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The StartFear system is a polyvalent system taking advantage of the same equipment for conducting both fear conditioning and startle reflex experiments.

Basically, the StartFear system allows the recording and the analysis of the signal generated by the animal movement through a high sensitivity Weight Transducer system. The analogical signal is transmitted to the StartWin software through the load cell unit for recording purposes and posterior analysis in terms of activity/immobility (fear conditioning) or startle response characterization (startle reflex). Two additional control units allow setting the frequency and the amplitude of the sound (pre-pulse, pulse, background noise) as well as the intensity of the shock.

The StartFear cage is made with black methacrylate walls and a transparent frond door. In fear conditioning experiment, the walls, cover and floor can be of different material or colour. Moreover, a transparent cylinder can be placed into the experimental chamber in order to modify the contextual spatial perception of the subject during the test phase.

Parameters Measured
All the parameters given by the StartWin software, i.e.:
• Time of experiment at which each activity event has occured (fear conditioning)
• Duration of each inactivity event (fear conditioning)
• Latency until the maximum amplitude of startle response (startle reflex)
• Duration of the startle response (startle reflex)
• Latency until the begining of the startle response (startle reflex)
• Average of the startle response (startle reflex)


Key features
• Entirely modular chamber
• Weight transducer sensitivity optimized for mice
• Easily removable tray
• Different spacial context configurations available for fear conditioning paradigms
• Accurate and traceable data


Components included
• Stimulation Unit
• Sound Proof Box (LE26)
• Weight cell amplifier (LE111)
• Audio Generator (LE114)


Options
• Mouse/Rat holder for Startle Reflex (LE117M or LE117R)
• Shock Generator (LE100-26)
• StartWin Software to control up to 8 Stimulation units

Available in 2 different versions for rats and mice