Hole-board test

Hole-board test is a widely used behavioral test in neuroscience and pharmacology to assess exploratory behavior and anxiety in rodents, particularly rats and mice. The test is based on the natural curiosity of these animals to explore new environments, including poking their noses into holes.

Procedure

The hole-board test apparatus consists of a flat surface, usually a square or rectangle, with a series of evenly spaced holes. The board is elevated off the ground, and the holes are large enough for the rodent to poke its head into, but not so large that it can fall through. The animal is placed on the board and allowed to explore freely for a set period of time, typically 5 to 15 minutes. The number of times the animal pokes its head into the holes (termed "dipping" behavior) is recorded, as well as the time spent in different areas of the board.

Interpretation

Increased hole-dipping behavior is generally interpreted as a sign of decreased anxiety, while decreased hole-dipping behavior is seen as a sign of increased anxiety. This is based on the assumption that a less anxious animal will be more curious and thus more likely to explore its environment, including poking its head into the holes. However, interpretation of the hole-board test can be complex, as factors such as the animal's previous experience, its general activity level, and the presence of potential reinforcers (such as food in the holes) can also influence behavior.

Applications

The hole-board test is used in a variety of research contexts. In neuroscience, it is often used to study the effects of drugs, brain lesions, or genetic manipulations on exploratory behavior and anxiety. In pharmacology, it is used to test the anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects of new drugs. The test is also used in behavioral genetics to study the genetic basis of anxiety and exploratory behavior.

See also

• Open field (animal test)
• Elevated plus maze
• Novel object recognition test