Passive Avoidance — Step Down

The Ugo Basile Passive Avoidance Step Down apparatus (Cat. 47573) is a classic test for short- and long-term memory in mice using a fear-motivated avoidance paradigm. Animals placed on an elevated platform learn to avoid stepping down onto a floor that delivers a mild foot shock — retention latency serves as the memory index.

The system features an automated silent sliding door, a precision 8-pole constant-current shocker, and a tilting-floor detection mechanism. The 12-inch touch-screen controller manages up to 4 cages and integrates with the optional Beehive expansion system.

Key Features

• Classic step-down memory test for mice
• Silent automated sliding door
• Precision 8-pole constant-current shocker
• Tilting-floor detection mechanism
• 12-inch touch-screen controller for up to 4 cages
• Expandable via optional Beehive expansion box

Research Applications

Passive Avoidance Step Down is a time-honoured memory assessment tool particularly well-suited to mice. Its compact format and high sensitivity to classical amnestic agents make it valuable for both drug screening and cognitive phenotyping studies.

• Short- and long-term memory: Assessing memory retention at 1 h, 24 h, and 72 h post-training
• Cognitive phenotyping: Characterizing memory function in transgenic and knockout mouse models
• Amnestic drug testing: Evaluating scopolamine-, ethanol-, or benzodiazepine-induced memory impairment
• Cognitive enhancers: Screening for compounds that improve or protect fear-motivated memory
• Aging research: Monitoring age-related memory decline in longitudinal rodent studies