Animal Acoustic Startle

Multi-Protocol
Screening or Research
Fully Automated
Easy-To-Use Software
Minimal Subject Handling
Automated Calibration
Full-Power Acoustic Transducer
Statistical Analysis
Tone or Noise Prepulse
Provision for Shock, Light, and other Stimuli

Coulbourn Instruments' Animal Acoustic Startle System is comprised of sound attenuating chambers, each of which will accommodate up to four animal holders and load-cell response sensing platforms, a LabLinc V-series interface with audio stimulus synthesis and response signal conditioning, and a high-power acoustic pulse amplifier. Total Audio Throughput Capability is the most robust in the industry insuring that you can perform any protocol. The sound output of the startle audio transducer is up to 128dB with either 20Hz to 20 KHz white noise or with program selectable tone frequencies from 10 Hz to 25.5 KHz. There is minimal animal handling. They are simply placed in a holder and then the holder is placed on the response sensor platform in the chamber.

Product List

AASS : Animal Acoustic Startle System Software
A10-21 : Acoustic Startle Controller - picture
PCI-3-KIT : PCI Computer Interface Card (One per system) - picture

E10-21 : Single Station Startle Chamber
E10-24 : Acoustic Startle Chamber

E45-11 : Small Load-Cell Platform (for subjects to 450g)
E45-12 : Small Load-Cell Platform (for subjects to 900g)
E45-13 : Small Load-Cell Platform (for subjects to 2250g)

E05-15 : Small Animal Holder (for subjects to 400g)
E05-20 : Small Animal Holder (for subjects to 1kg)
E05-15-SFM : Small Animal Holder with shock grid floor (for subjects to 400g)
E05-20-SFM : Small Animal Holder with shock grid floor (for subjects to 1kg)

Animal Acoustic Startle Software

AASS - Create/Edit Trial Table

The Coulbourn Instruments Animal Acoustic Startle System provides a completely automated environment in which to implement all of the commonly employed startle protocols. Procedures such as habituation, pre-pulse, inhibition and fear-potentiated startle are easily accomplished.

The system is computer-based and all stimulus parameters are specified by completing entries in Windows available from a single screen. Experiment protocols are saved to disk files.

The V85-05 Audio Source Module is used to provide acoustic stimuli. The software allows the use of either stimulus type, (tone or noise) in either or both stimulus positions. For tone stimuli, amplitude, frequency and duration are computer controlled; rise/decay time is switch selectable on the V85-05. Amplitude and duration of noise bursts are computer controlled. Calibration routines for noise and tone stimuli are included.

AASS - Calibrate Sound

During an experimental session, the software displays both numeric and response waveform data. A post-hoc viewer is included for critical examination trial-by-trial response data.

In addition to acoustic stimuli, outputs are available for stimuli in other modalities. The software allows programming of these events in the same scheme used for acoustic stimuli, and they may be used in lieu of acoustic stimuli in startle designs.

The user also maintains complete control of such experimental details as the characteristics of the adaptation period, the use of the ventilation fan in the chamber, and the nature of the acquired data. The system offers a sophisticated level of control combined with an intuitive user interface.

An example of this design approach is the inclusion of a separate routine for conducting the training trials needed for fear-potentiated startle protocols

The response sensors in the platforms are strain gage load cells. This type of sensing eliminates the major problems associated with other transducers. The platforms can be easily and automatically calibrated with static weights. A calibration routine is included in the Startle System software.

Acoustic Startle Response Chambers

E10-21 Single Station Startle Chamber

E10-21 : Single Station Startle Chamber

TEST SUBJECT: Mouse, Rat

An industry first! 20Hz to 32kHz Built-in fan and light Specially developed soundproofing material

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Single Station startle chambers can run simultaneous tone and noise with our exclusive on the fly, audio waveform mixing technology. 30Hz to 32kHz, built- in fan and light. Stack up to eight (8) chambers per workbench. Utilizes a sound proofing material developed exclusively for Coulbourn Instruments. Single station startle chambers can run independent tone and independent noises as well.

E10-24

E10-24 : Acoustic Startle Chamber

TEST SUBJECT: Mouse, Rat

• Holds up to 4 animals at once
• Sound proof construction
• Built in high power acoustic driver

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Our Animal Acoustic Startle System is comprised of one or two sound attenuated chambers, each of which will accommodate up to four animal holders and load-cell response sensing platforms, a LabLinc V-series interface with audio stimulus synthesis and response signal conditioning, and a high-power acoustic pulse amplifier.

Total Audio Throughput Capability is the most robust in the industry insuring that you can perform any protocol. The sound output of the startle audio transducer built into the chamber is up to 128dB with either 20Hz to 20 KHz white noise or with program selectable tone frequencies from 10 Hz to 25.5 KHz

Spec: W 25" (63.50 cm) x H 26" (66.04 cm) x D 20" (50.80 cm)

Weight approx 34 Kg.

Startle Sensor Platforms

E45-11 Small Load-Cell Platform E45-11 : Small Load-Cell Platform (for subjects to 450g)

• Full parallelogram design minimizes off centre load effects, improves accuracy.
• Solid state strain gage provides high reliability and high noise immunity.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Any type of cage, restrainer, or animal holder may be placed on the platform in accordance with the measurement objectives. Large area cages, such as plastic home (living) cages, may be used if ambulatory behavior is to be included in the measure. Restrainers like our startle response Animal Holders may be used to limit response topography where desired.

Since the load-cell is AC coupled into the Transducer Monitor, after balancing, the actual force change associated with each movement is independent of the total mass on the platform provided the dynamic range of the sensor is not exceeded. Make sure the weight of the animal, plus the weight of the cage or restrainer, plus the expected response force (which can be several times the weight of the animal) does not exceed the weight specifications for the platform selected.

Also available are E45-12 (subjects to 900g) and E45-13 ( subjects to 2250g)

Animal Holders

E05-15

E05-15 : Small Animal Holder (for subjects to 400g) - weight 200g

This small animal restrainer can be used with Load-Cell Platforms in Ergometric Activity or Animal Acoustic Startle behavioral studies. Make sure the weight of the animal, plus the weight of the cage or restrainer, plus the expected response force (which can be several times the weight of the animal) does not exceed the weight specifications for the Load-Cell Platform.

Also available

E05-20 : Small Animal Holder (subjects to 1kg) - weight 250g

E05-15-SFM : Small Animal Holder with shock grid floor - weight 270g
E05-20-SFM : Small Animal Holder with shock grid floor - weight 450g