The Air Puff Whisker & Olfactory Stimulator delivers controlled air puffs to the whiskers or olfactory bulbs of mice or rats, ensuring consistent and reliable results. Moreover, it features an input trigger control for precise timing. Researchers can easily customize the intensity of the stimulation to match their experimental requirements, thanks to its adjustable settings.
In addition, you can combine the device with our Behavioral Camera, to capture high-speed recordings of the animal’s behavior and whisker movements. This setup provides precise control over whisker stimulation and enables more detailed analysis. The analysis of both physiological responses and behavioral patterns during experiments can be done. Enhanced accuracy of research findings are garanteed.
The Stimulator comes with a software for digital control, a PsychoPy plugin, and a serial commands list. This device is very easy to integrate to your experimental setup. Researchers can program and automate stimulation protocols effortlessly, streamlining their research process. The air puff system provides a non-invasive stimulus to encourage mice or rats to run on our Rodent Treadmill. As the treadmill reaches a set trigger point, a high-pressure air stream is then released under the mouse, motivating it to continue running. Consequently, this method provides an effective alternative to traditional electric shocks, delivering similar behavioral responses while adhering to higher ethical standards by reducing animal distress. Overall, this system is ideal for maintaining the integrity of behavioral studies without compromising the welfare of the animals involved.
Olfactometer
Our Air Puff Whisker & Olfactory Stimulator offers an affordable and flexible alternative to conventional olfactometers. Its modular design allows for easy customization, including the combination of multiple stimulators to deliver different concentrations or complex odor mixtures.
Odor vials are not included but can be supplied upon request.
Curious about its performance? Check out our blog post to see how we used the stimulator to record neuronal activity from the dorsal olfactory bulb (dOB) in mice, using a variety of odorant samples.
Specifications
- Minimum air puff duration: 4 ms
- Maximum frequency: 25 Hz
- Maximum pressure: 30 PSI
- Externally powered: 24V power supply (included)
- Includes a Standard Luer Lock Dispensing Needle (16 Ga. 6 in)
- Compressor or air bottle is not included. Pressure must be regulated to a maximum of 30 PSI.
Operation
Our versatile whisker stimulator air puff offers three convenient modes of operation, providing researchers with greater flexibility in their experiments. An external signal (for example from an Arduino) triggers the programmed sequence, allowing seamless integration with existing experimental setups and protocols. Additionally, researchers can fully control the device through a digital signal, enabling direct action on the stimulator. Furthermore, the stimulator supports a serial command mode, allowing researchers to trigger the specified sequence using serial commands from our software or our PsychoPy plugin. With these advanced features, our device empowers researchers to explore new avenues of investigation in their studies with ease and accuracy.
What is an Air Puff Whisker Stimulator?
An Air Puff Whisker Stimulator is a precise neuroscience research tool designed to deliver controlled air puffs to stimulate the whiskers of rodents, specifically used in sensory and motor function studies. This rodent air puff stimulator allows researchers to explore neural responses and behavior in reaction to whisker stimulation. The system creates brief air pulses that target the whiskers without making direct contact.
Why Use an Air Puff Whisker Stimulator?
Using a rodent whisker stimulator like the Air Puff Whisker Stimulator ensures accurate and repeatable stimulation of rodent whiskers, which is critical for studying neural pathways and sensory processing. This neuroscience research tool is non-invasive, reducing the stress on the animal while providing reliable data. It allows researchers to adjust the intensity and frequency of air puffs, making it adaptable to various experimental requirements. Its precision ensures that scientists can minimize variability in results, leading to more consistent findings in behavioral and sensory research.
Who Can Benefit from the Air Puff Whisker Stimulator?
Universities and research institutions conducting studies in neuroscience, particularly those focusing on sensory and motor systems in rodent models, can greatly benefit from the Air Puff Whisker Stimulator. This rodent air puff stimulator is an essential tool for labs researching neural responses, behavior, and brain function. With its ability to offer consistent and non-invasive whisker stimulation, it’s an invaluable neuroscience research tool for institutions looking to advance their understanding of neural circuits and sensory processing.
Application Schematic of the Air Puff Whisker Stimulator :
