Estimation of the Level of Anxiety in Rats: Differences in Results of Open-Field Test, Elevated Plus-Maze Test, and Vogel’s Conflict Test

Abstract

We compared individual anxiety assessed by three standard tests, open-field test, elevated plus-maze test, and Vogel conflict drinking test, in the same animals. No significant correlations between the main anxiety parameters were found in these three experimental models. Groups of animals with high and low anxiety rats were formed by a single parameter and subsequent selection of two extreme groups (10%). It was found that none of the tests could be used for reliable estimation of individual anxiety in rats. The individual anxiety level with high degree of confidence was determined in high-anxiety and low-anxiety rats demonstrating behavioral parameters above and below the mean values in all tests used. Therefore, several tests should be used for evaluation of the individual anxiety or sensitivity to emotional stress.

Adaptive capacities from survival to stress responses of two isogenic lines of rainbow trout fed a plant-based diet

“…This relationship observed between cortisol release after the isolation test and behavioural emotional responses is consistent with the literature linking fearfulness and high post-stress cortisol levels44. The open-field test is commonly used in mammals4546 and also in fish1747 to reveal emotional states and behavioural coping strategies displayed in potentially threatening situations48. Increased thigmotaxis and excessive movements observed in fish fed the plant-based diet in response to isolation can respectively express hiding and escaping strategies, which are both anti-predator behaviour.…”

A new exposure model to evaluate smoked illicit drugs in rodents: A study of crack cocaine

“…However, this response may be a consequence of the increased motor behavior because a hyperlocomotive animal may walk more indiscriminately, including in central zones that are normally aversive. The open-field test is considered a test to evaluate anxiety (Sudakov et al, 2013), but there are several more specific tests, such as the elevated plus maze test (Pellow, Chopin, File, & Briley, 1985). The decrease in the anxiety levels in the present study disagrees with human reports of crack exposure, in which increased anxiety is sometimes reported (Delas et al, 2010;Lejuez et al, 2008;Zubaran, Foresti, Thorell, & Franceschini, 2013).…”

“…The rats were observed in an open field immediately after crack exposure to evaluate exploratory/motor, anxiety, and emotionality parameters (Patti et al, 2005;Sudakov, Nazarova, Alekseeva, & Bashkatova, 2013). The open-field apparatus consisted of a round wooden arena (90 cm diameter, 28 cm high walls) that was painted grey with an acrylic washable cover.…”

Effect of Yi-nao-jie-yu decoction on γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor in the hippocampus and serum inflammatory factors in a rat model of poststroke anxiety

“…We also used the EPM to evaluate behavior. Normally, this test cannot be repeated in the same animals with the same results, but individual anxiety or resistance to emotional stress should be evaluated through several tests for the same animals 29. As we wanted to observe difference among groups, we tested the rats in the EPM at different time points.…”