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Passive Avoidance Step Through
Fear-motivated memory test using a silent automated sliding door and tilting-floor detection. Shock intensity 0.1–3 mA; 12-inch touchscreen controller for up to 4 cages; rat version (40552): internal 48×20×22 cm, mouse version (40553): internal 38×9×17 cm.
Passive Avoidance — Step Through
The Ugo Basile Passive Avoidance Step Through apparatus (Cat. 40552 for rats, 40553 for mice) assesses memory function through a fear-motivated avoidance paradigm. Animals learn to associate the dark compartment — their natural preference — with an aversive foot shock, and memory retention is measured as the latency to step through on subsequent trials.
A silent, motorless automated sliding door divides the illuminated and dark compartments, while a tilting-floor mechanism reliably detects the moment of crossing. The 12-inch resistive touchscreen controller manages up to 4 independent cages and supports remote control for software upgrades.
Key Features
- Silent automated sliding door — no stepping motor noise
- Tilting-floor crossing detection
- Shock: 0.1–3 mA in 0.1 mA steps; 0.1–9.9 s duration
- 12-inch touchscreen controller for up to 4 cages
- Rat cage (40552): internal 48 × 20 × 22 cm; Mouse (40553): internal 38 × 9 × 17 cm
- Expandable via Beehive Cage-Manager System
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Research Applications
Passive Avoidance Step Through is one of the most widely applied memory tests in preclinical neuroscience. Its straightforward protocol, high sensitivity, and established pharmacological validity make it a standard in cognition and memory drug discovery pipelines.
- Memory and learning: Measuring fear-motivated memory consolidation and retention over 24–72 hours
- Cognitive enhancer screening: Detecting pro-cognitive effects of nootropics and cognitive enhancers
- Amnestic drug effects: Evaluating the amnestic effects of scopolamine, benzodiazepines, or other amnestics
- Alzheimer’s models: Assessing memory deficits in transgenic Alzheimer’s disease mouse models
- Drug safety testing: Memory-based safety pharmacology endpoints for CNS compounds
Technical Specifications
| Catalog Numbers | 40552 (rats), 40553 (mice) |
|---|---|
| Shock Intensity | 0.1–3 mA in 0.1 mA steps |
| Shock Duration | 0.1–9.9 s in 0.1 s steps |
| Cutoff Time | 0–600 s |
| Door Delay | 1–300 s |
| Light | 0–1,800 Lux (0–100% variable) |
| Controller Display | 12-inch resistive touch screen |
| Rat Cage (internal) | 48 × 20 × 22 cm; 5.3 kg |
| Mouse Cage (internal) | 38 × 9 × 17 cm; 3.4 kg |
| Operating Temperature | 10–40°C |
Memory and Learning
Explore All ProductsHow does the Passive Avoidance Step Through test work?
Animals are placed in the light compartment and allowed to step through the automated door into the dark compartment, where they receive a mild foot shock. Memory retention is measured as the latency to re-enter the dark compartment on subsequent trials.
What catalog numbers are available?
Cat. 40552 is the rat version and Cat. 40553 is the mouse version of the Passive Avoidance Step Through apparatus.
What is the noise level of the automated door?
The automated sliding door uses no stepping motor, making it virtually silent. This eliminates conditioned responses to door noise that could confound passive avoidance data.
How is the animal's crossing detected?
Animal crossing is detected by a tilting-floor mechanism, which triggers immediately when the animal's weight shifts from one compartment to the other, providing precise, artifact-free crossing detection.
What memory timepoints are typically assessed?
Retention is typically assessed at 24 hours post-training for long-term memory, though 1-hour and 72-hour timepoints are also used to dissect consolidation and persistence of fear-motivated memory.
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