing experimental box is mainly used for "approach" training, that is, conditioned operant behavior. The experimental animals operate according to the presented clues, and then obtain drug injections or other rewards. In this process, the animals establish a link between the operation and the reward, and complete the reward learning and memory. In the "avoidance" behavior, it is necessary to establish a link between the experimental animal's operation and negative emotions, and the "avoidance" behavior has fewer output indicators than the "approach" behavior and is not easy to determine. For example, when the experimental animal is punished for the operation and the foot is shocked, the experimental animal's usual reaction is to terminate or suspend the operation behavior, but we are not sure whether it is due to the inaction caused by negative emotions or the inaction caused by being in a state of stress after the electric shock. It is also impossible to judge the "avoidance" behavior by the reaction of experimental animals in different areas, and the space is tight.

[0004] The existing behavioral experimental box has a fixed size, and the module setting is only suitable for detecting the "approach" behavior indicators of reward cues, and it is not possible to simultaneously test the "avoidance" behavior indicators mediated by negative cues. In addition, for the behavior of experimental animals that do not move after being shocked, there is no way to solve the problem of animal reset except manual intervention. Therefore, in the study of "approaching benefits and avoiding harm" instinctive behavior, as well as decision-making behavior under the conflict conditions of "reward" and "disgust" cues, the existing behavioral experimental box has obvious limitations and it is difficult to achieve the goal. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experimental box to solve the problem mentioned in the background technology that the existing behavior experimental box has insufficient space area, cannot simultaneously detect the "approach" decision-making behavior indicators mediated by reward cues and the "avoidance" decision-making behavior indicators mediated by negative cues, and cannot solve the problem of resetting experimental animals except for manual intervention.

[0006] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The present invention discloses an approach-avoidance behavior experimental box which can be adjusted and reset, comprising a soundproof box, a test box arranged in the soundproof box, and the internal space of the test box is divided into an operation area, a discrimination area and a preparation area in the horizontal direction; an electric stimulation device is arranged at the bottom of the operation area, and a reward device and a test device capable of performing approach and avoidance dual tests are arranged on the side wall of the test box corresponding to the operation area; the operation area and the discrimination area are connected spaces, and movable automatic resetting devices are arranged in the operation area and the discrimination area; the discrimination area and the preparation area are separated by a fixed partition, and an animal passage is arranged on the fixed partition.

[0008] Furthermore, the soundproof box is provided with a door, a data acquisition device is provided on the inner wall of the top plate of the soundproof box, the data acquisition device is electrically connected to an external computer through a pipeline, and a wiring hole and an exhaust fan are provided on the side panel of the soundproof box.

[0009] Furthermore, the test box includes a bottom plate, a box door, side panels, a back panel and a top panel; the test device and the reward device are arranged on the side panel corresponding to the side of the operation area; the top panel is provided with a wiring groove; the top inner top of the test box is provided with a cage light for providing lighting inside the entire box, and the cage light is electrically connected to an external computer through a pipeline.

[0010] Furthermore, the automatic resetting device includes a movable baffle, the movable baffle is arranged perpendicular to the back plate and the top plate, and the movable baffle is movably arranged in the operating area and the identification area;

[0011] The upper end of the movable baffle is slidably connected to a fixed shaft, both ends of the fixed shaft are fixedly connected to the two side plates, the upper end of the movable baffle is threadedly connected to a screw, one end of the screw is rotatably connected to one of the side plates, the other end of the screw is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor, the motor is arranged on the other side plate, and the motor is electrically connected to an external computer through a pipeline.

[0012] Furthermore, the movable baffle includes a connecting plate and a replaceable plate for driving away animals, the connecting plate is threadedly connected to the screw rod, and the connecting plate is slidingly connected to the fixed shaft, and the replaceable plate is detachably connected to the connecting plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the automatic resetting device also includes a limiter, which is located at the maximum stroke allowed by the movable baffle and is arranged on the inner wall of the test box.

[0014] Further, the reward device includes a feeder, the feeder is installed on the outer wall of the side plate corresponding to the operation area, the feeder is connected to the esophagus, the esophagus is connected to the food trough, and the food trough is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the side plate corresponding to the operation area;

[0015] The side plate where the feeder is located is provided with a second reserved hole, and a movable pressure rod is provided in the second reserved hole;

[0016] The replaceable plate is provided with a feeding hole for passing through the feeding trough and a first reserved hole for passing through the pressure rod;

[0017] The feeder and the pressure rod are electrically connected to an external computer through pipelines.

[0018] Further, the testing device includes an odor diffusion fan, an air vent, an odor exhaust fan, a buzzer and a signal light;

[0019] The odor diffusion fan is installed on the outer wall of the side panel corresponding to the operation area, and the odor exhaust fan is installed on the outer wall of the back panel corresponding to the operation area. The air holes are arranged on the side panel and the back panel, and the air holes are located on the installation surfaces of the odor diffusion fan and the odor exhaust fan.

[0020] The buzzer and the signal light are both installed on the inner wall of the side panel corresponding to the operation area;

[0021] The odor diffusion fan, the odor exhaust fan, the buzzer and the signal light are all electrically connected to an external computer through pipelines.

[0022] Furthermore, the testing device includes a display screen and a buzzer, and the buzzer and the display screen are both installed on the side panel corresponding to the operation area, and the display screen and the buzzer are both electrically connected to an external computer through pipelines.

[0023] Furthermore, the electrical stimulation device is a foot conductive rod, and the electrical stimulation device is electrically connected to an external computer through a pipeline.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the present invention are:

[0025] 1. The existing behavioral experiment box has a small size and space, and usually only has an "experimental area", which can be used normally for the "approach" decision-making experiment induced by reward cues. However, it has great limitations in the "avoidance" decision-making paradigm experiment induced by aversive cues. After the experimental animals are operated according to the cues and the foot is shocked, they are in an immobile state. When the cues appear again, it is impossible to determine in the "experimental area" with limited space division whether the animals are "immobile" due to stress, or "avoid" decisions made to avoid the electric shock punishment indicated by the cues, that is, the indicators defining the avoidance decision cannot be clearly defined. In response to this, the present invention sets up a "preparation area", "discrimination area" and "operation area".

[0026] After distinguishing the functional areas, at the beginning of the experiment, the animal enters the "discrimination area" from the "preparation area", and the aversive clues appear. The animal enters the "operation area" according to the clues to perform the operation. After the operation, it is shocked and this round of trials ends; combined with the automatic reset device, the animal returns to the "preparation area" for the next trial; when the animal enters the "discrimination area", the clues appear again, and the animal can judge whether to continue to go to the "operation area" to operate, or make an "avoidance" decision to stay in the "discrimination area" or return to the "preparation area" based on the operation results of the previous trial. At the end of this round of trials, the automatic reset device returns the animal to the "preparation area" for the next trial, and so on. Developing functional area partitions and combining them with automatic reset devices can standardize the decision output of animals.

[0027] The present invention is designed with a larger size to meet the needs of partitioning the internal space. The "operation area" designed by the present invention represents the conventional "test area" to realize the functions of the existing experimental box; the added "discrimination area" is conducive to the animal's output of behavioral decisions after the clues are presented; combined with the automatic reset device, the added "preparation area" is conducive to the animal's fixed position at the beginning of each trial and the start of the discrimination task.

[0028] Second, the existing experimental box has few functional modules, which are not enough to meet the research on smell and vision. The test device provided by the present invention can be used to provide positive and negative gas clues and the display screen can be used to provide positive and negative graphic clues;

[0029] 3. The existing experimental box cannot help the animals reset. The present invention designs an automatic reset device to help the animals return from the "operation area" to the "preparation area" at the end of each trial, and the movable baffle can be adapted to different devices and redefine the area by replacing the replaceable plate. For example, when conducting an odor experiment, the replaceable plate is a transparent material with a hole structure; and when matching the graphic experiment of the display screen, the replaceable plate is a transparent material without a hole structure. If there is no need to distinguish the partitions, it can be replaced with a transparent plate, and the motor of the automatic reset device can be turned off to use it as a partition;

[0030] Fourth, the existing experimental box cannot record animal behavior, and the present invention adds a data acquisition device to record animal behavior;

[0031] 5. The existing experimental box has a small feeding trough space and cannot handle animals with high heads (animals equipped with electrodes and optical fibers). The present invention designs a feeding trough protruding into the "operating area" to increase the head space to prevent the animal's head from falling off;

[0032] 6. The top plate of the existing experimental box has a circular hole, and there are problems such as the wires connecting the head parts are easy to get tangled, the required wires are long, and animals gnaw on them. Since the size of the experimental box is increased, the present invention designs a long slotted top plate to ensure that the wires in each area are directly above the animal's head, reducing the risk of tangling and gnawing and also reducing the length of the wires.

[0033] In summary, the approach-avoidance behavior experimental box provided by the present invention can be used for the detection of instinctive behaviors of "approaching benefits and avoiding harm", as well as decision-making behaviors under conflicting conditions of "reward" and "disgust" cues. The present invention sets up a "preparation area", "discrimination area" and "operation area", which can detect "avoidance" behavior indicators mediated by negative cues; the automatic reset device in the present invention can help experimental animals automatically return to the "preparation area" through computer program control in order to carry out the next trial task, ensure the standardization of the experimental process, remove the influence of factors such as manual intervention, and improve the reliability and validity of the "approach-avoidance" test data of experimental animals. In addition, the present invention can be combined with a variety of experimental methods such as odor tests and graphic tests, has higher flexibility and scalability, can be applied to the study of various decision-making behavior paradigms of experimental animals such as rats and tree shrews, and can integrate a variety of information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box of the present invention in Example 1;

[0036] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the soundproof box in the avoidance behavior experimental box that can be adjusted and reset in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the test box in the approach-avoidance behavior experimental box of the present invention that can be adjusted and reset in the first embodiment;

[0038] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the esophagus and the automatic resetting device after the feeder is removed in the adjustable and resetting avoidance behavior experimental box of the present invention in Example 1;

[0039] Figure 5The structure of the test device in the avoidance behavior test box of the present invention which can be adjusted and reset is shown in the first embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 6 The structure of the test device in the avoidance behavior test box of the present invention which can be adjusted and reset is shown in the first embodiment. Figure 2 ;

[0041] Figure 7 The structure of the test device in the avoidance behavior test box of the present invention which can be adjusted and reset is shown in the first embodiment. Figure 3 ;

[0042] Figure 8 The structure of the display screen in the avoidance behavior experiment box of the present invention which can be adjusted and reset is shown in the second embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0043] Fig. 9 The structure of the display screen in the avoidance behavior experiment box of the present invention which can be adjusted and reset is shown in the second embodiment. Figure 2 .

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals: 1. Soundproof box; 1-1. Box door; 1-2. Exhaust fan; 1-3. Wiring hole; 1-4. Data acquisition device; 2. Test box; 2-1. Bottom plate; 2-2. Box door; 2-3. Side plate; 2-4. Back plate; 2-5. Top plate; 2-5-1. Wiring slot; 2-6. Second reserved hole; 3. Electrical stimulation device; 4. Reward device; 4-1. Esophagus; 4-2. Food trough; 4-3. Feeder; 4-4. Pressure rod; 5. Test device; 5-1. Odor diffusion fan; 5- 2. Ventilation hole; 5-3. Odor exhaust fan; 5-4. Buzzer; 5-5. Signal light; 5-6. Display screen; 6. Automatic reset device; 6-1. Motor; 6-2. Screw; 6-3. Moving baffle; 6-3-1. Connecting plate; 6-3-2. Replaceable plate; 6-3-3. Feeding hole; 6-3-4. First reserved hole; 6-4. Fixed axis; 6-5. Limiter; 7. Fixed partition; 7-1. Animal passage; 8. Cage light; 9. Operation area; 10. Identification area; 11. Preparation area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0046] Embodiment 1

[0047] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the present embodiment discloses an adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experimental box, comprising a soundproof box 1, a test box 2 is arranged in the soundproof box 1, and the internal space of the test box 2 is divided into an operation area 9, a discrimination area 10 and a preparation area 11 in the horizontal direction. An electric stimulation device 3 is arranged at the bottom of the operation area 9, and a reward device 4 and a test device 5 capable of performing approach and avoidance dual tests are arranged on the side wall of the test box 2 corresponding to the operation area 9.

[0048] The electrical stimulation device 3 is a foot conductive rod, which is electrically connected to a power source and an external computer through a pipeline, and the current and stimulation time of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted by the external computer. In this embodiment, 8 foot conductive rods are provided, and the space above the 8 foot conductive rods is the operation area 9.

[0049] The operation area 9 and the identification area 10 are connected spaces, and a movable automatic reset device 6 is provided in the operation area 9 and the identification area 10. The identification area 10 is separated from the preparation area 11 by a fixed partition 7, and an animal passage 7-1 for allowing animals to pass is provided on the fixed partition 7. The fixed partition 7 is made of transparent acrylic material.

[0050] The soundproof box 1 is provided with a door 1-1, and a data acquisition device 1-4 is provided on the inner wall of the top plate of the soundproof box 1. The data acquisition device 1-4 is electrically connected to an external computer through a pipeline, and a wiring hole 1-3 and an exhaust fan 1-2 are provided on the side plate of the soundproof box 1. Among them, the data acquisition device 1-4 is an infrared camera system, and the picture can completely cover the behavior test box 2, which is used to record various behavioral reactions of experimental animals and transmit them to the computer through the camera. In this embodiment, the exhaust fan 1-2 is a silent fan, and is electrically connected to an external computer, and the speed of the exhaust fan 1-2 can be adjusted by the computer.

[0051] The test box 2 includes a bottom plate 2-1, a box door 2-2, a side plate 2-3, a back plate 2-4 and a top plate 2-5. The test device 5 and the reward device 4 are arranged on the side plate 2-3 corresponding to the side of the operation area 9. In this embodiment, the plates of the test box 2 are all made of transparent acrylic material. Among them, a number of wooden sticks are arranged on the bottom plate 2-1 for the animal to crawl, and the wooden sticks have the same shape as the sole conductive rods of the electrical stimulation device 3 and are located on the same horizontal plane.

[0052] In this embodiment, the side panels 2-3 are preferably assembled from a plurality of small, medium and large rectangular aluminum sheets with four columns as the skeleton, so as to facilitate the loading of various accessories and can be disassembled and upgraded and replaced individually.

[0053] The top plate 2-5 is provided with a wiring slot 2-5-1. A cage light 8 is provided at the top of the interior of the test box 2, and the cage light 8 is electrically connected to an external computer through a pipeline. The cage light 8 is used to illuminate the entire interior of the behavior test box 2. It lights up at the beginning of the experiment, and the experimental animal enters the refractory period and turns off. It lights up again in the next trial, and then turns off again in the refractory period, and repeats until the training is completed, which is used to help the animal distinguish whether it is in the trial task or the refractory period between tasks.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the automatic reset device 6 includes a movable baffle 6-3, and the movable baffle 6-3 is made of transparent acrylic material. The movable baffle 6-3 is arranged perpendicular to the back plate 2-4 and the top plate 2-5, and the movable baffle 6-3 is movably arranged in the operation area 9 and the identification area 10. The upper end of the movable baffle 6-3 is slidably connected with a fixed shaft 6-4, and the two ends of the fixed shaft 6-4 are fixedly connected to the two side plates 2-3. The upper end of the movable baffle 6-3 is threadedly connected with a screw 6-2, one end of the screw 6-2 is rotatably connected to one side plate 2-3, and the other end of the screw 6-2 is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor 6-1, and the motor 6-1 is arranged on the other side plate 2-3. The motor 6-1 is electrically connected to an external computer through a pipeline.

[0055] In this embodiment, the movable baffle 6-3 includes a connecting plate 6-3-1 and a replaceable plate 6-3-2 for driving away animals. The connecting plate 6-3-1 is threadedly connected to the screw rod 6-2 and is slidingly connected to the fixed shaft 6-4. The replaceable plate 6-3-2 and the connecting plate 6-3-1 are detachably connected by a bolt assembly.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the automatic resetting device 6 further includes a limiter 6-5, which is located at the maximum stroke allowed by the movable baffle 6-3. The limiter 6-5 is arranged on the inner wall of the test box 2 and is used to limit the movement of the movable baffle 6-3.

[0057] When the animal is stationary in the operation area 9 and the identification area 10, the motor 6-1 can be started, and the motor 6-1 drives the screw 6-2 to rotate. Under the guidance of the fixed shaft 6-4, the movable baffle 6-3 can move back and forth to drive the animal back to the preparation area 11.

[0058] In this embodiment, the reward device 4 includes a feeder 4-3, which is installed on the outer wall of the side panel 2-3 corresponding to the operating area 9 through a bolt assembly. The feeder 4-3 is connected to the esophagus 4-1, the esophagus 4-1 is connected to the food trough 4-2, and the food trough 4-2 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the side panel 2-3 corresponding to the operating area 9.

[0059] The side plate 2-3 where the feeder 4-3 is located is provided with a second reserved hole 2-6, and a movable pressure rod 4-4 is provided in the second reserved hole 2-6. The pressure rod 4-4 is an electric control structure, which is a commonly used technical means in animal behavior test experiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] In this embodiment, the feeder 4-3 and the pressure rod 4-4 are electrically connected to an external computer through a pipeline and controlled by the computer. The computer can control the pressure rod 4-4 to pop out or retract. When the pressure rod 4-4 pops out, it passes through the second reserved hole 2-6 and appears on the inside of the test box 2. When the animal presses the pressure rod 4-4, the computer receives a signal, and then the computer controls the feeder 4-3 to flow out food, and the food falls into the trough 4-2 through the esophagus 4-1. The feeder 4-3 is a prior art means and will not be described in detail here.

[0061] The replaceable plate 6-3-2 is provided with a feeding hole 6-3-3 for passing through the trough 4-2 and a first reserved hole 6-3-4 for passing through the pressure rod 4-4. When the movable baffle plate 6-3 moves to the side plate 2-3 on one side of the reward device 4, the pressure rod 4-4 passes through the first reserved hole 6-3-4, and the trough 4-2 passes through the feeding hole 6-3-3. When the animal presses the pressure rod 4-4, the computer receives the animal's pressing signal, and the computer controls the feeder 4-3 to release the food and the food falls into the trough 4-2 through the esophagus 4-1 for the animal to eat.

[0062] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the test device 5 includes an odor diffusion fan 5-1, an air vent 5-2, an odor exhaust fan 5-3, a buzzer 5-4 and a signal light 5-5. The odor diffusion fan 5-1 is installed on the outer wall of the side panel 2-3 corresponding to the operation area 9, and the odor exhaust fan 5-3 is installed on the outer wall of the back panel 2-4 corresponding to the operation area 9, for exhausting air odor. The air vent 5-2 is arranged on the side panel 2-3 and the back panel 2-4, and the air vent 5-2 is located on the mounting surface of the odor diffusion fan 5-1 and the odor exhaust fan 5-3. The odor diffusion fan 5-1 is connected to the external gas cylinder through the air pipe, and the odor diffusion fan 5-1 can blow the odor from the air vent 5-2 to the inside of the test box 2. The buzzer 5-4 and the signal light 5-5 are both installed on the inner wall of the side panel 2-3 corresponding to the operation area 9, and the odor diffusion fan 5-1, the odor exhaust fan 5-3, the buzzer 5-4 and the signal light 5-5 are all electrically connected to the external computer through pipelines.

[0063] The buzzer 5-4 can emit a variety of sounds with fixed frequencies, which can be used as an auditory clue to prompt the experimental animals to pay attention. Among them, there are two signal lights 5-5, and the switch of the signal lights 5-5 can be used as a visual clue to prompt the experimental animals to pay attention.

[0064] The animal pressing the lever 4-4 is the output of the animal behavior, which can be used with the buzzer 5-4 and the signal light 5-5. The signal light 5-5 and the buzzer 5-4 provide audio-visual clues, which can help the experimental animals better notice the corresponding stimulus signals. In this embodiment, two levers 4-4 are provided, and they are respectively located below the two signal lights 5-5. When the buzzer 5-4 sounds and the signal light 5-5 lights up, the lever 4-4 pops up and appears in the operation area 9. The experimental animal completes the training by pressing the lever 4-4 on the side where the signal light 5-5 lights up to get a food reward. The lever 4-4 is automatically retracted by computer control after being pressed.

[0065] The working process of the present invention is as follows:

[0066] For the odor "approach and avoidance" test experiment, at the beginning of the experiment, the odor diffusion fan 5-1 is connected to the neutral gas cylinder through the trachea, the movable baffle 6-3 overlaps with the side plate 2-3 corresponding to the operation area 9, the cage light 8 is on, and the experimental animal enters the discrimination area 10 from the preparation area 11, which is regarded as the beginning of the task. The computer sends a signal, the odor diffusion fan 5-1 starts, and the odor is sent into the test box 2. During the "approach" training, accompanied by a neutral odor, the signal light 5-5 lights up and the buzzer 5-4 sounds to prompt the animal to push the lever 4-4 to pop out and appear in the second reserved hole 2-6 and the first reserved hole 6-3-4. Within the specified time, the experimental animal moves from the discrimination area 10 to the operation area 9. After pressing the lever 4-4 once, the computer controls the feeder 4-3 to release food, and the animal can get food rewards. The refractory period signal lamp 5-5 and the cage lamp 8 are turned off, the buzzer 5-4 is turned off, the odor exhaust fan 5-3 exhausts the odor, the motor 6-1 is started, and the movable baffle 6-3 resets the animal to the preparation area 11. At the beginning of the next trial, the movable baffle 6-3 moves to overlap with the side panel 2-3 corresponding to the operation area 9.

[0067] During the "avoidance" training, the odor diffusion fan 5-1 is connected to the negative odor bottle. Within the specified time, the experimental animal moves from the discrimination area 10 to the operation area 9. When entering the operation area 9, the electric stimulation device 3 gives the experimental animal an electric shock through the foot conductive rod. During the refractory period, the cage light 8 is turned off, the odor exhaust fan 5-3 exhausts the odor, and the reset device 6 is activated to reset the animal to the preparation area 11 to start the next trial.

[0068] After a period of time, the animal will gradually evolve to not enter the operation area 9. If the specified time is exceeded, it will also enter the refractory period, and the odor exhaust fan 5-3 and the reset device 6 will be started. At the beginning of the next trial, the movable baffle 6-3 moves to overlap with the side plate 2-3 corresponding to the operation area 9. In the test under the "approach-avoidance conflict" condition, the pressure rod 4-4 is popped out at the same time to complete the task and give rewards ("approach") and provide negative gas cylinder clues ("avoidance"), which is used to study the behavior of animals under the approach-avoidance conflict clue conditions.

[0069] Embodiment 2

[0070] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, for the screen "approach and avoidance" test, in this embodiment, the test device 5 is completely redesigned. Specifically, the test device 5 includes a display screen 5-6 and a buzzer 5-4. The buzzer 5-4 and the display screen 5-6 are both installed on the side panel 2-3 corresponding to the operating area 9. The display screen 5-6 and the buzzer 5-4 are both electrically connected to the external computer through pipelines. The remaining technical features, connection methods, etc. are the same as those in Example 1 and are not introduced here. The display screen 5-6 can display graphics of various colors and shapes. Experimental animals can produce behavioral responses by identifying different graphics, which can be used to match clues for "approach" and "avoidance" training. The experimental process is as follows:

[0071] At the beginning of the experiment, the cage light 8 is on, the exhaust fan 1-2 is turned on, the movable baffle 6-3 overlaps with the side plate 2-3 corresponding to the operation area 9, and the experimental animal enters the discrimination area 10 from the preparation area 11, which is regarded as the start of the task. The computer sends a signal and the display screen 5-6 lights up. During the "trend" training, the display screen 5-6 simultaneously displays two patterns of positive clues and neutral clues. In this embodiment, there are two pressure rods 4-4, and the two pressure rods 4-4 are respectively arranged directly below the two patterns. When the buzzer 5-4 sounds, the pressure rod 4-4 pops out, and the experimental animal moves from the discrimination area 10 to the operation area 9 within the specified time. Pressing the pressure rod 4-4 on the side of the positive clue pattern can obtain food; pressing the pressure rod 4-4 on the side of the neutral clue will not give food. The refractory period display screen 5-6 and the cage light 8 are extinguished, the buzzer 5-4 is turned off, and the reset device 6 is activated to reset the animal to the preparation area 11. At the beginning of the next trial, the movable baffle 6 - 3 moves to overlap with the side panel 2 - 3 corresponding to the operating area 9 .

[0072] During the "avoidance" training, the display screen 5-6 shows the patterns of negative cues and neutral cues at the same time, the buzzer 5-4 sounds, the prompt lever 4-4 pops out, and the experimental animal moves from the discrimination area 10 to the operation area 9 within the specified time. Pressing the lever 4-4 on the neutral cue side can obtain food; when pressing the lever 4-4 on the negative cue side, the computer controls the electrical stimulation device 3 to give the experimental animal an electric shock through the foot conductive rod. The refractory period display screen 5-6 and the cage light 8 are extinguished, the buzzer 5-4 is turned off, and the reset device 6 is activated to reset the animal to the preparation area 11. At the beginning of the next trial, the movable baffle 6-3 moves to overlap with the side plate 2-3 corresponding to the operation area 9.

[0073] After a period of time, the animal may not enter the operation area 9, and will also enter the refractory period after exceeding the specified time. In the test under the "approach-avoidance conflict" condition, the display screen 5-6 simultaneously presents positive cues ("approach") and patterns that provide negative cues ("avoidance"), which is used to study the behavior of animals under approach-avoidance conflict cue conditions.

[0074] The present invention not only increases the number of indicators for "approach" behavior and redefines the detection of "avoidance" behavior indicators, but can also analyze the brain mechanism of decision-making behavior under approach-avoidance conflict clue conditions. This experimental box provides a more comprehensive, more controllable, and more diverse conditioned operating system that is suitable for model animals.

[0075] The embodiments described above are only descriptions of the preferred modes of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the design spirit of the present invention, various modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present invention by ordinary technicians in this field should all fall within the protection scope determined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box, characterized in that: It comprises a soundproof box (1), wherein a test box (2) is arranged inside the soundproof box (1), and the internal space of the test box (2) is divided into an operation area (9), a recognition area (10) and a preparation area (11) in sequence in the horizontal direction; An electric stimulation device (3) is arranged at the bottom of the operation area (9), and a reward device (4) and a test device (5) capable of performing a dual test of approach and avoidance are arranged on the side wall of the test box (2) corresponding to the operation area (9); The operation area (9) and the identification area (10) are connected spaces, and movable automatic reset devices (6) are provided in the operation area (9) and the identification area (10); The identification area (10) is separated from the preparation area (11) by a fixed partition (7), and an animal passage (7-1) is arranged on the fixed partition (7).

2. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The soundproof box (1) is provided with a box door (1-1), a data acquisition device (1-4) is provided on the inner wall of the top plate of the soundproof box (1), the data acquisition device (1-4) is electrically connected to an external computer via a pipeline, and a wiring hole (1-3) and an exhaust fan (1-2) are provided on the side plate of the soundproof box (1).

3. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test box (2) comprises a bottom plate (2-1), a box door (2-2), side plates (2-3), a back plate (2-4) and a top plate (2-5); The testing device (5) and the reward device (4) are arranged on the side panel (2-3) on the corresponding side of the operating area (9); The top plate (2-5) is provided with a wiring slot (2-5-1); The top of the interior of the test box (2) is provided with a cage light (8) for providing lighting for the entire interior of the box, and the cage light (8) is electrically connected to an external computer through a pipeline.

4. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 3, characterized in that: The automatic reset device (6) comprises a movable baffle (6-3), the movable baffle (6-3) is arranged perpendicular to the back plate (2-4) and the top plate (2-5), and the movable baffle (6-3) is movably arranged in the operating area (9) and the identification area (10); The upper end of the movable baffle (6-3) is slidably connected to a fixed shaft (6-4), and both ends of the fixed shaft (6-4) are fixedly connected to the two side plates (2-3). The upper end of the movable baffle (6-3) is threadedly connected to a screw rod (6-2), one end of the screw rod (6-2) is rotatably connected to one of the side plates (2-3), and the other end of the screw rod (6-2) is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor (6-1), and the motor (6-1) is arranged on the other side plate (2-3). The motor (6-1) is electrically connected to an external computer through a pipeline.

5. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The movable baffle (6-3) comprises a connecting plate (6-3-1) and a replaceable plate (6-3-2) for driving away animals, the connecting plate (6-3-1) is threadedly connected to the screw rod (6-2), the connecting plate (6-3-1) is slidingly connected to the fixed shaft (6-4), and the replaceable plate (6-3-2) is detachably connected to the connecting plate (6-3-1).

6. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The automatic resetting device (6) further comprises a limiter (6-5), wherein the limiter (6-5) is located at the maximum stroke allowed by the movable baffle (6-3), and the limiter (6-5) is arranged on the inner wall of the test box (2).

7. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 5, characterized in that: The reward device (4) comprises a feeder (4-3), the feeder (4-3) being mounted on the outer wall of the side panel (2-3) corresponding to the operation area (9), the feeder (4-3) being connected to the esophagus (4-1), the esophagus (4-1) being connected to the food trough (4-2), and the food trough (4-2) being fixedly connected to the inner wall of the side panel (2-3) corresponding to the operation area (9); A second reserved hole (2-6) is provided on the side plate (2-3) where the feeder (4-3) is located, and a movable pressure rod (4-4) is provided in the second reserved hole (2-6); The replaceable plate (6-3-2) is provided with a feeding hole (6-3-3) for passing through the feeding trough (4-2) and a first reserved hole (6-3-4) for passing through the pressure rod (4-4); The feeder (4-3) and the pressure rod (4-4) are both electrically connected to an external computer via pipelines.

8. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The testing device (5) comprises an odor diffusion fan (5-1), an air vent (5-2), an odor exhaust fan (5-3), a buzzer (5-4) and a signal light (5-5); The odor diffusion fan (5-1) is mounted on the outer wall of the side panel (2-3) corresponding to the operation area (9), and the odor exhaust fan (5-3) is mounted on the outer wall of the back panel (2-4) corresponding to the operation area (9). The air holes (5-2) are arranged on the side panel (2-3) and the back panel (2-4), and the air holes (5-2) are located on the mounting surfaces of the odor diffusion fan (5-1) and the odor exhaust fan (5-3); The buzzer (5-4) and the signal light (5-5) are both installed on the inner wall of the side panel (2-3) corresponding to the operating area (9); The odor diffusion fan (5-1), the odor exhaust fan (5-3), the buzzer (5-4) and the signal light (5-5) are all electrically connected to an external computer through pipelines.

9. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The testing device (5) comprises a display screen (5-6) and a buzzer (5-4); the buzzer (5-4) and the display screen (5-6) are both mounted on the side panel (2-3) corresponding to the operating area (9); and the display screen (5-6) and the buzzer (5-4) are both electrically connected to an external computer via pipelines.

10. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical stimulation device (3) is a foot-conductive rod, and the electrical stimulation device (3) is electrically connected to an external computer via a pipeline.

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