Small animal social box for evaluating depression behavior
By designing a closed box and a sliding partition structure, the problem of experimental subjects jumping out of the experimental area during the social attack stage and movement was solved, and convenient movement of experimental subjects and accurate behavioral evaluation were achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422968504.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-03
AI Technical Summary
In existing small animal social boxes, during the social attack phase or when moving, the experimental subjects are likely to jump out of the experimental area, resulting in experimental errors.
A box with four sides closed is designed, which adopts a sliding partition and push plate structure. The movement of experimental objects and area conversion are achieved by controlling the door and push-pull handle to avoid jumping out of the experimental area.
It realizes the convenient movement and area conversion of experimental objects, reduces experimental errors, and improves the reliability and accuracy of the experiment.
Smart Images
Figure CN223472801U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of behavioral experimental technology, and in particular to a social box for small animals used to evaluate depressive behavior. Background Technology
[0002] Behavioral science studies the responses of individual animals and animal communities to changes in their internal and external environments. Chronic social defeated stress (CSDS) is an experimental method for studying the social stress and social support systems of animals (especially rodents such as mice and rats). This method can be used to study various psychological and biological mechanisms, such as depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. The general procedure of this experiment includes: selecting experimental subjects: dividing the subjects into experimental and control groups; the social aggression phase: placing the experimental group subjects in an environment with aggressors to induce aggression; behavioral assessment: finally, placing the experimental and control groups subjects with new, unknown animals and observing their exploratory behavior in the new environment to assess their depression levels.
[0003] During the experiment, the experimental subjects need to be moved at different stages and placed in different environments. For ease of movement, the experimental box is usually designed to be open. However, during the social attack phase or when moving the subjects, sometimes the subjects may jump out of the experimental area due to stimulation, causing experimental errors.
[0004] Based on this, we developed a small animal social box for evaluating depressive behavior that is easy to move experimental subjects while preventing them from jumping out of the experimental area. Utility Model Content
[0005] This invention provides a small animal social box for evaluating depressive behavior that facilitates the movement of experimental subjects while preventing them from jumping out of the experimental area. The problem it aims to solve is that in social frustration experiments, experimental subjects need to be moved at different stages and placed in different environments. For ease of movement, experimental boxes are generally designed with an open opening. However, during the social aggression stage or when moving the subjects, sometimes the subjects may jump out of the experimental area due to stimulation, causing experimental errors.
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: a social box for evaluating depressive behavior in small animals, comprising a box body with four sides closed, a first partition fixedly installed in the box body along the longitudinal direction, a first experimental area on the left side of the first partition, and a second partition and a third partition arranged in the transverse direction on the right side of the first partition, from back to front. The second partition is a transparent structure, and its right side passes through the right wall of the box body and is slidably connected to the right wall of the box body along the transverse direction, and has an operating handle at its right end. The third partition is fixedly installed, and the second partition is arranged in the transverse direction on the right side of the first partition, from back to front. The experimental areas are divided into a second, a third, and a fourth experimental area. The third experimental area has a push plate A on its right side, and a connecting rod A on its right side. The connecting rod A is slidably connected to the right wall of the box along the lateral direction, and has a push-pull handle A at its right end. The fourth experimental area has a push plate B on its right side, and a connecting rod B on its right side. The connecting rod B is slidably connected to the right wall of the box along the lateral direction, and has a push-pull handle B at its right end. The first partition has doors A and B at positions corresponding to the third and fourth experimental areas, and has a control mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of doors A and B.
[0007] Preferably, the first partition is provided with a rotating shaft, and the doors A and B are rotatably connected to the first partition through the rotating shaft. One end of the rotating shaft extends through the side wall of the box. The control mechanism includes a rotating handle connected to one end of the rotating shaft, and a return spring is provided between the rotating handle and the side wall of the box.
[0008] Preferably, the housing includes a top plate that is slidably disposed.
[0009] Preferably, a number of cameras are embedded in the top plate.
[0010] Preferably, the bottom of the operating handle, push-pull handle A, and push-pull handle B are all equipped with lockable pulleys, and the bottom of the pulleys is flush with the bottom of the housing.
[0011] Preferably, a push plate C is provided on the right side of the second test area, and a connecting rod C is provided on the right side of the push plate C. The connecting rod C is slidably connected to the right wall of the box body in a horizontal direction, and a push-pull handle C is provided at the right end.
[0012] Preferably, the bottom of the push-pull handle C is provided with a lockable pulley, and the bottom of the pulley is flush with the bottom of the box.
[0013] Compared to existing technologies, this invention places corresponding animals in different experimental zones. The second partition controls whether the second and third experimental zones are connected, which is used to place experimental subjects, experimental groups, and attackers. Push plates A and B, together with doors A and B, can transfer animals from the third and fourth experimental zones to the first experimental zone, which is used to place experimental subjects and groups of unknown animals, and observe their social behavior in the first experimental zone. This invention can prevent animals from jumping out of the experimental zone, is easy to transfer, has high integrity, facilitates animal movement, and reduces animal stress behavior, making it highly practical. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view of the interior of this utility model;
[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of door A, door B, and control mechanism in this utility model;
[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the top plate in this utility model.
[0017] In the diagram: 1. Box body, 2. First experimental area, 3. First partition, 4. Second experimental area, 5. Push plate C, 6. Connecting rod C, 7. Operating handle, 8. Push-pull handle C, 9. Push plate A, 10. Connecting rod A, 11. Push-pull handle A, 12. Push plate B, 13. Connecting rod B, 14. Push-pull handle B, 15. Door B, 16. Fourth experimental area, 17. Third partition, 18. Door A, 19. Third experimental area, 20. Second partition, 21. Rotary handle, 22. Return spring, 23. Rotary shaft, 24. Top plate. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on specific circumstances.
[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0022] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, a small animal socialization box for evaluating depressive behavior includes a closed box 1. A first longitudinal partition 3 is fixed inside the box 1. To the left of the first partition 3 is a first experimental area 2. To the right of the first partition 3, from back to front, are a second transverse partition 20 and a third partition 17. The second partition 20 is transparent and slides horizontally through the right wall of the box 1 on its right side, with an operating handle 7 at its right end. The third partition 17 is fixedly installed. To the right of the first partition 3, from back to front, are a second experimental area 4, a third experimental area 19, and a fourth experimental area 1. 6. A push plate A9 is provided on the right side of the third experimental area 19. A connecting rod A10 is provided on the right side of the push plate A9. The connecting rod A10 is slidably connected to the right wall of the box 1 in the horizontal direction and has a push-pull handle A11 at the right end. A push plate B12 is provided on the right side of the fourth experimental area 16. A connecting rod B13 is provided on the right side of the push plate B12. The connecting rod B13 is slidably connected to the right wall of the box 1 in the horizontal direction and has a push-pull handle B14 at the right end. Doors A18 and B15 are provided on the first partition 3 at positions corresponding to the third experimental area 19 and the fourth experimental area 16, and a control mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of doors A18 and B15 is provided.
[0023] In practical use, a group of animals is placed in the first experimental area 2. The second partition 20 is controlled by the operating handle 7 to connect the second experimental area 4 and the third experimental area 19. The experimental group, consisting of an aggressor animal and the experimental subjects, is placed in the experimental area to observe the reaction of the experimental subjects. Then, the second experimental area 4 and the third experimental area 19 are separated again by the partition 20, with the aggressor animal in the second experimental area 4 and the experimental group in the third experimental area 19, so that the aggressor animal and the experimental group can see each other but cannot touch each other, thus allowing for further observation of the experimental group's reaction. Finally, the push plate A9 is pushed by the push handle A11 and the connecting rod A10, and the door A is opened to move the experimental group into the first experimental area 2, where the social behavior of the experimental group in the group can be observed. The fourth experimental area 16 is used to place the control group, which is cultured in a normal environment. The push plate B12 is pushed by the push handle B14 and the connecting rod B13, and the door B15 is opened to move the control group into the first experimental area 2, where the social behavior of the control group in the group can be observed. Finally, the behavior of the control group and the experimental group is compared to evaluate the depressive social behavior of the experimental group.
[0024] Preferably, the first partition 3 is provided with a rotating shaft 23. Doors A18 and B15 are rotatably connected to the first partition 3 through the rotating shaft 23. One end of the rotating shaft 23 extends through the side wall of the box body 1. The control mechanism includes a rotating handle 21 connected to one end of the rotating shaft 23. A return spring 22 is provided between the rotating handle 21 and the side wall of the box body 1. The rotating shaft 23 is rotated by the rotating handle 21 to control the opening of doors A18 and B15. When there is no external force, the rotating shaft 23 is reset under the action of the return spring 22.
[0025] Preferably, the enclosure 1 includes a top plate 24, which is slidably disposed so that each experimental area can be exposed by sliding the top plate 24, which facilitates the placement of each animal and the cleaning of the interior.
[0026] Preferably, the top plate 24 is equipped with several cameras, which can record behavior and make observations.
[0027] Preferably, the bottom of the operating handle 7, push-pull handle A11, and push-pull handle B14 are all equipped with lockable pulleys, and the bottom of the pulleys is flush with the bottom of the housing 1, which facilitates the movement and fixing of the operating handle 7, push-pull handle A11, and push-pull handle B14.
[0028] Preferably, a push plate C5 is provided on the right side of the second experimental area 4, and a connecting rod C6 is provided on the right side of the push plate C5. The connecting rod C6 is slidably connected to the right wall of the box 1 in the lateral direction, and a push-pull handle C8 is provided at the right end. That is, the size of the environment of the attacking animal in the second experimental area 4 can be controlled by the push plate C5, and the size of the environment of the experimental group in the third experimental area 19 can be controlled by the push plate A9. When the experimental animal is large, the corresponding space is appropriately expanded, and when the experimental animal is small, the corresponding space is appropriately reduced, so as to facilitate the experimentation on different animals.
[0029] Preferably, the bottom of the push-pull handle C8 is provided with a lockable pulley, and the bottom of the pulley is flush with the bottom of the housing 1, which facilitates the movement and fixing of the push-pull handle C8.
[0030] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A small animal socialization box for evaluating depressive behavior, comprising a four-sided enclosed box (1), characterized in that: The box (1) is fixedly provided with a first partition (3) along the longitudinal direction. The left side of the first partition (3) is the first experimental area (2). The right side of the first partition (3) is provided with a second partition (20) and a third partition (17) along the transverse direction from back to front. The second partition (20) is a transparent structure and passes through the right wall of the box (1) on the right side, and is slidably connected to the right wall of the box (1) along the transverse direction. An operating handle (7) is provided at the right end. The third partition (17) is fixedly provided. The right side of the first partition (3) is provided with a second experimental area (4), a third experimental area (19) and a fourth experimental area (16) from back to front. The right side of the third experimental area (19) is provided with a push plate A ( 9) A connecting rod A (10) is provided on the right side of the push plate A (9). The connecting rod A (10) is slidably connected to the right wall of the box (1) in the horizontal direction, and a push-pull handle A (11) is provided at the right end. A push plate B (12) is provided on the right side of the fourth experimental area (16). A connecting rod B (13) is provided on the right side of the push plate B (12). The connecting rod B (13) is slidably connected to the right wall of the box (1) in the horizontal direction, and a push-pull handle B (14) is provided at the right end. Doors A (18) and B (15) are provided on the first partition plate (3) at positions corresponding to the third experimental area (19) and the fourth experimental area (16), and a control mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of doors A (18) and B (15) is provided.
2. The small animal socialization box for evaluating depressive behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first partition (3) is provided with a rotating shaft (23). Door A (18) and door B (15) are rotatably connected to the first partition (3) through the rotating shaft (23). One end of the rotating shaft (23) extends out of the side wall of the box (1). The control mechanism includes a rotating handle (21) connected to one end of the rotating shaft (23). A return spring (22) is provided between the rotating handle (21) and the side wall of the box (1).
3. A small animal socialization box for evaluating depressive behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) includes a top plate (24) that is slidably disposed.
4. A small animal socialization box for evaluating depressive behavior according to claim 3, characterized in that: Several cameras are embedded in the top plate (24).
5. A small animal socialization box for evaluating depressive behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the operating handle (7), push-pull handle A (11), and push-pull handle B (14) are all equipped with lockable pulleys, and the bottom of the pulleys is flush with the bottom of the box body (1).
6. A small animal socialization box for evaluating depressive behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second experimental area (4) is provided with a push plate C (5) on the right side, and a connecting rod C (6) is provided on the right side of the push plate C (5). The connecting rod C (6) is slidably connected to the right wall of the box (1) in the horizontal direction, and a push-pull handle C (8) is provided at the right end.
7. A small animal socialization box for evaluating depressive behavior according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom of the push-pull handle C (8) is provided with a lockable pulley, and the bottom of the pulley is flush with the bottom of the box (1).