Open the Analysis Software for examining fish behavioral test data. To elaborate on a new template, click on New from template, then Apply a pre-defined template followed by From video file. Then select a video from the template set up.
In the Parameters window, select the model fish to adult zebrafish, the arena to Open field, square to one arena and the number of subjects per arena. Then choose the type of detection by Center point and adjust the frame rate to 30 FPS. Name the experiment as a template and store it in the same folder as the rest of the videos.
Under Experiment Settings, review the configured setup. In Arena Settings, right click on the center of the screen and select Grab. From file in the display, select a good quality video image and click Accept to capture this image for the background settings.
Using the 19 centimeters width of the tank as a scale, calibrate the captured image to create a calibrated rule. Then draw the arena, and using the frame function, delineate the shape zones. For the novel tank test and shoaling test, draw two equal horizontal boxes on the tank.
Draw three equal vertical boxes for the social preference test. Under Trial Control Settings, put an infinite time condition and remove the other components. Next, under Detection Settings, select the video for analysis from the video file and check the detection quality.
Click on Auto Detect to adjust the detection and refocus the animal. Under Trial Settings, input one trial. Then under Data Profiles, create results dialogue windows.
And under Analyze Profiles, select the parameters to analyze. To copy and use the template, open the template file with behavior analysis software. Then go to File and click Save As to create a new identical file.
Alternatively, select New from Template, then apply to custom template. Next, go to Arena Settings to readjust the template. Under Acquisition, select DDS, then click Ready to start to process the video.
Once the acquisition is complete, go to track editor to check the processed video. Finally, in Statistics, click on Calculate, then Export Data. Anxiety behavior assessed in a novel tank test of zebrafish exposed to methamphetamine exhibited a decrease in distance traveled, exploration distance and time, and number of visits to the upper zone of the tank.
The latency time before the first visit to the upper zone increased significantly. Freezing behavior increased also significantly after three hours of methamphetamine exposure. Social behavior assessed in the shoaling test of the methamphetamine treated fish displayed a behavioral phenotype of social isolation with an increased average and farthest distances between individuals.
Social behavior assessed in the social preference test of the methamphetamine treated fish showed a significant decrease in time spent and distance traveled in the conspecific zone.
