Bilateral microinjector pump for freely moving animals in an operant chamber

摘要

A microinjection pump for unrestrained and freely behaving animals is provided. The microinjection pump employs a screw drive mechanism that is actuated by an attached small stepper motor. The pump moves fluid by direct mechanical displacement from two microsyringes arranged in parallel (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The pump pivots and turns freely above an animal cage by an electrical swivel and connects to the animal head only by two small flexible capillary tubes that store and deliver fluids to both sides of its brain. Through associated electronic connections, the pump allows the animal to lever press for self-administration of fluids.