Operant Algesiometers

The OCS provides an operant method of pain testing with rodents that complements reflexive methods by addressing cognitive and motivational processing.

This operant behavioral system consists of a 3-chambered red acrylic unit where chamber 1 contains an aversive bright light, chamber 2 is darker with a textured floor or heated/cooled floor as the stimulus (variable from innocuous to noxious), and chamber 3 is dark (safe haven). Rodents are given the opportunity to escape the bright light by crossing chamber 2 to the “rewarding” dark chamber. Dependent measures are related to the perceived or actual noxious input evoked by the stimulus; exit time from chamber 1 (emphasizing the cognitive components of pain) and duration in chamber 2 (emphasizing the sensory component of pain).

Use three interchangeable stimuli to test multiple pain models with one device

Simple adaptations allow a single OCS to be used for both rats and mice.