The state-of-the-art thermal preference assay designed with a circular shape. Fully automatic, up to 36 scientific publications
The TGR can clearly discriminates temperature-dependent phenotypes or temperature dependent drug effects.
It records and analyses thermal preference/avoidance in mice. For neuropathic pain studies, peripheral neuropathy, temperature sensitivity and insensitivity assessment in basic research, phenotyping and drug screening.
The animal is freely moving, its position is tracked by a camera, and no user intervention is required to gather time spent in each temperature zone (12 zones in duplicate) and many other parameters, like the preferred temperature zone.
The TGR's circular maze design allows the animal to freely move around the ring floor, thereby avoiding the stereotypical habit that mice have of staying in a corner, as occurs in traditional rectangular systems.
It is a cost effective and bias-free tool to obtain reproducible data in a very broad range of thermal stimulation experiments.
The new version is designed to use also cabled animals for optogenics, electrophysiology and other techniques which require the use of wires.
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Features |
Benefits |
|---|---|
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New circular design, internal diameter 45cm, outer diameter 57cm |
Duplicate values, no border effects, no spatial cues |
| New design which includes swivel support and has no obstruction for animal mounted wires | Allows for utilization of techniques that required cabled animals, such as optogenetics, electrophysiology and others |
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Thermal Insulated Ring-shaped Aluminum Runway |
More sensitive than previous methods: bias-free, reproducible data |
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Heater and cooler on opposite sides, to establish a symmetric gradient |
Gradient setup superior to two-plate choice design |
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12 zones per side (specular), 40cm2 each |
Temperature Δ proportionally divided into 12 (in the method paper 15°C-40°C = 2.27°C per zone) |
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4 thermocouples embedded in the thermal gradient ring |
The exact temperature gradient measured in real time |
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CCD-camera (included in the standard package, with its dedicated support) and ANYmaze video-tracking software |
Behavior recorded automatically during 60 minutes |
| The system includes a set of 4 dual (visible/I.R.) lights | Ideal for videotracking: perfect view even in the dark |
| Control ambient temperature | Improve temperature accuracy avoiding laboratory temperature oscillations |
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General | |
|---|---|
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Controls |
All controls centralised on the front panel |
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Preset Temperature Read-out |
On LCD display on the front panel |
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Detection |
Via ANY-Maze specific protocol for TGR through integrated USB camera |
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Sound emission |
68 dB |
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Power requirements |
Universal input 90-260 VAC, 50-60Hz, 350W max |
| Communication interface | Integrated 1 USB-B port |
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Operation | |
| Temperature Range |
Heating Plate: from 20°C to 65°C Heating/cooling Plate: from 4°C to 65°C |
| Precision | 1°C |
| Temperature feedback | By 4 thermocouples monitored in real time by ANYmaze software |
| Light Intensity (I.R.) | Set by potentiometer with graded scale |
| Light Intensity (visible) | Set by potentiometer with graded scale |
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Physical | |
| Internal diameter | 45 cm |
| Outer diameter | 57,5 cm |
| Corridor Width | 6.5 cm |
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Wall Height standard |
15 cm |
| Wall Height optional | 25 cm |
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Dimensions |
81x60x86(h)cm |
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Weight |
49.5 Kg |
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Warranty | |
| Warranty | 35530 is covered by a 12-months warranty + 12 months after product registration |
| UB-Care | Additional UB-Care can be added for other 12 or 24 months |
"Currently available behavioral assays to quantify normal temperature sensitivity, hypersensitivity, hyperalgesia and temperature preference/avoidance in mice have created conflicting results in the literature.
Some only capture a limited spectrum of thermal experiences, others are prone to experimenter bias or are not sensitive enough to detect the contribution of ion channels to temperature sensing because in mice smaller alterations in temperature preference may not manifest as explicit behavioral changes or may be masked by confounding factors and require high sensitivity.
To overcome current limitations, we have designed a novel device that is automated, provides a high degree of freedom, i.e. thermal choice, and eliminates experimenter bias. The device represents a thermal gradient assay designed as a circular running track. It allows discerning exploratory behavior from thermal selection behavior and provides increased accuracy by providing measured values in duplicate and by removing edge artifacts.
The assay delivers discrete information on a large range of parameters extracted from the occupancy of thermally defined zones such as preference temperature and skew of the distribution.
We demonstrate that the assay allows increasingly accurate phenotyping of thermal sensitivity in transgenic mice by disclosing yet unrecognized details on the phenotypes of TRPM8-, TRPA1- and TRPM8/A1-deficient mice." From "Comprehensive thermal preference phenotyping in mice using a novel automated circular gradient assay (Touska et al. 2016)"
Other scientists, like the M. Tominaga team in Japan, the R. Russo in Naples and the Tegeder team in Germany showed applications in Parkinson’s disease and chronic pain, TRP knock-out mice behaviors and testing of molecule candidates to interact with TRP receptors, which have been shown to be a valuable pharmacological option several therapeutic areas.
The paper "Thermal gradient ring for analysis of temperature-dependent behaviors involving TRP channels in mice", pubblished in 2024, describes the TGR method and compares its benefits to current methods for temperature preference and avoidance studies.
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35530 Thermal Gradient Ring 2.0 | |
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35530 |
Set-up for Thermal Gradient Ring (Zimmermann's method) TGR 2.0 - for thetered and non-tethered animal, circular corridor with enclosing opaque walls, USB camera with dual (visible/I.R. lights). ANY-maze Software to be ordered separately (TGR limited version available) |
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Software (REQUIRED choose one) | |
| 60000-TG | ANY-maze software for Thermal Gradient Ring - (THERMAL GRADIENT RING TEST ONLY), Upgrade to full version available as later option. |
| 60000 | ANY-maze, flexible video tracking system designed to automate testing in behavioural experiments. Full License, including lifelong support and updates. (TGR device already included in the available devices list) |
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Optional | |
| 35580-US |
Thermal conditioned cabinet ready to hold 2 TGR devices (for USA 220/240 Volt US plug). Temperature range from -10 up to 100 °C |
| 35580-EU |
Thermal conditioned cabinet ready to hold 2 TGR devices (for Europe 220/240 Volt EU plug). Temperature range from -10 up to 100 °C |
| 35530-003 | Thermal Gradient ring high maze walls set (25cm) |
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Warranty | |
| Warranty | 35530 is covered by a 12-months warranty + 12 months after product registration |
| 35530-UBC12 | UB Care 12 Additional hardware warranty extension 12 months for TGR (Valid for SKU 35530) |
| 35530-UBC24 | UB Care 12 Additional hardware warranty extension 24 months for TGR (Valid for SKU 35530) |
Garcia, A. et al. (2026). “Experimenter-free pain assessment in mice using a thermal gradient ring and functional linear models”. Pain Reports. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/PR9.0000000000001469
Gaffney, C. M. et al. (2026). “Inflammatory neuropathy in mouse and primate models of colorectal cancer”. Nature Communications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-76683-1
Vanegas, S. O. et al. (2026). “Anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of minor cannabinoids in vivo”. Journal of Cannabis Research. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00384-7
Franck, L. et al. (2026). “Modest improvement of metabolic and behavioral deficits with long-term ambroxol treatment in a Pink1−/−SNCAA53T double mutant mouse model of Parkinson's disease”. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41401-025-01690-9
Chrétien, B. et al. (2026). “Efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in enhancing paracetamol's analgesic effect and inhibiting hepatotoxicity: a preclinical mouse model”. Pain Reports. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/PR9.0000000000001461
De Melo, P. et al. (2025). “Behavior-driven monitoring of thermogenesis in mice using a thermal gradient ring”. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00133.2025
Tinajero, A. et al. (2025). “Spontaneous and pharmacologically induced hypothermia protect mice against endotoxic shock”. British Journal of Pharmacology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.70000
Hakim, S. et al. (2025). “Macrophages protect against sensory axon loss in peripheral neuropathy”. Nature. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08535-1
Deakin, T. et al. (2025). “Automated thermal gradient test for unprovoked assessment of nociceptive preference in rodents”. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2025.1709160
Tominaga, M. et al. (2024). “Thermal gradient ring for analysis of temperature-dependent behaviors involving TRP channels in mice”. The Journal of Physiological Sciences. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12576-024-00903-w
Zimmermann, K. et al. (2024). “Topical menthol, a pharmacological cold mimic, induces cold sensitivity, adaptive thermogenesis and brown adipose tissue activation in mice”. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.15781
Hastings, L. E. et al. (2024). “Cold nociception as a measure of hyperalgesia during spontaneous heroin withdrawal in mice”. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173694
Lei, J. et al. (2023). “Involvement of skin TRPV3 in temperature detection regulated by TMEM79 in mice”. Nature Communications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-39712-x
Vogel, A. et al. (2023). “Repetitive and compulsive behavior after Early-Life-Pain associated with reduced long-chain sphingolipid species”. Cell & Bioscience. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13578-023-01106-3
Chuong, V. et al. (2023). “The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue semaglutide reduces alcohol drinking and modulates central GABA neurotransmission”. JCI Insight. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.170671
Richardson, R. S. et al. (2023). “Pharmacological GHSR (ghrelin receptor) blockade reduces alcohol binge-like drinking in male and female mice”. Neuropharmacology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109643
Valek, L. et al. (2022). “Cold avoidance and heat pain hypersensitivity in neuronal nucleoredoxin knockout mice”. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.09.010
Tominaga, M. et al. (2022). “Thermal gradient ring reveals thermosensory changes in diabetic peripheral neuropathy in mice”. Scientific Reports. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14186-x
Xue, Y. et al. (2022). “The Human SCN9AR185H Point Mutation Induces Pain Hypersensitivity and Spontaneous Pain in Mice”. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2022.913990
Tominaga, M. et al. (2022). “Thermal gradient ring reveals different temperature-dependent behaviors in mice lacking thermosensitive TRP channels”. The Journal of Physiological Sciences. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12576-022-00835-3
Valek, L. et al. (2021). “Prodromal sensory neuropathy in Pink1−/−SNCAA53T double mutant Parkinson mice”. Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/nan.12734
Bertamino, A. et al. (2020). “Exploration of TRPM8 Binding Sites by β-Carboline-Based Antagonists and Their In Vitro Characterization and In Vivo Analgesic Activities”. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00816
Zimmerman, K. et al. (2017). “Cold Temperature Encoding by Cutaneous TRPA1 and TRPM8-Carrying Fibers in the Mouse”. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2017.00209
Zimmerman, K. et al. (2016). “Comprehensive thermal preference phenotyping in mice using a novel automated circular gradient assay”. Temperature. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2015.1135689
Cheng, Y.-T. et al. (2026). “Colitis-induced visceral pain recruits central neurotensin neurons that modulate colonic sensitivity”. bioRxiv [Preprint]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.27.708254
Spahn, J. et al. (2026). “Nerve injury triggers nociceptive hypersensitivity with interhemispheric divergence in haplodeficient GAD67-GFP mice”. bioRxiv [Preprint]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.17.725734
Wang, L. et al. (2025). “A specialized cold sensing system in the naked mole-rat”. bioRxiv [Preprint]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.09.25.678629
Tegeder, I. et al. (2022). “Optogenetic Early Life Pain leads to cortical hyperexcitability, nociceptive hypersensitivity and repetitive behavior”. Research Square [Preprint]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2051833/v1
Richardson, R. S. (2023). “Binge-Like Alcohol Drinking: The Intersection of Ghrelin, Stress, and Alcohol Use Disorder”. Doctoral dissertation / thesis.
Editorial note: Retain only if theses are intentionally included on the website.
Lei, J. (2022). “Interaction between TRPV3 and TMEM79 in mouse keratinocytes and its physiological significance”. Doctoral thesis.
In addition to the one-year Regular Warranty and in addition to the one-year product registration extended warranty, Ugo Basile offers an Optional Extended Warranty that extends the warranty period for the product for additional one or two years called “UB Care12”/“UB Care24”. Customers may purchase the “UB Care” at the maximum of 3 months after buying. For more detailed information, please contact your local representatives.
Thermal Conditioned Cabinet is an essential accessory for your TGR setup. It ensures optimal and stable environmental temperature from 0° up to 70° C (32° up to 158°F), improving test reliability and operator comfort. It holds up to two TGR units and provides insulation from light and noise, with built-in air suction and full connectivity to ANY-maze.
Thermal Conditioned Cabinet is an essential accessory for your TGR setup. It ensures optimal and stable environmental temperature from 0° up to 70° C (32° up to 158°F), improving test reliability and operator comfort. It holds up to two TGR units and provides insulation from light and noise, with built-in air suction and full connectivity to ANY-maze.
