The Ugo Basile Thermal Place Preference Test, or Two-Temperature Choice Test, is an operator independent test which allows monitoring temperature preferences and nociceptive thresholds in rodents (mice and rats), by assessing the rodent's temperature preference.
The TPP Test allows an unrestrained animal (either rat and mouse) to move freely between two 2 compartments set at different temperatures, thus choosing its preferred position (comfort zone).
This behavioural protocol provides data about temperature preferences and nociceptive thresholds associated to both hot and cold stimulation.
Unlike the existing tests, the TPP Test it is operator-independent. Using the traditional hot/cold plates, the researcher measures the reaction time of an animal exposed to a certain temperature or ramp, by marking specific stereotypes while in the "2-Temperatures Choice Test" the nociceptive response is given by the animal choice to move to one or the other environment.
The animal response can be visually observed by the user, and marked manually or on a manual scoring software (ANYmaze Take Note).
In alternative, more detailed information on the animal behaviour can be obtained and recorded automatically via ANYmaze or any other videotracking system.
In the latter case, information will include: time spent in each temperature zone, animal activity, zone trespassing, distance run by the animal (total or by zone)