Opto-RT-CPP Test

Protocol for Opto-RT-CPP (Optogenetic Real-Time Conditioned Place Preference) test. This test measures location preference or avoidance in response to optogenetic stimulation. Opto-RT-CPP uses a three-compartment apparatus composed of two compartments connected by a transparent corridor. On each day of the test, mice are allowed to freely explore the apparatus while their position is tracked by a camera. On the first 3 days, no stimulation is paired with either chamber. On the following days, one chamber is chosen as the "light-paired" chamber, where the mouse receives optogenetic stimulation every time this chamber is entered. During the "reverse real time conditioning" days, the other chamber becomes the "light-paired" chamber. Duration of time in each compartment is recorded during each phase.