JP4911527B2 - Behavior evaluation device and behavior evaluation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a behavior evaluation device and a behavior evaluation method, and more particularly to an animal behavior evaluation device and a behavior evaluation method for animals.

Diseases that cause behavioral problems impede human social activities and academic work. In research and development related to such behavioral disorders, conventionally, for example, a model animal exhibiting behavioral characteristics characteristic to attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) has been created, and a breeding cage for the model animal is produced. Observation of behavior inside and underwater has been performed (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-186828 A

  However, while the behavioral characteristics characteristic of ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention deficit, and persistence, only a part of these indices can be evaluated by the above-mentioned conventional technology. It was done.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a behavior evaluation device and a behavior evaluation method capable of evaluating the behavior of animals in a multifaceted manner.

  The behavior evaluation device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a plurality of stages sequentially provided on a route until the animal reaches the reward, each of which is the animal's A plurality of stimulating units that act to stimulate visual, auditory, or olfactory sensations are provided, and a plurality of blocking units that block movement of the animal to the rewarding side are provided at each of the rewarding side ends thereof Detection by the detection unit when the stimulation unit is operating in a stage, a detection unit for detecting the animal in each stage, and a specific stage where the animal is present among the plurality of stages Based on the results, an analysis unit that determines whether or not the animal has performed an action acquired in advance in association with the operation of the stimulation unit; and when it is determined that the animal has performed the action, the plurality of stages Said specific out Characterized in that and a releasing portion that releases the blocking by the blocking portion to allow movement to the compensation side of the animals in the platform.

  According to the present invention, the behavior of an animal can be evaluated from multiple aspects. That is, since this behavior evaluation device includes a plurality of stages having a stimulating unit and a blocking unit, the blocking unit performs an action acquired in advance on the animal until the animal reaches the reward once. It is possible to repeatedly overcome the obstacle of canceling the movement prevention. Therefore, according to this behavior evaluation apparatus, it is possible to evaluate all of the animal's hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention deficit, and persistence.

  The blocking unit may include an openable / closable door that blocks movement of the animal to the reward side, and the release unit may release the blocking by the blocking unit by opening the door. . In addition, the image processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that holds region data that identifies a part of the stage as a specific region, and the analysis unit includes the animal in the specific stage based on a detection result by the detection unit. Generating position data for specifying the position of the animal, and based on the area data and the position data, the animal continues to stay in the specific area of the specific stage for a predetermined threshold time. It may be determined whether or not the above action has been performed. In addition, the stimulation unit of each stage has a plurality of stimulation parts that operate to stimulate the visual, auditory, or olfactory sense of the animal, and the specific area includes the plurality of stimulation parts in each stage. Of these, it may be a region corresponding to a part of the stimulating part that operates or does not operate. Further, the storage unit specifies a plurality of different ranges corresponding to each of the plurality of stimulation portions in each stage as candidate regions, and the one stimulation portion of the plurality of candidate regions. The area data for specifying one corresponding candidate area as the specific area may be held. Further, the analysis unit enters the specific region and the candidate regions other than the specific region on the specific stage based on the region data and the position data, respectively. The number of times may be measured. Further, the analysis unit may enter each of the specific region and each candidate region other than the specific region on the specific stage based on the region data and the position data. It is good also as measuring the time which exists.

  The behavior evaluation method according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is as follows. (A) to (e): (a) the above-mentioned animal is on the route until the animal reaches the reward. Preventing movement to the reward side, (b) providing a stimulus to the visual, auditory, or olfactory sense of the animal that has been prevented from moving, and (c) providing the stimulus to the animal in advance in association with the stimulus. It is determined whether or not the learned action has been performed. (D) When it is determined that the animal has performed the action, the movement of the animal to the reward side is released. (E) The animal is The step of sequentially moving each step of moving to the reward side is performed a plurality of times until the animal reaches the reward, and the behavior until the animal reaches the reward is evaluated. .

  According to the present invention, the behavior of an animal can be evaluated from multiple aspects. In other words, this behavior evaluation method allows the animal to repeatedly overcome the obstacle of canceling the block of movement by the blocking unit by performing an action learned in advance until the animal reaches the reward once. Can do. Therefore, according to this behavior evaluation method, it is possible to evaluate all of the hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention deficit, and persistence of animals.

  Moreover, an immature animal may be used as the animal. This way, you can assess the hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention deficit, and persistence of the child's animals. The animal may be a rat, a mouse, or a guinea pig.

  Hereinafter, a behavior evaluation device (hereinafter referred to as “this device”) and a behavior evaluation method (hereinafter referred to as “this method”) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this method can be preferably implemented by using this apparatus.

  As an animal to be evaluated in the present apparatus and method, any kind of animal can be used as long as it is an animal other than a human. Specifically, for example, small animals such as rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits can be preferably used, and rats, mice, or guinea pigs can be particularly preferably used. The animals are preferably used one by one.

  In the present apparatus and method, immature animals can be evaluated. That is, for example, a child animal that is not sexually mature can be preferably used, and in particular, a small animal that has not been sexually matured after weaning can be preferably used.

  In addition, an animal to which a drug has been administered in advance can be used. In this case, for example, a puppy born from an animal administered a drug during pregnancy can be used. That is, for example, an immature animal born from a small animal to which a drug was administered during pregnancy can be used.

  As this drug, those that affect the behavior of animals can be used. That is, for example, a drug that induces at least a part of hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention deficit, and persistence can be used. Specifically, it can cause ADHD symptoms in humans or non-human animals. Known or anticipated drugs can be used.

  In the present apparatus and method, a reward is used as a goal that the animal should reach. This reward is not particularly limited as long as the animal is willing to reach it voluntarily. That is, for example, foods and drinks preferred by animals can be used. In addition, when using immature animals, the mother and breast milk can be used as a reward in addition to food and drinks.

  FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing main steps included in an example of the present method. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present method, first, when a predetermined stimulus (hereinafter referred to as “predetermined stimulus”) is given to an animal in advance for its visual, auditory, or olfactory sense, It is learned that a reward can be reached by performing a predetermined action (hereinafter referred to as “predetermined action”) (S100). As a result, the animal can learn the predetermined action in advance in association with the predetermined stimulus. That is, the animal performs a predetermined action when a predetermined stimulus is given.

  The predetermined stimulus is not particularly limited as long as it can stimulate at least one of the visual, auditory, and olfactory senses of the animal. That is, for example, a predetermined stimulus that emits at least one of light, sound, and smell that can be recognized by the animal can be used.

  The predetermined action is not particularly limited as long as the animal can learn in association with the predetermined stimulus. That is, for example, the animal continues within a predetermined range (hereinafter referred to as “specific region”) on the route and has a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “threshold time”). An action that stays beyond (hereinafter referred to as “standby action”) can be a predetermined action. Further, for example, an operation action in which an animal pushes an operation tool such as a lever or a button provided in advance on the route can be set as the predetermined action.

  Next, in this method, a route is prepared until the animal reaches the reward. That is, a point where the animal starts moving is provided at one end of this route, a reward is provided at the other end, and the route is arranged so as to connect between them. The shape of the route is not particularly limited. That is, all or part of the path can be formed in a planar manner, and undulations such as irregularities can be formed. Further, all or part of the path can be formed linearly or can be formed curved.

  In this method, the following steps (a) to (e) (hereinafter referred to as “partial step (a)” to “partial step (e)”) are performed on the route until the animal reaches the reward. ) In order. In the partial step (a), the animal is prevented from moving to the reward side (S101). That is, after the animal starts to move toward the reward, the obstacle is given to the animal in the middle of the route so that it can no longer proceed to the reward side. Specifically, for example, in the middle of the route, obstacles such as walls and moats that physically block between animals and rewards are set in advance.

  In the partial step (b), a predetermined stimulus is given to the animal whose movement is prevented (S102). In the partial step (c), it is determined whether or not the animal given the predetermined stimulus has performed a predetermined action (S103). That is, for example, it is determined whether or not the animal has continued to exceed a threshold time within a specific area on the path while being given a predetermined stimulus involving luminescence.

  Here, when it is determined that the animal is not performing the predetermined action (No in S103), the predetermined stimulus to the animal and the movement to the reward side are continued. On the other hand, when it is determined that the animal given the predetermined stimulus has performed the predetermined action (Yes in S103), the blocking of the movement of the animal to the reward side is canceled in the partial step (d) (S104). . In the partial step (e), the animal is moved to the reward side (S105). That is, the animal is advanced by a distance that does not reach the reward.

  In this method, the procedure of sequentially performing these partial steps (a) to (e) (hereinafter referred to as “disability-overcoming step”) is defined as one cycle, and the obstacle-recovering step is repeated a plurality of times until the animal reaches the reward. Repeat (S106). That is, first, after the animal starts moving from the starting point on the route, the partial steps (a) to (e) are sequentially performed as the first obstacle overcoming step. Then, when the animal is moved to the reward side to some extent in the first obstacle overcoming step, the partial steps (a) to (e) are sequentially performed again as the second obstacle overcoming step before the animal reaches the reward. Do.

  Thus, in this method, the animal is made to reach the reward after at least one additional obstacle overcoming step after the second time. That is, when the animal overcomes the obstacle by performing a predetermined action and advances a certain amount toward the reward, the obstacle is given to prevent further advancement, and the animal performs the predetermined action again. Then, the animal is allowed to reach the reward once only after repeatedly overcoming the obstacle due to the predetermined action. In other words, for example, the same obstacle is repeatedly overcome by the same predetermined action until the animal reaches the reward once.

  In this method, the behavior of the animal is evaluated after a plurality of obstacle overcoming steps (S108). In other words, each animal's hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention deficit, and persistence are evaluated. For example, the distance traveled until the animal reaches the reward, the time taken for the animal to reach the reward, the time the animal moved on the route, and the speed at which the animal moves can be evaluated. These evaluations can be performed based on the recorded results of, for example, recording the trajectory of the animal moving on the route by video tracking using a photographing device such as a CCD camera or a sensor device such as an infrared sensor. it can.

  According to this method, it is possible to secure a sufficient moving distance until the reward is reached once. For this reason, the behavior of the animal can be evaluated in a multifaceted and efficient manner. That is, for example, it is possible to effectively evaluate the animal's hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention, and persistence in the path to reach the reward in relation to its ability to learn and perseverance. . In addition, among a plurality of obstacle overcoming steps, the behavior of the animal in the first half of the obstacle overcoming step can be compared with the behavior of the animal in the second half of the other obstacle overcoming steps. .

  This method can also be a method for causing an animal to learn a predetermined action. That is, the animal can be made to learn the predetermined action by performing the obstacle overcoming process a plurality of times using an animal that has not acquired the predetermined action. In this case, since the animal can experience a plurality of obstacle overcoming steps before the reward is reached once, the predetermined action can be efficiently learned.

  In this way, in this way, evaluation of behavior and learning of a predetermined action can be performed efficiently. Therefore, for example, using immature animals, it is possible to effectively evaluate the behavior and acquire a predetermined action. In other words, immature children's animals are more likely to become tired than mature adult animals, and are more likely to become full with small amounts of food and drinks. It was difficult to use. On the other hand, in this method, since the animal performs a plurality of obstacle overcoming steps before reaching the reward once, it is possible to evaluate the behavior of immature animals in detail, and many The learning effect can be obtained.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the main configuration of an example of this apparatus. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the apparatus 1 includes a path unit 10, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, a display unit 14, and a detection unit 15.

  The path unit 10 constitutes at least a part of the path P until one animal M reaches the reward R. In the following description, in the path P, one end side where the animal M starts moving is referred to as “upstream side”, and the other end side where the reward R is placed is referred to as “downstream side”.

  The path unit 10 includes three stages 20a, 20b, and 20c that are sequentially provided on the path P. That is, the path unit 10 includes a first stage 20a provided at the uppermost stream, a second stage 20b provided adjacent to the downstream side (reward R side) of the first stage 20a, The most downstream third stage 20c provided adjacent to the further downstream side of the second stage 20b is connected in series.

  Each stage 20a, 20b, 20c is formed with such a size that the animal M can freely move around. Each stage 20a, 20b, 20c is formed so as not to move off the path P. That is, each stage 20a, 20b, 20c can be formed, for example, as a room surrounded by a wall. Further, the path portion 10 can be formed so that the periphery thereof is surrounded by water or a moat.

  In the present apparatus 1, in order to obtain the reward R, the animal M needs to pass through the first stage 20a, the second stage 20b, and the third stage 20c in order from the upstream end to the downstream end of the path unit 10. There is. However, at the end of each of the first stage 20a, the second stage 20b, and the third stage 20c on the reward R side, a first blocking unit 21a that blocks the movement of the animal M to the reward R side. A second blocking portion 21b and a third blocking portion 21c are provided.

  That is, for example, in the first blocking unit 21a, the animal M in the first stage 20a moves from the first stage 20a to the second stage 20b at the downstream end of the first unit 20a. It is provided to physically prevent this. Specifically, for example, the first blocking part 21a is blocked by the animal M standing upright so as to block the downstream end of the first stage 20a and partition the first stage 20a and the second stage 20b. Can be formed as a wall with a height that cannot be.

  Further, each blocking unit 21a, 21b, 21c is configured to be able to release the blocking of the movement with respect to the animal M in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 11 described later. That is, for example, the first blocking unit 21a allows, at least in part, the animal M to pass from the first stage 20a to the second stage 20b. It is formed so that a passage connecting the second stage 20b can be formed.

  Specifically, for example, the first blocking portion 21a can be a wall in which a door that can be opened and closed is formed. In this case, the first blocking portion 21a can block the movement of the animal M to the downstream side when the door is closed. On the other hand, when the door is open, an opening having a size that allows the animal M to pass through is formed in a part of the wall. Therefore, when the door is opened, the animal M can move from the first stage 20a to the second stage 20b through the opening formed in the first blocking part 21a. In addition, when each prevention part 21a, 21b, 21c has a door which can be opened and closed in this way, the path | route part 10 has a drive part (not shown) which generates the drive force for opening and closing each door. Become. This drive part has a motor which generates a driving force, for example, and is connected so that communication with control part 11 is possible. And a drive part drives a motor based on the electrical signal received from the control part 11, and opens and closes the door of each prevention part 21a, 21b, 21c.

  The first stage 20a, the second stage 20b, and the third stage 20c include a first stimulation unit 22a that operates to give a predetermined stimulus to the animals M in the respective stages 20a, 20b, and 20c. A second stimulation unit 22b and a third stimulation unit 22c are provided.

  Each stimulator 22a, 22b, 22c is, for example, a light emitting device such as a lamp that emits light that can be recognized by the animal M, a sound generator such as a speaker that emits sound that can be recognized by the animal M, or an odor that the animal M can recognize. It is possible to have at least one odor output device that emits odor.

  The first stimulation unit 22a, the second stimulation unit 22b, and the third stimulation unit 22c can be provided at the downstream end portions of the first stage 20a, the second stage 20b, and the third stage 20c, respectively. That is, the first stimulation unit 22a, the second stimulation unit 22b, and the third stimulation unit 22c are provided, for example, in the first blocking unit 21a, the second blocking unit 21b, and the third blocking unit 21c, respectively. Can do.

  The control unit 11 can be realized by an arithmetic device such as a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 11 is connected so as to be able to input and output data with the storage unit 12, the input unit 13, the display unit 14, and the detection unit 15, and operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 12. be able to. The processing performed by the control unit 11 will be described in detail later.

  The memory | storage part 12 is realizable with memory | storage devices, such as a hard disk, random access memory (Random Access Memory; RAM), and a read only memory (Read Only Memory; ROM). The storage unit 12 also operates as a work memory that holds data used in processing performed by the control unit 11.

  The input unit 13 can be realized by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch pad. The input unit 13 accepts an instruction input from the user of the apparatus 1 and outputs the accepted instruction to the control unit 11.

  The display unit 14 can be realized by a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display unit 14 displays a screen (for example, a guidance screen that prompts the user of the apparatus 1 to input an instruction) based on data input from the control unit 11 in accordance with an instruction input from the control unit 11.

  The detection part 15 is comprised so that the said animal in each stage 20a, 20b, 20c can be detected. That is, the detection unit 15 can be realized by, for example, an imaging device or sensor that can selectively detect the animal M in the path unit 10 from the background. As the photographing apparatus, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) camera capable of photographing the animal M in each stage 20a, 20b, 20c and its background in a distinguishable manner based on color difference or the like is used. Can do. As the sensor, for example, an infrared sensor that can detect the animal M based on a change in temperature distribution in each stage 20a, 20b, 20c can be used.

  The detection unit 15 detects the animal M in accordance with an instruction input from the control unit 11 and generates data representing a detection result (hereinafter referred to as “detection data”). That is, for example, when the detection unit 15 includes a CCD camera, the detection unit 15 generates detection data including image data representing an image photographed by the CCD camera. The detection unit 15 outputs the generated detection data to the control unit 11.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating main processing performed by the control unit 11. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 11 functionally includes a setting unit 30, an analysis unit 31, and a release unit 32.

  The setting unit 30 generates data (hereinafter referred to as “setting data”) that defines conditions related to the operation of the apparatus 1. That is, the setting unit 30 generates setting data representing a reference for identifying the animal and the background in each stage 20a, 20b, 20c based on the detection data generated by the detection unit 15.

  Specifically, for example, when the detection unit 15 generates image data representing an image captured by a CCD camera, the setting unit 30 preliminarily applies to all or part of the body of the animal M in the image. Setting data including a color difference threshold value for identifying the attached color and the color of each stage 20a, 20b, 20c is generated.

  In addition, the setting unit 30 generates setting data representing a reference used for determining whether or not the animal M has performed a predetermined action in an analysis performed by the analysis unit 31 described later. Specifically, for example, whether or not a part of each stage 20a, 20b, 20c is set as a specific area, and whether or not the animal M has performed a waiting action in the specific area continuously exceeding the threshold time. Is determined, the setting unit 30 generates setting data for specifying the specific region (hereinafter referred to as “region data”) and setting data representing the threshold time.

  That is, in this case, for example, the setting unit 30 includes coordinate values that define the entire range of each stage 20a, 20b, and 20c, and coordinate values that define the range of a specific area among the stages 20a, 20b, and 20c. To generate area data.

  In addition, the setting unit 30 generates setting data representing the conditions under which the stimulation units 22a, 22b, and 22c operate. Specifically, for example, when each of the stimulation units 22a, 22b, and 22c has a plurality of stimulation parts (for example, a plurality of lamps) that operate to stimulate the sight, hearing, or smell of the animal M, the plurality Setting data for specifying a part of the stimuli that is selectively activated or not activated when a predetermined stimulus is applied to the animal M is generated. In this case, the setting unit 30 is communicably connected to each of the stimulation units 22a, 22b, and 22c, and based on the setting data, some of the stimulation units among the plurality of stimulation units of the stimulation units 22a, 22b, and 22c. Can be controlled to selectively activate or deactivate only.

  Furthermore, the setting unit 30 can generate region data that specifies, as candidate regions, a plurality of different ranges corresponding to each of the plurality of stimulation portions among the stages 20a, 20b, and 20c. In this case, the setting unit 30 generates region data that specifies, as a specific region, some candidate regions corresponding to some stimulation portions that are selectively activated or not activated among the plurality of candidate regions.

  The setting unit 30 can generate all or part of such setting data based on an instruction from the user received from the input unit 13 or data stored in advance in the storage unit 12. That is, for example, when a coordinate value specifying a candidate area or a specific area, an instruction specifying a part of a stimulus part to be activated or not activated is accepted via the keyboard of the input unit 13 or a threshold time The unit 30 generates setting data according to the input from the input unit 13. Then, the setting unit 30 holds the generated setting data in the storage unit 12 or outputs it to the analysis unit 31.

  The analysis unit 31 generates data specifying the position of the animal M on each stage 20a, 20b, 20c (hereinafter referred to as “position data”). That is, the analysis unit 31 uses the setting data representing the criteria for identifying the animals and the background in each stage 20a, 20b, 20c and the detection data received from the detection unit 15 to each stage 20a. , 20b, 20c, the position of the animal M is specified.

  Specifically, for example, the analysis unit 31 is photographed by a CCD camera based on setting data representing a criterion for identifying a color given in advance to the animal M and a background color of the animal M. An image analysis process for extracting a color portion attached to the animal M from detection data including image data representing the captured image is performed. And the analysis part 31 is based on the position in the image of the color part of the extracted animal M, and the setting data showing the coordinate value which specifies the whole range of each stage 20a, 20b, 20c, and each said Of the stages 20a, 20b, and 20c, the position where the animal M exists is determined, and the storage unit 12 stores area data including coordinate values that specify the position of the animal M.

  Furthermore, the analysis unit 31 moves the animal M in the path unit 10 as data representing a change over time of the position of the animal M on the path P based on the detection data received from the detection unit 15 at predetermined time intervals. Data representing the trajectory (hereinafter referred to as “trajectory data”) is generated. That is, the analysis unit 31 sequentially determines coordinate values representing the position of the animal M at each photographing timing based on image data continuously received at predetermined time intervals from the detection unit 15 having a CCD camera. Then, the analysis unit 31 generates trajectory data as a set of coordinate values of the animal M that changes from moment to moment, that is, a set of position data, and stores it in the storage unit 12.

  Then, the analysis unit 31 operates when the stimulation units 22a, 22b, and 22c are operating on the stage where the animal M is present among the three stages 20a, 20b, and 20c (hereinafter referred to as “specific stage”). In addition, based on the detection result by the detection unit 15, it is determined whether or not the animal M has performed a predetermined action.

  That is, based on the detection result by the detection unit 15, the analysis unit 31 determines that the animal M is based on the position data that specifies the position of the animal M on the specific stage and the setting data that includes the area data and the threshold time. It is determined whether or not a standby action is performed in which the specific stage continues in a specific area and stays beyond the threshold time.

  Specifically, for example, when the analysis unit 31 determines whether or not the animal M has performed a standby action in the first stage 20a of the path unit 10 in which the first stimulation unit 22a is operating. First, based on the coordinate value that specifies the range of the specific area and the coordinate value that specifies the position of the animal M on the first stage 20a, whether the animal M is in the specific area. Judge whether or not.

  When the analysis unit 31 determines that the animal M is in the specific area, the analysis unit 31 measures the time during which the animal M remains in the specific area (hereinafter referred to as “waiting time”). Start and determine whether the waiting time exceeds the threshold time.

  Here, when the standby time exceeds the threshold time, the analysis unit 31 determines that the animal M has performed the standby action, and is provided at the end of the first stage 20a on the reward R side. An instruction is output to the canceling unit 33 so as to cancel the blocking by the blocking unit 21a.

  In addition, when the analysis unit 31 determines that the standby time does not exceed the threshold time, the analysis unit 31 continuously monitors whether or not the animal M remains in the specific region. Here, when it is determined that the animal M has moved out of the specific area before the standby time exceeds the threshold time, the measurement of the standby time is stopped. And the analysis part 31 performs the process which judges similarly whether the animal M performed the standby action in the 1st stage 20a again in the same way.

  The analysis unit 31 also determines the number of times that the animal M has entered each of the specific area and each candidate area other than the specific area on the specific stage based on the area data and the position data (hereinafter referred to as “access count”). Can also be measured.

  Further, the analysis unit 31 determines, based on the region data and the position data, the time during which the animal M enters each of the specific region and each candidate region other than the specific region on the specific stage (hereinafter referred to as “access”). Time ") can also be measured.

  That is, for example, when a plurality of candidate areas are set on the first stage 20a, the analysis unit 31 firstly specifies the coordinate values that specify the ranges of the plurality of candidate areas, and the first Based on the coordinate value specifying the position of the animal M in the stage 20a, it is determined whether or not the animal M has entered any of the candidate areas.

  Here, for example, when the analysis unit 31 determines that the first candidate region is set as the specific region among the plurality of candidate regions and the animal M has entered the first candidate region, The number of accesses to one candidate area is held as “1” in the storage unit 12 and measurement of the standby time is started.

  If the animal M leaves the first candidate area before the waiting time exceeds the threshold time, the analysis unit 31 stops measuring the waiting time and specifies the measured waiting time. It is stored in the storage unit 12 as the first access time to the area.

  If the analysis unit 31 subsequently determines that the animal M has entered the second candidate region, the analysis unit 31 stores the number of accesses to the second candidate region as “1” in the storage unit 12 and Measure the time in the second candidate area.

  And the analysis part 31 makes the memory | storage part 12 hold | maintain the measured time as the 1st access time to a 2nd candidate area | region, when the animal M leaves the 2nd candidate area | region.

  Furthermore, when the analysis unit 31 subsequently determines that the animal M has entered the second candidate region again, the analysis unit 31 increments the number of accesses to the second candidate region by one and stores “2”. And the time within the second candidate area is measured.

  Then, when the animal M leaves the second candidate area again, the analysis unit 31 stores the measured time in the storage unit 12 as the second access time to the second candidate area.

  Thus, the analysis unit 31 can hold each candidate region and the number of accesses in association with each other.

  That is, in the above-described example, the analysis unit 31 calculates the number of accesses to the specific area “1”, the number of accesses to the second candidate area “2”, and the number of accesses to other candidate areas “0 (zero)”. Hold.

  Further, the analysis unit 31 can also hold the access time for each access when the animal M enters the candidate area a plurality of times (accesses) on the specific stage.

  That is, in the above example, the analysis unit 31 further calculates the first access time to the specific area, the first access time to the second candidate area, and the second access time to the second candidate area. Can be held.

  When the analyzing unit 31 determines that the animal M has performed a predetermined action, the canceling unit 32 cancels the blocking by the blocking units 21a, 21b, and 21c in the specific stage among the three stages 20a, 20b, and 20c. The movement of the animal M to the reward R side is enabled.

  That is, for example, when the analysis unit 32 receives an instruction to release the block by the first blocking unit 21a from the analysis unit 31 as a result of the animal M performing a predetermined action on the first stage 20a, the analysis unit 32 A passage for the animal M to move is formed between the first stage 20a and the second stage 20b.

  Specifically, for example, when the first blocking portion 21a is formed as a wall having a door that can be opened and closed at a part thereof, the release portion 32 drives a motor for opening and closing the door. Open the door. As a result, the animal M can move from the first stage 20a to the second stage 20b through the opening of the first blocking part 21a formed by opening the door.

  Moreover, in this method and this apparatus, when each stimulation part 22a, 22b, 22c has a several stimulation part, the 1st part which selectively operates some stimulation parts among the said several stimulation parts It is also possible to perform a normal task test using a predetermined stimulus and a reverse task test using a second predetermined stimulus that does not selectively activate the part of the plurality of stimulus portions.

  That is, for example, when each stimulation unit 22a, 22b, 22c has a plurality of lamps, first, for the first predetermined stimulation that turns on only one lamp of each stimulation unit 22a, 22b, 22c. Then, the animal M is made to learn a predetermined action.

  For a single animal M, first, when a first predetermined stimulus is applied, if the predetermined action is performed in the first specific area corresponding to one lit lamp, the movement inhibition is released. A normal task test is performed.

  Further, thereafter, for the same individual animal M, a second predetermined stimulus different from the first predetermined stimulus, that is, a second predetermined stimulus in which only one lamp of each of the stimulation units 22a, 22b, and 22c is turned off. When a predetermined action is performed in the second specific area corresponding to the one lamp that is extinguished, a reversal task test is performed in which the blocking of the movement is released.

  In this case, by comparing the behavior in the normal task test with the behavior in the reversal task test, the behavior of the animal M can be evaluated in a multifaceted manner. In particular, the persistence of the animal M can be evaluated. It can be evaluated effectively.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view of a more specific example of the path unit 10 included in the apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the path portion 10 cut along the line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view seen from the upstream side of the path portion 10 cut along the line BB shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the path unit 10 includes a first room 50, a second room 60, and a second room that are sequentially provided from the upstream side on the path until the animal M reaches the reward R. There are three chambers 70 (hereinafter referred to as “first chamber 50”, “second chamber 60”, and “third chamber 70”, respectively).

  In addition, the path unit 10 has a front chamber 40 where the animal M starts moving on the upstream side of the first chamber 50, and a rear chamber 80 in which the reward R is placed on the downstream side of the third chamber 70. ,have. The front chamber 40, the first chamber 50, the second chamber 60, the third chamber 70, and the rear chamber 80 are all surrounded by walls. That is, the front chamber 40, the first chamber 50, the second chamber 60, the third chamber 70, and the rear chamber 80 are provided in a casing 90 that forms a wall around which the animal M cannot exceed. ing.

  In this path section 10, the animal M released into the front chamber 40 sequentially passes through the first chamber 50, the second chamber 60, and the third chamber 70 in order to obtain the reward R in the rear chamber 80. There is a need to. However, at the end of the reward side R of each of the front chamber 40, the first chamber 50, the second chamber 60, and the third chamber 70, the front chamber is formed as a partition with a height that the animal M cannot get over. A collar 41, a first collar 51, a second collar 61, and a third collar 71 are provided. That is, the anterior chamber collar 41, the first collar 51, the second collar 61, and the third collar 71 are the animal M, the anterior chamber 40, the first chamber 50, the second chamber 60, and the third chamber, respectively. The movement from the chamber 70 to the reward R side is prevented.

  Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the 1st collar part 51 provided in the 1st chamber 50 is provided with three 1st doors 52a, 52b, 52c which can be opened and closed. That is, outside the first chamber 50 (outside the common unit 90), a first drive unit 53 having a motor that generates a driving force for opening and closing each first door 52a, 52b, 52c is provided. The doors 52a, 52b, and 52c are configured to be movable up and down by the first drive unit 53. Specifically, the first drive unit 53 is electrically connected to the control unit 11, and drives the motor according to the instruction received from the control unit 11, so that the three first doors 52 a, 52 b, 52 c All or a part can be opened upward (in the direction U indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 5).

  By opening the first doors 52a, 52b, and 52c, the first doors 52a, 52b, and 52c are located above the floor portion 50a that forms the bottom surface of the first chamber 50 in the first flange 51. An opening (not shown) penetrating the first flange 51 is formed in the provided range. Therefore, the animal M in the first chamber 50 can pass through the opened first doors 52a, 52b and 52c, and move to the second chamber 60 on the downstream side through the opening. In addition, the first drive unit 53 can also close the first doors 52a, 52b, and 52c once opened according to the instruction received from the control unit 11.

  Here, the first doors 52a, 52b, and 52c are formed with locking portions (not shown) that can be locked to a part of the first flange 51 in the opened state in which the first doors 52a, 52b, and 52c are moved upward. And when 1st door 52a, 52b, 52c closes, the latching | locking of this latching | locking part and the 1st collar part 51 is cancelled | released, and the said 1st door 52a, 52b, 52c is downward by the dead weight. It is supposed to fall into. For this reason, even if the first doors 52a, 52b, 52c fall on the moving animal M, the influence on the animal M can be minimized.

  Similarly, the second collar portion 61 is provided with three second doors 62a, 62b and 62c, and the third collar portion 71 is provided with three third doors 72a, 72b and 72c. The front part door 42 is provided in the collar part 41.

  In addition, a second drive unit 63 that opens and closes the second doors 62a, 62b, and 62c is provided outside the second chamber 60, and the third doors 72a, 72b, and 72c are opened and closed outside the third chamber 70. A third drive unit 73 is provided, and a front chamber drive unit 43 that opens and closes the front chamber door 42 is provided outside the front chamber 40.

  In addition, the first heel part 51 is provided with three first lamps 54a, 54b, 54c that emit light that can be recognized by the animal M. Each of the three first lamps 54a, 54b, 54c is provided at a position corresponding to a different one of the three first doors 52a, 52b, 52c. That is, the three first lamps 54 a, 54 b, 54 c are respectively provided above the first doors 52 a, 52 b, 52 c in the first flange 51. Each of the first lamps 54a, 54b, 54c is a height at which the animal M moving on the floor 50a of the first chamber 50 or standing still on the floor 50a can recognize whether or not it is lit. Is provided. All or part of the three first lamps 54 a, 54 b, 54 c can be turned on and off according to instructions from the control unit 11.

  Similarly, the second chamber 60 is provided with three second lamps 64a, 64b, and 64c, and the third chamber 70 is provided with three third lamps 74a, 74b, and 74c. The front chamber 40 is not provided with a lamp. The rear chamber 80 is provided with a reward table 81, and one pellet for feeding is placed on the reward table 81 as the reward R.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper side of the path | route part 10 is opening. That is, a wall that the animal M cannot exceed is formed around each of the front chamber 40, the first chamber 50, the second chamber 60, the third chamber 70, and the rear chamber 80. Is not blocked.

  Therefore, for example, by providing a CCD camera (not shown) included in the detection unit 15 shown in FIG. 2 above the path unit 10, the front chamber 40, the first chamber 50, the second chamber 60, and the third chamber 70. The movement of the animal M can be photographed in the entire range of the route section 10 including the rear chamber 80.

  Here, the floor 40a of the front chamber 40, the front chamber collar 41, the floor 50a of the first chamber 50, the first collar 51, the floor 60a of the second chamber 60, the second collar 61, the third chamber The colors of the floor portion 70a of the 70, the third collar portion 71, and the floor portion 80a of the rear chamber 80 are colors that can be distinguished from the color of the animal M based on at least one of the background difference and the color difference. That is, here, the case where an animal M in which some hair on the back is black and the hair on the other part is white is used is shown as an example. Therefore, the color of the floor or wall in each room is black and white. It is yellowish white that can be distinguished from any of the above. For this reason, in the image image | photographed with the CCD camera of the detection part 15, the black or white of the animal M can be easily identified from the yellowish white background based on a color difference. In addition, as a video tracking apparatus with which the detection part 15 is provided, the thing which can detect the animal M based on at least one of the system based on a background difference or the system based on a color difference can be used, and by switching a setting, What can utilize both the said systems can be used preferably. In the present apparatus 1, as described above, the analysis unit 31 performs the image analysis process for identifying the animal M from the background based on the image data received from the detection unit 15, and the animal M in the route unit 10. The position can be specified.

  Next, an example of processing performed by the control unit 11 in the present apparatus 1 including the path unit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 will be described. Here, in each of the first chamber 50, the second chamber 60, and the third chamber 70, one of the three first lamps 54a, 54b, 54c, and one of the three second lamps 64a, 64b, 64c. When a predetermined stimulus is applied to turn on one of the three third lamps 74a, 74b, and 74c, the animal M is in a specific area corresponding to the one lamp that is lit. A case will be described as an example where a standby action of staying continuously for a threshold time or longer is acquired in advance as a predetermined action.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main processing flow performed by the control unit 11. As shown in FIG. 7, the setting unit 30 first sets specific areas in each of the first chamber 50, the second chamber 60, and the third chamber 70 (S200).

  That is, the setting unit 30 is first a part of the floor 50a of the first chamber 50 on the downstream side, and from the lower ends of the three first doors 52a, 52b, 52c, the three first doors 52a. , 52b, and 52c, three rectangular first candidate regions 55a, 55b, and 55c extending a predetermined length upstream are set.

  At this time, the setting unit 30 sets the size of each of the first candidate regions 55a, 55b, and 55c so that each of the first candidate regions 55a, 55b, and 55c includes at least the entire body of the animal M. Specifically, for example, the setting unit 30 has an area of each of the first candidate regions 55a, 55b, and 55c larger than an area obtained by projecting the body of the animal M onto the floor 50a of the first chamber 50, and three The positions and ranges of the first candidate regions 55a, 55b, and 55c are set so that the total area of the first candidate regions 55a, 55b, and 55c is smaller than half the total area of the floor 50a of the first chamber 50. .

  In this way, the animal M can freely move around the entire floor 50a of the first chamber 50, and when a predetermined stimulus is given, three first candidate regions 55a, 55b, 55c are described as described later. The problem of waiting in at least one of the ranges can be effectively given. The first candidate regions 55a, 55b, and 55c are managed by the setting unit 30 using coordinate values, and are not drawn so as to be visible on the floor 50a. Similarly, the setting unit 30 sets three second candidate regions 65a, 65b, and 65c in a part of the floor 60a of the second chamber 60, and 3 in a part of the floor 70a of the third chamber 70. Three third candidate regions 75a, 75b, and 75c are set.

  Next, the setting unit 30 is provided in the first lamp 54a and the second chamber 60 at the right end when viewed from the upstream side among the three first lamps 54a, 54b, and 54c provided in the first chamber 50. Of the three second lamps 64a, 64b, 64c, one second lamp 64b at the center, and one of the three third lamps 74a, 74b, 74c provided in the third chamber 70, one at the left end as viewed from the upstream side. The third lamps 74c are set as lamps to be turned on.

  Furthermore, the setting unit 30 secures the right end secured at a position corresponding to the right first lamp 54a out of the three first candidate regions 55a, 55b, and 55c based on the setting result of the lamp to be turned on. The first candidate area 55a is selected and set as the first specific area. Similarly, the setting unit 30 sets the central second candidate region 65b as the second specific region among the three second candidate regions 65a, 65b, and 65c, and sets the three third candidate regions 75a, 75b, and 75c. Among them, the third candidate area 75c at the left end is set as the third specific area.

  And the setting part 30 is the specific coordinate data showing the coordinate which prescribes | regulates each range of the 1st specific area | region 55a set in this way, the 2nd specific area | region 65b, and the 3rd specific area | region 75c, the front chamber 40, the 1st chamber 50, the second chamber 60, the third chamber 70, and the rear chamber 80 generate region data including fixed coordinate data representing coordinates defining the entire range of each.

  The setting unit 30 also generates setting data representing a threshold time that is one of the criteria for determining whether or not a standby action has been performed. In addition, the designation of the lamp to be turned on, the selection of the specific region and the determination of the range, the determination of the threshold time, and the like set by the setting unit 30 are arbitrarily set by the user of the apparatus 1 by the input from the input unit 13. You can also

  The setting unit 30 then sets the first lamp 54a at the right end of the first chamber 50, the second lamp 64b at the center of the second chamber 60, and the left end of the third chamber 70 based on the setting data designating the lamp to be lit. Each of the third lamps 74c is turned on.

  Next, the analysis unit 31 receives image data representing a captured image of the path unit 10 from the detection unit 15, and a trajectory of movement of one individual animal M contained in the anterior chamber 40 of the path unit 10. Recording is started (S201). That is, the analysis unit 31 first drives the anterior chamber drive unit 43 to open the anterior chamber door 42 of the anterior chamber collar 41, thereby causing the animal M to enter the first chamber 50 from the anterior chamber 40.

  Then, the analysis unit 31 moves the animal M from the anterior chamber 40 to the first chamber 50 based on the change in the position of the animal M over time and the fixed coordinate data representing the entire range of the first chamber 50. It is judged that it was carried out, the front chamber drive part 43 is driven, and the front chamber door 42 is closed.

  Furthermore, the analysis unit 31 determines that the animal M is based on the trajectory data representing the trajectory that the animal M has moved in the first chamber 50 and the specific coordinate data that defines the range of the first specific area 55a. It is determined whether or not it is in the specific area 55a (S202).

  Here, when it is determined that the animal M is not in the first specific region 55a (No in S202), the analysis unit 31 repeats the determination in S202. On the other hand, when it is determined that the animal M is in the first specific area 55a because the animal M is stationary in the first specific area 55a or moving in the first area 55a (Yes in S202) In the case), the analysis unit 31 starts measuring the time (standby time) during which the animal M remains in the first specific area 55a (S203).

  At a predetermined timing after starting the measurement of the standby time, the analysis unit 31 determines whether or not the measured standby time has increased and exceeded the threshold time (S204). Here, when the waiting time has not yet exceeded the threshold time (No in S204), the analysis unit 31 determines that the animal M has not yet completed the waiting action in the first chamber 50, and It is determined whether or not the animal M is still in the first specific area 55a (S207).

  For example, when it is determined that the animal M has moved to a part other than the first specific area 55a in the floor 50a of the first chamber 50 and the animal M is no longer in the first specific area 55a In the case of No in S207, the analysis unit 31 resets the standby time measured so far (S208) to zero, and performs the processing from S202 again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the animal M is still in the first specific area 55a (Yes in S207), the analysis unit 31 further measures the standby time (S203) and updates again. It is determined whether or not the waiting time exceeds a threshold time (S204).

  If the standby time exceeds the threshold time (Yes in S204), the analysis unit 31 determines that the animal M has performed a standby action in the first chamber 50, and corresponds to the first specific region 55a. The release unit 33 is instructed to open the first door 52a at the right end. As a result, the release unit 33 drives the first drive unit 53 to open only the designated first right end first door 52a (S205), and causes the animal M to enter the second chamber 60 from the first chamber 50. . When the analysis unit 31 confirms that the animal M has entered the second chamber 60, the analysis unit 31 drives the first drive unit 53 and closes the opened first door 52a.

  Then, the analysis unit 31 further determines whether or not the animal M has entered the rear chamber 80 with the reward R based on the trajectory data and the fixed coordinate data that defines the entire range of the rear chamber 80 ( S206). Here, for example, when the animal M has just entered the second chamber 60 and the analysis unit 31 determines that the animal M has not yet reached the rear chamber 80 (No in S206), further The process from S201 as described above is repeated for the animal M in the second chamber 60.

  Similarly to the case of the first chamber 50, when the animal M performs a waiting action in the second specific region 65b in the second chamber 60, the second door 62b corresponding to the second specific region 65b is opened. Then, the animal M proceeds to the third chamber 70. Further, when the animal M performs a waiting action in the third specific area 75c in the third chamber 70, the third door 72c corresponding to the third specific area 75c is opened, and the animal M is in the rear chamber 80. The reward R on the reward table 81 can be acquired. As described above, when the most downstream third door 72c is opened and the analysis unit 31 determines that the animal M has entered the rear chamber 80 (Yes in S206), the control unit 11 performs the process. finish.

[Example]
Next, a specific example in which this method is implemented using this apparatus will be described.

[Animal preparation]
Rats with a black pattern on the head and part of the back (Long-Evas rat) were used as subjects for evaluating the behavior. In addition, 2,2 ′, 4,4 ′, 5,5′-hexachlorinated biphenyl (PCB153) was used as a drug for inducing ADHD in rats. The reason for using PCB is as follows. First, it was because, from the preliminary study, in the pups exposed to low dose PCBs, behavioral changes such as decreased test results, restlessness, and agitation were observed as observer behavioral findings. Second, epidemiologically, a study on people with high PCB intake around the Great Lakes in the United States reported that there was a correlation between PCB blood concentration in cord blood and ADHD symptoms in children (Stewart et al. al. Neurotoxicol Teratol 27: 771-80, 2005. Jacobson & Jacobson, J Pediatr 143: 780-8, 2003, Stewart et al. Neurotoxicol Teratol 22: 21-9, 2000). Furthermore, in experiments using monkeys, it has also been reported that ADHD symptoms are caused by exposure of PCBs to placenta and trans-milk (Rice, Environ Health Perspect 108 Suppl 3: 405-8, 2000).

  Therefore, one rat born from each abdomen by orally administering 2 mg (ie, 2 mg / kg) of PCB dissolved in corn oil once orally to female rats (12 abdomen) on the 15th day of pregnancy. Male and female rats (12 rats) were used as a PCB group in which ADHD-like symptoms were induced. In addition, corn oil alone was administered to the other female rats (6 bellies) on the 15th day of pregnancy, and one offspring rat born from each belly was used as a control group (6 rats). In addition, one male and female rat born from each abdomen of another female rat (12 abdomen) to which neither PCB nor corn oil was administered during pregnancy was used as an untreated group (12 animals). All pups were weaned at 21 days of age. In addition, all the following tests were performed one by one.

[Adaptation]
One pup rat on the 15th day after birth was placed in the rear chamber 80 in which one reward pellet (45 mg, Bioserve's reward pellet) was set, and all the doors of the apparatus 1 were closed and left for 20 minutes. . The rat pups circulated in the rear chamber 80.

  One individual rat rat on the 16th day after birth was placed in the rear chamber 80 in which one reward pellet was set, and all the doors of the apparatus 1 were closed and left for 5 minutes. Seventy percent of pups started to eat reward pellets.

  Further, one pup rat on the 16th day after birth was placed in the rear chamber 80 in which one reward pellet was set, and all the doors of the apparatus 1 were opened and left for 10 minutes. The rat pups roamed all rooms in the path section 10.

  All the doors of the apparatus 1 in which one reward pellet was set in the rear chamber 80 were opened, and the pup rat 17 days after birth was placed in the front chamber 40 and left until the pup rat eats the reward pellet. All pups reached the reward pellet within 10 minutes. This trial was performed twice per animal.

  One reward pellet was set in the rear chamber 80. Moreover, in this apparatus 1, all the lamps were blinked for predetermined stimuli. In addition, a rectangular specific area having a length of 10 cm and a width of 5 cm was set in front of each lamp, and the threshold time was set to 0 (zero) seconds. The floors 50a, 50b, 50c of the rooms 50, 60, 70 were rectangles having a length of 14 cm and a width of 24 cm. Then, pup rats on the 18th day after birth were placed in the anterior chamber 40. That is, when a pup rat approaches any door, the door is opened immediately. Leave until the pups eat reward pellets. All pups reached the reward pellet within 10 minutes. This trial was performed twice per animal.

  One reward pellet was set in the rear chamber 80. Moreover, in this apparatus 1, all the lamps were blinked for predetermined stimuli. In addition, a rectangular specific region having a length of 5 cm and a width of 5 cm was set in front of each lamp, and the threshold time was 1 second. Then, pup rats on the 18th day after birth were placed in the anterior chamber 40. That is, when a rat pup stays in front of one of the doors for more than 1 second, the door is opened. Leave until the pups eat reward pellets. All pups reached the reward pellet within 10 minutes. This trial was performed twice per animal.

[Normal task test]
One reward pellet was set in the rear chamber 80. In the present apparatus 1, one of the three first lamps 54a, 54b, 54c, one of the three second lamps 64a, 64b, 64c, one of the three third lamps 74a, 74b, 74c, Blinked, and all other lamps were turned off. In addition, a rectangular candidate area having a length of 5 cm and a width of 5 cm is set in front of each lamp, and a candidate area in front of the blinking lamp is set as a specific area. The threshold time was 4 seconds. Then, the pup rats from the 20th day to the 25th day after birth were placed in the anterior chamber 40. That is, when the pup rat stays continuously for more than 4 seconds in front of the door under the blinking lamp, the door is opened. Leave until the pups eat reward pellets. This trial was conducted 8 times a day per animal.

  In this device 1, using a video tracking system equipped with a CCD camera, each individual moved to reach the reward, the time required to reach the reward, and acted until the reward was reached. Time (activity time), speed during movement, number of accesses to each candidate area, and total access time to each candidate area were measured.

[Reverse Task Test]
One reward pellet was set in the rear chamber 80. In the present apparatus 1, one of the three first lamps 54a, 54b, 54c, one of the three second lamps 64a, 64b, 64c, one of the three third lamps 74a, 74b, 74c, Each was turned off and all other lamps flashed. In addition, a rectangular specific area having a length of 5 cm and a width of 5 cm was set in front of each lamp, and a candidate area in front of the lamp that was turned off was set as the specific area. The threshold time was 4 seconds. Then, the pup rats from the 20th day to the 25th day after birth were placed in the anterior chamber 40. That is, the door is opened when the pup rat stays continuously for more than 4 seconds in front of the door under the lamp where the lights are off. Leave until the pups eat reward pellets. This trial was conducted 8 times a day per animal.

  Similarly, in the reversal task test, this device 1 uses a video tracking system equipped with a CCD camera to calculate the distance traveled by each individual to reach the reward, the time required to reach the reward, and the reward. We measured the time (activity time) that we had taken to reach, the speed during movement, the number of accesses to each candidate area, and the total access time to each candidate area.

[Evaluation results]
FIG. 8 shows an example of a trajectory T in which a 25-day-old control group rat has moved in the route section 10 of the apparatus 1 in the normal task test. In this example, one specific area 55c and two candidate areas 55a and 55b are set in the first chamber 50, a lamp (not shown) in front of the specific area 55c is blinked, and the rat corresponds to the lamp. When a standby action is performed in the specific area 55c provided at the position, the first door 52c provided in front of the specific area 55c and under the lamp is set to be opened. Similarly, one specific area 65 a is set in the second chamber 60, and one specific area 75 c is set in the third chamber 70.

  As shown in FIG. 8, after entering the first chamber 50 from the front chamber 40, the rat first performs a waiting action in the specific area 55c corresponding to the blinking lamp, passes through the first door 52c, and then enters the second chamber 50c. Entered chamber 60. Then, the rat performs a waiting action in the specific area 65a more quickly than the first chamber 50 in the second chamber 60, enters the third chamber 70 through the second door 62a, and further, the third chamber 70 In FIG. 3, the waiting action was performed in the specific area 75c more promptly than the second chamber 60, the third door 72c was passed, and the reward (not shown) in the rear chamber 80 was reached.

  On the other hand, FIG. 9 shows an example of a trajectory T in which a 25-day-old PCB group rat has moved in the route section 10 of the apparatus 1 in the normal task test. In this example, one specific area 55c and two candidate areas 55a and 55b are set in the first chamber 50, a lamp (not shown) in front of the specific area 55c is blinked, and the rat corresponds to the lamp. When a standby action is performed in the specific area 55c provided at the position, the first door 52c provided in front of the specific area 55c and under the lamp is set to be opened. Similarly, one specific area 65 b is set in the second chamber 60, and one specific area 75 a is set in the third chamber 70. In FIG. 9, a part of the reference numerals shown in FIG. 8 is omitted in order to avoid complicated illustration, but the configuration of the route unit 10 shown in FIG. 9 and the route unit shown in FIG. 8 are omitted. The configuration of 10 is the same.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the rats of the PCB group also enter the first chamber 50 from the front chamber 40, and then perform a waiting action in the specific area 55c corresponding to the blinking lamp, pass through the first door 52c, It entered the second chamber 60. Then, the rat performs a waiting action in the specific area 65b in the second chamber 60, enters the third chamber 70 through the second door 62b, and further performs a waiting action in the specific area 75a in the third chamber 70. I went through the third door 72a and finally reached the reward (not shown) in the rear chamber 80.

  However, as is clear from a comparison between FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the rats in the PCB group clearly had a longer movement trajectory T than the rats in the control group. In addition, as for the rats in the control group, the movement trajectory T in each room tended to become shorter as the obstacles were overcome with the first chamber 50, the second chamber 60, and the third chamber 70. No such trend was seen for the group of rats. That is, for the rats in the PCB group, the moving distance of the second chamber 60 is shorter than that of the first chamber 50, but the moving distance of the third chamber 70 is more than that of the first chamber 50. It became long. This indicates, for example, that the rats in the PCB group may be confused because the reward cannot be reached even after overcoming the obstacles.

  FIG. 10 shows the ratio of the number of times of accessing the specific area to the total number of times of accessing the specific area and the number of times of accessing other candidate areas in the normal task test (correct access ratio). In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis represents the experimental group, and the vertical axis represents the correct access ratio (%). The results using the 20-day-old rat are shown by a white bar graph (PND20), and the results using the 25-day-old rat are shown by a black bar graph (PND25).

  In all the experimental groups in the 20-day-old individuals, the exact access rate was the chance level shown by the broken line in the figure (the rate of accidentally accessing one of the three candidate regions: about 33.3%) . In contrast, in the 25-day-old individuals, the correct access ratio increased statistically significantly (p <0.05, vs PND20, by ANOVA) from the 20-day-old time point in all experimental groups, It was confirmed that the rats in any experimental group had a learning effect.

  FIG. 11 shows the number of times of access to candidate areas other than the specific area (number of incorrect answers) in the normal task test. In FIG. 11, the horizontal axis indicates the number of days (days), and the vertical axis indicates the number of incorrect answers accessed. In addition, the results for the untreated group are indicated by white circles, the results for the control group are indicated by white squares, and the results for the PCB group are indicated by black squares. In the control group and the untreated group, the number of incorrect accesses decreased with each passing day. On the other hand, in the ADHD model individuals (PCB group) that were exposed to the fetal stage of PCB, the number of incorrect access was not reduced. That is, for example, as indicated by “*” in FIG. 11, the number of incorrect accesses in the PCB group was statistically significantly higher than that in the control group at the age of 25 days after birth (p <0). .05, vs. Control, by ANOVA).

  As described above, in the ADHD model individual (PCB group), although the access ratio to the correct answer door (the door in which the specific area is set in the corresponding position) is increased as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the number of accesses to the incorrect answer door (the door in which the specific area is not set in the corresponding position) does not decrease. This is probably because, for example, the rats in the PCB group overlooked the blinking of the correct answer lamp in the normal task test, or attention has turned to other than the correct answer lamp. It was thought to clearly show ADHD symptoms such as distraction and increased impulsivity. Furthermore, it was suggested that this ADHD model individual may have a partial decrease in learning ability.

  FIG. 12 shows the time (total time required) required for each individual to reach the reward in the normal task test. In FIG. 12, the horizontal axis indicates the number of days (days), and the vertical axis indicates the total required time (seconds). In addition, the results for the untreated group are indicated by white circles, the results for the control group are indicated by white squares, and the results for the PCB group are indicated by black squares. It was found that the control group and the untreated group had a learning effect as the total time required decreased with each passing day. In contrast, in the ADHD model individual (PCB group), although the total required time was shortened as the age progressed, it was significantly longer than that in the control group. That is, for example, as indicated by “*” in FIG. 12, the total required time of the PCB group was statistically significantly longer than that of the control group at the age of 25 days after birth (p <0. 05, vs. Control, by ANOVA). This was considered to suggest hyperactivity / impulsivity in ADHD model individuals.

  FIG. 13 shows the distance (total movement distance) that each individual moved to reach the reward in the normal task test. In FIG. 13, the horizontal axis indicates the number of days (days), and the vertical axis indicates the total moving distance (cm). In addition, the results for the untreated group are indicated by white circles, the results for the control group are indicated by white squares, and the results for the PCB group are indicated by black squares. Individuals of the control group and the untreated group were found to have a learning effect as the total distance moved decreased with each passing day. In contrast, the ADHD model individual (PCB group) did not show any reduction in the total travel distance as the day progressed, and was significantly longer than the control group throughout the test. That is, for example, as indicated by “*” in FIG. 13, the total movement distance of the PCB group was statistically significantly longer than that of the control group (p <0. 05, vs. Control, by ANOVA). This was considered to suggest hyperactivity in the ADHD model individual.

  FIG. 14 shows the ratio of the activity time to the total required time in the normal task test (activity time ratio). In FIG. 14, the horizontal axis represents the number of days (days), and the vertical axis represents the activity time ratio (%). In addition, the results for the untreated group are indicated by white circles, the results for the control group are indicated by white squares, and the results for the PCB group are indicated by black squares. The percentage of activity time did not change throughout the study in the control and untreated individuals. On the other hand, in the ADHD model individuals (PCB group), the activity time ratio increased every day. That is, for example, as indicated by “*” in FIG. 14, at the age of 25 days after birth, the activity time ratio of the PCB group was statistically significantly longer than that of the control group (p <0. 05, vs. Control, by ANOVA). From this, it was confirmed that there was an increase in impulsiveness, which is one of ADHD symptoms.

  FIG. 15 shows the total moving distance (moving speed) per total required time in the normal task test. In FIG. 12, the horizontal axis indicates the number of days (days), and the vertical axis indicates the moving speed (mm / second) calculated as the total moving distance (mm) per total required time (seconds). In addition, the results for the untreated group are indicated by white circles, the results for the control group are indicated by white squares, and the results for the PCB group are indicated by black squares. Movement speed did not change throughout the study in the control and untreated individuals. In contrast, the movement speed of the ADHD model individual (PCB group) increased with each passing day, and was significantly longer than that of the control group. That is, for example, as indicated by “*” in FIG. 15, at the age of 25 days after birth, the movement speed of the PCB group was statistically significantly longer than that of the control group (p <0.05). , Vs. Control, by ANOVA). From this, it was confirmed that the rats in the PCB group had hyperactivity enhancement, which is one of ADHD symptoms.

  FIG. 16 shows the correct access ratio in each of the normal task test and the reverse task test for a 26-day-old rat. Moreover, in FIG. 17, the correct access ratio in each of the normal task test and the reverse task test is shown for a 30-day-old rat. 16 and 17, the horizontal axis represents the experimental group, and the vertical axis represents the correct access ratio (%). That is, in FIG.16 and FIG.17, the access ratio (correct access ratio) with respect to the door (predetermined correct door) where the corresponding lamp blinks in a normal task test is shown by a white bar graph, and it corresponds in a reverse task test. The percentage of access to the door with the lamp turned off (new correct door) is shown by a black bar graph. Also, the broken line indicates the same chance level as in FIG.

  As described above, in the reverse task test, the door that was correct in the normal task test performed so far (the door with the corresponding lamp blinking) is incorrect and the door with the corresponding lamp not flashing ( That is, the door corresponding to the unlit lamp) is correct. And since no clue is given to each individual, as shown in FIG. 16, at the age of 26 days after birth when the reversal task test was started, the flashing lamps (front The lamp that the access ratio to the door (previous correct door) provided under the correct answer door (that is, the access ratio to the candidate area set before the previous correct door) is off (new correct door) It was higher than the access ratio to the door (new correct door) provided below (that is, the access ratio to the specific area set before the new correct door). That is, as shown by “*” in FIG. 16, in the control group and the PCB group of 26 days old, the access ratio to the previous correct door is statistically higher than the access ratio to the new correct door. Significantly higher (p <0.05, vs. Chance value, by ANOVA).

  However, the individuals in the control group then quickly learned the learning task. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, in the 30-day-old control group rat 5 days after the start of the reversal task test, the access rate to the new correct door (that is, the access rate to the specific area) is the previous correct answer. The access ratio to the door (that is, the access ratio to the candidate area) was significantly higher. That is, as indicated by “*” in FIG. 17, in the untreated group and the control group of 30 days after birth, the access ratio to the new correct door is statistically higher than the access ratio to the previous correct door. (P <0.05, vs. Chance value, by ANOVA).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, in the ADHD model individuals (PCB group), the access rate to the previous correct door remains high compared to the access rate to the new correct door even at the 30th day after birth. It was confirmed that assignments cannot be learned. That is, as indicated by the “*” mark in FIG. 17, in the PCB group of 30 days old, the access rate to the previous correct door is statistically significantly higher than the access rate to the new correct door. Until now (p <0.05, vs. Chance value, by ANOVA). From this, it was confirmed that ADHD model individuals had increased persistence, which is one of ADHD symptoms.

  The present invention is not limited to the above example. That is, for example, the present apparatus 1 may be provided with two or more rooms having a blocking portion formed at the end on the reward side. Further, for example, the apparatus 1 may be configured such that a plurality of rooms are provided in series along a circumference of a predetermined diameter or in a spiral shape. In addition, for example, the blocking portion of the device 1 may have a groove portion formed between the rooms that the animal cannot jump over. In this case, according to the instruction | indication from a control part, the prevention part can enable the movement of the animal from one room to the other room by building a bridge over all or a part of the groove part. Moreover, when this apparatus 1 has the irritation | stimulation part which act | operates so that light may be emitted, it can also comprise so that the door itself which can be opened and closed in a part of blocking part itself emits light. Moreover, the dimensions (including the size of the room and the size of the specific area) of each part of the device 1 can be arbitrarily set according to the size of the animal used.

  In addition, the predetermined action may be an operation action such as pressing a lever provided in advance when the animal is given a predetermined stimulus. In this case, for example, each room of the device 1 has a collar portion provided with a plurality of doors that can be opened and closed, a plurality of lamps, and a plurality of levers. When one lever at a position corresponding to one lit lamp is pressed, it is determined that the animal has performed a predetermined action, and one door at the position corresponding to the lit lamp is opened, and the animal's reward side Can be allowed to move to.

  Further, for example, in the present method and the present apparatus, the persistence of the animal can be evaluated by changing the manner in which the stimulating unit operates when performing a predetermined action. That is, for example, an animal is trained to perform a waiting action in a specific area corresponding to one stimulating part that is once activated among a plurality of stimulating parts, and then the animal is activated among the plurality of stimulating parts. It is possible to evaluate the persistence of the animal by learning that the blocking of the movement to the reward side is released by the waiting action in the specific area corresponding to one stimulus portion that is not performed. Moreover, this method is not restricted to what is performed using this apparatus 1 mentioned above. Moreover, the animal used for this method and this apparatus is not restricted to the above-mentioned example. That is, it is not limited to rats with black spots on a white background as described above, and for example, rats with a white body or mice with a black body can be used. Conditions for detecting a moving animal can be set as appropriate according to the color of the body of the animal and the color of the route.

It is a flowchart which shows the main processes contained in the action property evaluation method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the main structures of the behavior evaluation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main processes which the control part of the behavior evaluation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a top view about an example of a course part of a behavior evaluation device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the path | route part cut | disconnected by the AA line shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the path | route part cut | disconnected by the BB line shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the main processes which the control part of the behavior evaluation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention performs. It is explanatory drawing about an example of the locus | trajectory which the animal moved, measured in the behavior evaluation method using the behavior evaluation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing about the other example of the locus | trajectory which the animal moved, measured in the behavior evaluation method using the behavior evaluation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing about the correct access ratio in a normal task test measured in the behavior evaluation method using the behavior evaluation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing about the number of incorrect access in a normal task test measured in the behavior evaluation method using the behavior evaluation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing about the total required time in a normal task test measured in the behavior evaluation method using the behavior evaluation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing about the total movement distance in the normal task test measured in the behavior evaluation method using the behavior evaluation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing about the activity time ratio in a normal task test measured in the behavior evaluation method using the behavior evaluation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing about the moving speed in the normal task test measured in the behavior evaluation method using the behavior evaluation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing about the correct answer ratio of the 26-day-old individual | organism | solid after birth in each of a normal task test and a reverse task test measured in the behavior evaluation method using the behavior evaluation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing about the correct access ratio of the 30-day-old individual | organism | solid after birth in each of a normal task test and a reverse task test measured in the behavior evaluation method using the behavior evaluation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Behavior evaluation apparatus, 10 path | route part, 11 control part, 12 memory | storage part, 13 input part, 14 display part, 15 detection part, 20a 1st room, 20b 2nd room, 20c 3rd room, 21a 1st One blocking section, 21b Second blocking section, 21c Third blocking section, 22a First stimulation section, 22b Second stimulation section, 22c Third stimulation section, 30 setting section, 31 analysis section, 32 release Part, 40 front chamber, 41 front chamber collar, 42 front chamber door, 43 front chamber drive, 50 first chamber, 50a floor, 51 first collar, 52a, 52b, 52c first door, 53 first Drive unit, 54a, 54b, 54c first lamp, 55a, 55b, 55c first candidate area, 60 second chamber, 60a floor, 61 second collar, 62a, 62b, 62c second door, 63 second drive Part, 64a, 64b, 64c 65a, 65b, 65c second candidate area, 70 third chamber, 70a floor, 71 third collar, 72a, 72b, 72c third door, 73 third drive, 74a, 74b, 74c third lamp 75a, 75b, 75c Third candidate area, 80 rear chamber, 81 reward table, 90 housing.

Claims (9)

It is a plurality of stages sequentially provided on the path until the animal reaches the reward, each of which is provided with a stimulator that operates to stimulate the visual, auditory, or olfactory sense of the animal, each of which A plurality of stages provided with a blocking unit for blocking the movement of the animal to the reward side at the end of the reward side,
A detection unit for detecting the animal in each stage;
When the stimulation unit is operating in a specific stage where the animal is present among the plurality of stages, the animal is associated with the operation of the stimulation unit based on the detection result by the detection unit. An analysis unit that determines whether or not an action learned in advance has been performed;
A release unit that, when it is determined that the animal has performed the action, cancels the blocking by the blocking unit in the specific stage among the plurality of stages and allows the animal to move to the reward side; ,
A storage unit that holds area data for specifying a part of the stage as a specific area;
Equipped with a,
The analysis unit generates position data for specifying the position of the animal on the specific stage based on a detection result by the detection unit, and based on the region data and the position data, the animal A behavior evaluation device characterized by determining whether or not the act of staying in a specific stage in a specific stage continuously staying over a predetermined threshold time has been performed . The blocking part has a door that can be opened and closed to prevent the animal from moving to the reward side,
The behavioral evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the release unit releases the blocking by the blocking unit by opening the door. The stimulation unit of each stage has a plurality of stimulation parts that operate to stimulate the visual, auditory, or olfactory sense of the animal,
3. The behavioral evaluation according to claim 1, wherein the specific region is a region corresponding to a part of the plurality of stimulation parts that are activated or not activated in each stage. 5. apparatus. The storage unit specifies a plurality of different ranges corresponding to each of the plurality of stimulation portions in each stage as candidate regions, and corresponds to the one stimulation portion among the plurality of candidate regions. The behavior evaluation apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the region data for specifying one candidate region as the specific region is stored. The analysis unit calculates the number of times the animal has entered each of the specific area and each candidate area other than the specific area on the specific stage based on the area data and the position data. The behavior evaluation device according to claim 4 , wherein the behavior evaluation device is measured. The analysis unit, based on the region data and the position data, is a time when the animal enters each of the specific region and each candidate region other than the specific region on the specific stage. behavioral evaluation apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that to measure. Using the behavior evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
In the specific stage where the animal exists among the plurality of stages sequentially provided on the route until the animal reaches the reward, the following (a) to (e):
(A) by the blocking portion prevents movement to the compensation side of the animal,
(B) A stimulus is given to the visual, auditory, or olfactory sense of the animal that is prevented from moving by the stimulating unit ,
(C) The analysis unit generates position data for specifying the position of the animal on the specific stage based on the detection result by the detection unit, and the region data and the position data held in the storage unit Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the animal given the stimulus has performed an act of staying in the specific area of the specific stage continuously exceeding a predetermined threshold time ,
(D) When it is determined that the animal has performed the action, the release unit cancels the movement of the animal to the reward side.
(E) moving the animal to the reward side;
The steps of sequentially performing the steps are performed for each of the plurality of stages provided until the animal reaches the reward, and the behavior until the animal reaches the reward is evaluated. A behavior evaluation method. The immature animal is used as the animal, The behavior evaluation method according to claim 7 characterized by things. The behavior evaluation method according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the animal is a rat, a mouse, or a guinea pig.

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