An adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experimental box

Abstract

The present invention discloses an adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experimental box, which relates to the field of animal behavior research, including a soundproof box, a test box arranged inside the soundproof box, and the test box is divided into an operation area, a discrimination area, and a preparation area; 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 a movable automatic reset device is 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. The present invention can be used to detect decision-making behavior under the conflict conditions of "reward" and "disgust" cues, and can help experimental animals reset. In addition, the present invention can be used with various experimental methods such as odor tests and graphic tests, and has higher flexibility and scalability.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The "approach-avoidance conflict" behavioral paradigm (hereafter referred to as "approach-avoidance") describes behavioral patterns exhibited when faced with conflicting motivations or choices. This paradigm is of great importance in fields such as psychology, decision theory, and behavioral economics. Specifically, approach-avoidance conflict involves the conflict between individuals pursuing positive goals (approach) and avoiding negative consequences (avoidance).

[0003] The training of "approach and avoidance" includes two parts: "approach" and "avoidance". Existing experimental boxes are mainly used for "approach" training, that is, conditioned operant behavior. 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. Compared with the "approach" behavior, the output indicators of "avoidance" behavior are fewer and not easy to determine. For example, when the experimental animal is punished for the operation and receives an electric shock on the sole of the foot, 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 stress state after the electric shock. It is also impossible to determine the "avoidance" behavior by the reaction of experimental animals in different areas, and the space is tight.

[0004] Existing behavioral chambers are fixed in size, and their module configuration is only suitable for testing behavioral indicators related to reward cues, but cannot simultaneously test behavioral indicators related to avoidance mediated by negative cues. Furthermore, when experimental animals remain motionless after receiving an electric shock, manual intervention is not sufficient to reset them. Therefore, existing behavioral chambers have significant limitations and are difficult to achieve in research on instinctive behaviors related to seeking benefits and avoiding harm, as well as decision-making under conflicting conditions between reward and aversion cues. 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 behavioral 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 the experimental animals except for manual intervention.

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

[0007] The present invention provides an adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experimental box, comprising a soundproof box, a test box arranged in the soundproof box, and the internal space of the test box being 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 wiring holes and an exhaust fan are provided on the side panels of the soundproof box.

[0009] Furthermore, the test box includes a bottom plate, a 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 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 reset device includes a movable baffle, which is arranged perpendicular to the back plate and the top plate, and 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, and 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, and 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 further 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] Furthermore, the reward device includes a feeder, which is mounted on the outer wall of the side panel 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 panel 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 both electrically connected to an external computer through pipelines.

[0018] Furthermore, 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 mounted on the outer wall of the side panel corresponding to the operation area, and the odor exhaust fan is mounted on the outer wall of the back panel corresponding to the operation area. The air vents are provided on the side panel and the back panel, and the air vents are located on the mounting surfaces of the odor diffusion fan and the odor exhaust fan.

[0020] The buzzer and the signal light are both mounted on the inner wall of the side panel corresponding to the operating 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 mounted on the side panel corresponding to the operating 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 present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0025] 1. Existing behavioral experimental boxes are small in size and usually only have an "experimental area". They can be used normally for "approach" decision-making experiments induced by reward cues. However, they have great limitations in experiments on the "avoidance" decision-making paradigm induced by aversive cues. After the experimental animals are subjected to an electric shock to the soles of their feet according to the cue operation, they remain in an immobile state. When the cue appears again, it is impossible to determine in the "experimental area" with limited spatial divisions whether the animals are "immobile" due to stress or making an "avoidance" decision to avoid the electric shock punishment indicated by the cue. In other words, the indicators defining the avoidance decision cannot be clearly defined. To this end, the present invention sets up a "preparation area", a "discrimination area" and an "operation area".

[0026] After the functional areas are divided, at the beginning of the experiment, the animal enters the "preparation area" into the "discrimination area." Aversive cues appear, and the animal follows the cues to enter the "operation area" and perform the operation. After the operation, it receives an electric shock, and the current round of trials ends. Combined with an automatic reset device, the animal returns to the "preparation area" for the next trial. After the animal enters the "discrimination area," the cue appears again. The animal can decide whether to continue to the "operation area" to perform the operation based on the results of the previous trial, or make an "avoidance" decision to stay in the "discrimination area" or return to the "preparation area." At the end of the current round of trials, the automatic reset device returns the animal to the "preparation area" for the next trial, and this cycle repeats. The development of functional area divisions combined with an automatic reset device can standardize the animal's decision-making output.

[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 function 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, existing experimental boxes have few functional modules and are insufficient for 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. Existing experimental chambers cannot help animals reset themselves. The present invention has designed an automatic reset device to help animals return from the "operation area" to the "preparation area" at the end of each trial. The movable baffle can be adapted to different devices and the area can be redefined by replacing the replaceable plate. For example, when conducting odor experiments, the replaceable plate is a transparent material with a perforated structure; and when conducting graphic experiments matching the display screen, the replaceable plate is a transparent material without perforations. If the partitions are not needed, 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. 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 accommodate animals with high heads (animals equipped with electrodes or optical fibers). The present invention designs a feeding trough protruding into the "operation area" to increase the head space to prevent the animal's head from falling;

[0032] 6. The top plate of the existing experimental box has a circular hole, which has problems such as the wires connecting the head parts easily getting tangled, the required wires being long, and animals gnawing 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 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 human 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, and 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 with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

[0036] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the soundproof box in the adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experimental box of the present invention in Example 1;

[0037] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the test box in the adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experimental box of the present invention in Example 1;

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

[0039] Figure 5Schematic diagram of the test device structure in the adjustable and resettable avoidance behavior experimental box of the present invention in Example 1 Figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the test device structure in the adjustable and resettable avoidance behavior experimental box of the present invention in Example 1 Figure 2 ;

[0041] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the test device structure in the adjustable and resettable avoidance behavior experimental box of the present invention in Example 1 Figure 3 ;

[0042] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the display screen structure in the adjustable and resettable avoidance behavior experimental box of the present invention in Example 2 Figure 1 ;

[0043] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the display screen structure in the adjustable and resettable avoidance behavior experimental box of the present invention in Example 2 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. Electric stimulation device; 4. Reward device; 4-1. Esophagus; 4-2. Food trough; 4-3. Feeder; 4-4. Pressure lever; 5. Test device; 5-1. Odor diffusion fan; 5- 2. Air vent; 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. Movable 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 shaft; 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 with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this embodiment discloses an adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experimental box, comprising a soundproof box 1, within which is disposed a test box 2. The interior space of the test box 2 is horizontally divided into an operation area 9, a discrimination area 10, and a preparation area 11. An electrical stimulation device 3 is disposed at the bottom of the operation area 9, and a reward device 4 and a test device 5 capable of performing both approach and avoidance tests are disposed on the sidewall of the test box 2 corresponding to the operation area 9.

[0048] The electrical stimulation device 3 is a foot-conductive rod. It is electrically connected to a power source and an external computer via a pipeline. The current and duration of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted by the external computer. In this embodiment, eight foot-conductive rods are provided, and the space above the eight foot-conductive rods constitutes the operating area 9.

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

[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 panel 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 behavioral test box 2, which is used to record various behavioral responses 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 the 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 panel 2-1, a door 2-2, side panels 2-3, a back panel 2-4, and a top panel 2-5. The testing device 5 and the reward device 4 are mounted on the side panel 2-3 on the side corresponding to the operating area 9. In this embodiment, the panels of the test box 2 are all made of transparent acrylic. Several wooden sticks are mounted on the bottom panel 2-1 for the animals to crawl on. These sticks have the same shape as the conductive rods on the soles of the feet 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 multiple small, medium and large rectangular aluminum sheets based on the four columns as the skeleton, which is convenient for loading 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 installed at the top of the test box 2 and is electrically connected to an external computer via a pipeline. Cage light 8 illuminates the entire interior of the behavioral test box 2. It illuminates at the beginning of the experiment and turns off when the experimental animal enters the refractory period. It illuminates again for the next trial and turns off again when the animal enters the refractory period. This cycle repeats until training is complete. This helps the animal distinguish between being in the task within a trial and in the refractory period between tasks.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the automatic reset device 6 includes a movable baffle 6-3, which is made of transparent acrylic. 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 to 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 to 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, which 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 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 disassembled and connected by a bolt assembly.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the automatic reset 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 provided 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, and the esophagus 4-1 is connected to the food trough 4-2. 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, in which a movable pressure rod 4-4 is provided. The pressure rod 4-4 is an electrically controlled structure, which is a commonly used technical means in animal behavior testing experiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] In this embodiment, feeder 4-3 and lever 4-4 are both electrically connected to an external computer via a pipeline and controlled by the computer. The computer controls the release and retraction of lever 4-4. When released, lever 4-4 passes through second reserved hole 2-6 and emerges from the inside of test box 2. When an animal presses lever 4-4, the computer receives a signal and controls the flow of food from feeder 4-3. The food then flows through esophagus 4-1 and into trough 4-2. Feeder 4-3 is a conventional device 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 6-3 moves to the side plate 2-3 on the 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 controls the feeder 4-3 to release food, which falls through the esophagus 4-1 into the trough 4-2 for the animal to eat.

[0062] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the testing device 5 includes an odor diffusion fan 5-1, air vents 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 operating area 9, while the odor exhaust fan 5-3 is mounted on the outer wall of the back panel 2-4 corresponding to the operating area 9, to exhaust odors. Air vents 5-2 are provided on both the side panel 2-3 and the back panel 2-4, and are located on the mounting surfaces of the odor diffusion fan 5-1 and the odor exhaust fan 5-3. The odor diffusion fan 5-1 is connected to an external gas cylinder via an air pipe, allowing the odor diffusion fan 5-1 to blow odors into the interior of the test chamber 2 through the air vents 5-2. The buzzer 5-4 and signal light 5-5 are both mounted on the inner wall of the side panel 2-3 corresponding to the operating area 9. The odor diffusion fan 5-1, odor exhaust fan 5-3, buzzer 5-4, and signal light 5-5 are all electrically connected to an external computer via pipelines.

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

[0064] The animal pressing the lever 4-4 is an output of the animal's behavior and can be used in conjunction with a buzzer 5-4 and a signal light 5-5. The signal light 5-5 and the buzzer 5-4 respectively provide audio-visual cues to help the experimental animal better notice the corresponding stimulus signal. In this embodiment, two levers 4-4 are provided and are 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 operating 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 receive a food reward. The lever 4-4 automatically retracts under computer control after being pressed.

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

[0066] For the odor "approach and avoidance" test, at the start of the experiment, the odor diffusion fan 5-1 is connected to the neutral gas cylinder via an air tube, the movable baffle 6-3 overlaps the side panel 2-3 corresponding to the operating area 9, the cage light 8 illuminates, and the experimental animal enters the discrimination area 10 from the preparation area 11, which is considered the beginning of the task. The computer sends a signal, activating the odor diffusion fan 5-1 and delivering the odor into the test box 2. During the "approach" training, accompanied by a neutral odor, the signal light 5-5 illuminates and the buzzer 5-4 sounds to prompt the animal to press the lever 4-4 to pop out and present it 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 operating area 9. After pressing the lever 4-4 once, the computer controls the feeder 4-3 to release food, and the animal receives a food reward. The refractory period signal light 5-5 and cage light 8 go out, the buzzer 5-4 turns off, the odor exhaust fan 5-3 exhausts the odor, the motor 6-1 starts, and the movable baffle 6-3 returns the animal to the preparation area 11. The next trial begins, and the movable baffle 6-3 moves to overlap with the side panel 2-3 corresponding to the operation area 9.

[0067] During avoidance training, odor diffusion fan 5-1 is connected to a negative odor bottle. Within a specified timeframe, the experimental animal moves from discrimination zone 10 to operant zone 9. Once in operant zone 9, electrical stimulation device 3 delivers an electric shock via a foot-conductive rod. During the refractory period, cage light 8 turns off, odor exhaust fan 5-3 exhausts the odor, and reset device 6 activates, returning the animal to preparation zone 11 for the next trial.

[0068] Over time, the animal gradually stops entering the operating area 9. If the specified time is exceeded, the animal enters the refractory period, activating the odor exhaust fan 5-3 and reset device 6. At the start of the next trial, the movable baffle 6-3 moves until it overlaps with the side panel 2-3 corresponding to the operating area 9. In the "approach-avoidance conflict" test, the pressure lever 4-4 is simultaneously popped out to reward the animal for completing the task ("approach") and provide a negative gas cylinder cue ("avoidance"), allowing the animal to study its behavior under approach-avoidance conflict cues.

[0069] Example 2

[0070] like Figure 8 and Figure 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 will not be 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 start of the experiment, the cage light 8 illuminates, the exhaust fan 1-2 is turned on, and the movable baffle 6-3 overlaps the side panel 2-3 corresponding to the operating area 9. The task begins when the experimental animal enters the discrimination area 10 from the preparation area 11. The computer issues a signal, and the display screen 5-6 illuminates. During "trend" training, two patterns, one positive cue and one neutral cue, appear simultaneously on the display screen 5-6. In this embodiment, two levers 4-4 are provided, one positioned directly below each pattern. When a buzzer 5-4 sounds, the lever 4-4 pops out. Within a specified time, the experimental animal moves from the discrimination area 10 to the operating area 9. Pressing the lever 4-4 on the side of the positive cue pattern results in food; pressing the lever 4-4 on the side of the neutral cue does not result in food. During the refractory period, the display screen 5-6 and cage light 8 go out, the buzzer 5-4 turns off, and the reset device 6 activates, returning 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 "avoidance" training, the display screen 5-6 simultaneously displays a negative cue and a neutral cue pattern. A buzzer 5-4 sounds, prompting the lever 4-4 to pop out. Within a specified timeframe, the animal moves from the discrimination zone 10 to the operant zone 9. Pressing the lever 4-4 facing the neutral cue yields food. When the lever 4-4 facing the negative cue is pressed, a computer-controlled electrical stimulation device 3 delivers an electric shock via a conductive rod on the foot. During the refractory period, the display screen 5-6 and cage light 8 go out, the buzzer 5-4 turns off, and the reset device 6 activates, returning the animal to the preparation zone 11. The next trial begins when the movable baffle 6-3 moves to overlap the side panel 2-3 corresponding to the operant zone 9.

[0073] After a period of time, the animal may not enter the operating area 9, and will also enter the refractory period if the specified time is exceeded. In the "approach-avoidance conflict" test, the display screens 5-6 simultaneously present a positive cue ("approach") and a pattern that provides a negative cue ("avoidance") to study the behavior of animals under the approach-avoidance conflict cue condition.

[0074] The present invention not only increases the number of indicators detected for "approach" behavior and redefines the detection of "avoidance" behavior indicators, but also can 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 adaptable to model animals.

[0075] The embodiments described above are merely descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, various modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present invention by persons skilled in the art should fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box, characterized by: A soundproof box (1) is provided with a test box (2) in the soundproof box (1), wherein 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 sequence in the horizontal direction; An electric stimulation device (3) is provided at the bottom of the operating area (9), and a reward device (4) and a test device (5) capable of performing both approach and avoidance tests are provided on the side wall of the test box (2) corresponding to the operating area (9); The operating area (9) and the identification area (10) are connected spaces, and a movable automatic reset device (6) is provided in the operating 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 provided on the fixed partition (7); The test box (2) comprises a bottom plate (2-1), a test 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 automatic reset device (6) includes 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), 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), the other end of the screw rod (6-2) is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor (6-1), the motor (6-1) is arranged on the other side plate (2-3), and the motor (6-1) is electrically connected to an external computer through a pipeline; 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) being threadedly connected to the screw rod (6-2), the connecting plate (6-3-1) being slidingly connected to the fixed shaft (6-4), and the replaceable plate (6-3-2) being detachably connected to the connecting plate (6-3-1); 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 vents (5-2) are provided on the side panel (2-3) and the back panel (2-4), and the air vents (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 mounted 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.

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 soundproof 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 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).

3. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top plate (2-5) is provided with a wiring slot (2-5-1); The top end of the interior of the test box (2) is provided with a cage light (8) for providing lighting inside the entire box, and the cage light (8) is electrically connected to an external computer via a pipeline.

4. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic reset device (6) further comprises a limiter (6-5), the limiter (6-5) being located at the maximum stroke allowed by the movable baffle (6-3), and the limiter (6-5) being arranged on the inner wall of the test box (2).

5. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reward device (4) includes a feeder (4-3), the feeder (4-3) is installed on the outer wall of the side panel (2-3) corresponding to the operation area (9), the feeder (4-3) is connected to the esophagus (4-1), the esophagus (4-1) is connected to the trough (4-2), and the trough (4-2) is 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.

6. The adjustable and resettable approach-avoidance behavior experiment box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test device (5) is replaced by: 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 operation area (9), and the display screen (5-6) and the buzzer (5-4) are both electrically connected to an external computer through pipelines.

7. 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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