Une souris en phase exploratoire au centre d’un labyrinthe en croix

Mouse at the centre of a plus maze during an exploratory phase. This test can be used to measure anxiety levels in animals. It is based on the natural preference of rodents for closed spaces, which are more reassuring, in comparison to open spaces, which increase anxiety. The less anxious the mouse, the more likely it is to explore the open arms of the maze. By measuring the time spent in the open arms and the closed arms, it is possible to compare the anxiety levels of different mouse lines and evaluate the potential anxiolytic effects of a pharmacological product.