Description
The SR-LAB startle response system is the world’s most widely used startle reflex research system for measuring startle habituation, pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) and Fear Potentiated Startle (FPS).
SR-LAB provides a complete hardware and software solution for a wide variety of startle applications. The system can be configured with up to 16 stations for high through put.
SR-LAB software controls virtually any combination of tones, noise bursts, lights, air puffs, background noise and foot shock options. Importantly, SR-LAB supports multiple test paradigms without requiring costly add-on kits or additional software.
- Supports all startle paradigms including startle habituation, pre-pulse and cross-modal inhibition, fear potentiated startle, trace conditioning and gap detection.
- Configure up to 16 test stations for rapid testing of large subject groups
- Easy to use software controls all test paradigms
- Plug-in kits for shock, puretone, airpuff and light stimuli
- Results reported millivolts
- Test animals of varying sizes with five different enclosure options
Easily Test the Most Prevalent Test Paradigms
The basic SR-LAB System will test the Startle Habituation and Pre-Pulse Inhibition paradigms with no additional kits required. To test the Fear Potentiated Startle paradigm, simply add on the SR-LAB Potentiated Startle Kit which includes the SDI Shocker (a proprietary design that keeps the animal from determining any patterns), a shock grid, and a cue light. No additional software is required to support the Fear Potentiated Startle paradigm .
One Software Program for All Paradigms
With the SR-LAB software, you can develop and execute any startle reflex testing paradigm. Other systems utilize different software for each paradigm which has two drawbacks: One—you will spend more money, and two—you have no flexibility in designing your own paradigms, and instead are limited to the paradigms offered by the manufacturer.
Be assured all trials are executed without missing any trials using SR-LAB’s concept of a Session containing Trials (discrete tests). Each session will run the animals through all the trials, and save all trial data for later analysis.
Other highlights of SR-LAB™’s software include:
- Construct Trial Definitions with No Programming Required
Define your trials to meet your specific needs by selecting commands from a wide range within a predefined menu. Add, Insert or Delete commands to assure that the Trial definition is correct for your needs. - Point and Click to Set Session Level Parameters
Set your session level parameters, construct trial lists, and set up Inter-Trial Intervals using SR-LAB’s simple point-and-click interface.
Your session parameters can include number of samples, sample rate, background noise level, and repetitions. You can also define and edit sessions with the click of a mouse by inserting or removing Trials. In addition, edit or rename your sessions any time with ease.
The ability to automatically randomize durations for Inter Trial Intervals assures that the animal will not discern a pattern that would skew results. - At-a-Glance Test Monitoring
Monitor your test process at a glance by viewing response waveforms. Unlike other systems, the waveform visual gives you quick assurance that the calculated numbers are accurate. - Verify Data with Ease Using the SR-LAB Analysis Software
Verify all of your startle response data with the SR-LAB Analysis Software. For each response, you can review the complete waveform to verify your numeric data. Scoring parameters you can set include Start Analysis, Analysis Range, Baseline and Response Window. The SR-LAB Analysis Software also assures your calculated values are correct by allowing you to see, export, and use your raw data values. - Eliminate Concerns about Inaccurate Readings
SR-LAB’s accelerometer is a key factor in the accuracy the system provides. The sensor reacts very quickly to sudden force changes—assuring you get an accurate reading for the smallest mouse to the largest rat. The accuracy provided by the sensor is aided by a complimentary enclosure design, which tightly couples the enclosure with the sensor. Other systems use Load Cells which do not react as well to sudden force changes and also have limited ranges, requiring you to change load cells as animal weights change. - Avoid Stress-Induced Results
The SR-LAB’s tubular enclosures are designed to allow the animals to turn around freely without constraint—thus avoiding restraint stress that can alter results. At the same time, the tubular design keeps animals over the sensor for reliable results. Your subjects will be monitored using an ultra-stable, hermetically sealed motion sensor that records a wide range of startle responses. Enclosures are designed with clear acrylic for easy cleaning and are available in five different sizes.
System components include:
- Test cabinet in composite (ABS)
- Standard animal enclosures in choice of five sizes or slotted animal enclosures for tethered animals in four sizes
- Power supply
- Input and Output cables
- Software and User Manual
- Software utilities for data analysis
Dimensions
ABS Isolation Cabinet – 15” (W) x 14” (D) x 18” (H)
Control Box – 10.25” (W) x 10.25” (D) x 4 3/8” (H)
Small Animal Enclosure – 3 1⁄2” (L) x 1.1” (ID) Up to ~25g
Small/Medium Animal Enclosure – 5” (L) x 1 1⁄2” (ID) Up to ~50g
Medium Animal Enclosure – 6” (L) x 2 1⁄4” (ID) Up to ~150g
Large Animal Enclosure – 8” (L) x 3 1⁄2” (ID) Up to ~450g
X-Large Animal Enclosure- 10″ (L) x 5″ (ID) Up to ~800g
Small/Medium Slotted Animal Enclosure – 5” (L) x 1 1⁄2” (ID)
Medium Slotted Animal Enclosure – 6” (L) x 2 1⁄4” (ID)
Large Slotted Animal Enclosure- 8” (L) x 3 1⁄2” (ID)
X-Large Slotted Animal Enclosure- 10″ (L) x 5″ (ID)
Weight: 24 lbs. (Isolation Cabinet), 3 lbs. (Control Box)
Material Composition: Isolation Cabinet: ABS plastic, Control Box: Plastic, Animal Enclosure: Acrylic
Maximum # Stations: 16 stations per computer
Standard Cable Lengths: 12 ft.
Certifications: CE
Stimuli Options: Foot shocks, air puffs, PPI LED Light, High Intensity Light, and user-defined stimuli
Color Options: White
