小鼠O迷宫规格：外形尺寸：500 x 500 x 200 mm
材质：亚克利板材，铝合金框架
采用开臂和闭合臂交替的环形设计，避免老鼠走到尽头必须原路返回后才能进入其他区域的弊端。

SOP:
1. Pre-Test Preparation: Ensure that all equipment, including the video camera, acquisition system, and behavioral tracking software , is functioning properly. Turn on room lights and maintain consistent ambient illumination to reduce variability across trials. Transfer the animals to the testing room in their home cages and allow them to acclimate for at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the experiment.
2. Maze Cleaning: Before testing each animal, thoroughly clean the Elevated Zero Maze using 75% ethanol to eliminate any olfactory cues or biological residues from previous sessions. Wipe all surfaces of the open and enclosed sections, including the walls, floor, and inner railings. Allow the ethanol to air dry completely to avoid affecting animal behavior.
3. Camera and Mounting Setup: Connect the camera to the behavioral tracking system via a video capture card. Mount the camera directly above the maze to ensure a clear, top-down view of the entire Elevated Zero Maze without distortion or blind spots. Use the live video feed to adjust the angle and focus of the camera. To verify that all zones are fully visible and unobstructed, briefly place a test mouse in the maze and confirm that the animal can be reliably tracked across both open and enclosed quadrants. Remove the test mouse after validation and clean the maze thoroughly before official testing.
4. EthoVision XT Software Setup: Open EthoVision XT and create a new experiment file. Define the circular maze structure, designating open and enclosed sections as separate zones for analysis. Calibrate the maze dimensions accurately using the live video feed. Set the session duration (typically 5 minutes) and confirm that the animal detection and tracking settings (e.g., body center or nose-point tracking) are functioning reliably.
5. Behavioral Testing Procedure: Gently place the mouse at a predefined starting location on the maze (commonly at the boundary of an open and enclosed quadrant), ensuring minimal handling stress. Immediately begin video tracking and leave the room to avoid disturbing the animal during exploration. Avoid loud sounds, sudden movements, or vibration during the session.
6. Post-Session Cleaning and Data Management: At the end of the test, stop the recording and return the animal to its home cage. Clean the maze again using 75% ethanol to remove any urine, feces, or scent trails. Back up and organize the behavioral data for subsequent analysis, and prepare the apparatus for the next trial.