The social interaction test used was based on the social approach-avoidance test previously described by Berton et al. (2006). In the experimental procedure, each animal was placed in the center of a square arena. Animals are allowed to fully explore the arena twice, under two different experimental sessions. In the first (“object” session), an empty perforated plexiglass cage is placed in the middle of one wall of the arena. In the second session (“social” session), an unfamiliar rodent is introduced into the cage as a social stimulus.

The Social Interaction Test is a behavioral test used to assess social behavior and social interactions in animals, particularly in rodents. The test involves placing an animal in a chamber with a novel individual (conspecific) or an inanimate object and observing their behavior. The duration and nature of social interactions, such as sniffing, grooming, following, and aggressive behaviors, are then recorded and analyzed. This test can provide insight into an animal’s social behavior and can be used to study the effects of various treatments, such as drugs or manipulations of the brain, on social behavior. It is a commonly used tool in behavioral neuroscience research to study social behavior and its underlying neural mechanisms.

Mazeengineers offers the social interaction test for both mice and rats. Custom coloring and customization are available upon request.