Light-Dark test in the mouse: Reliable anxiety screening test

Newsletter # 33



Animal models

Light-Dark test in mice is a well accepted model for screening anxiolytic compounds. However, not many CROs offer to conduct this test due to the fact that its sensitivity is highly dependent on the baseline level of the control animals, which is in turn dependent upon careful management of the environmental testing conditions.

NEUROFIT has offered the Light Dark test in mice for more than 15 years and produced consistent data throughout this time. It has been implemented not only for drug screening but also for phenotyping purposes.

  • The anxiolytic effect of diazepam (Valium ®) shown in the Light-Dark test in the mouse

    Diazepam produces a dose-dependent reduction of time spent in the lit box, suggesting an anxiolytic effect.

  • The sedative effect of diazepam for doses ≥ 2 mg/kg demonstrated in the Open-field test

    Diazepam ≥ 2 mg/kg is associated with reduced locomotion in the open-field which suggests a sedative effect at doses higher than 2 mg/kg.

  • Reversion of CCK-4 - induced panic anxiety in the Light-Dark test in mice

    Injection of CCK-4 (cholecystokinin tetrapeptide) enhances the anxiety status of mice. The panic effect of CCK-4 is suppressed by Diazepam treatment.


NEUROFIT offers a range of validated in vitro and in vivo screening tests for psychiatry and neurology.

If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us, we will reply within few days. Custom protocol

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