Semi Restraining System, TaskForcer

The TaskForcer makes head fixation and partial restraint quick and stress-free, allowing researchers to obtain precise real-time measurements of neural circuits during operant behavior.

Provides a platform for precise in vivo electrophysiology and imaging during behavior
Quick operant conditioning training: Mice and rats can be trained in just 3 days
Simplifying data collection and analysis: Head fixation and partial body restraints limit animal movement

The TaskForcer operant testing chamber is ideal for examining neural circuit mechanisms during rodent behavior. In the TaskForcer, mice or rats learn to pull a lever to receive a water reward under partial restraint. The stainless steel operant chamber prevents movement, with the exception of the eyes, mouth, and forepaws. Unlike traditional operant behavior equipment where operandum and reward are separated, the TaskForcer integrates a lever with a water spout. The integrated design accelerates operant conditioning training: mice and rats learn the task in just 3 days.

Features

TaskForcer with imaging adapter base mount

The Imaging Adapter Base Mount for the mouse TaskForcer unit is custom built to fit your microscope and allows you to shift the position of the animal under the microscope. You can align multiple separate imaging locations parallel with your objective, ensuring consistent accuracy across a wild field of view.

An integrated stereotaxic frame ensures precise electrophysiology recording every time. You can easily mark and find the same region for stimulation and recording across multiple sessions. The frame allows you to adjust not only the position of the animal but also the position of the liquid reward and lever pull system.
The frame comes with a gridded floor for the animal to grip while inside the restraint operant chamber. This is useful for reducing the stress of the animal, as it gives the mouse something to hold on to.

TaskForcer with stereotaxic setup for neural recording

Spout lever with adapter

Cables and speakers are electromagnetically shielded and fully compatible with electrophysiology recording methods.

See the TaskForcer in action.

Request Access to Watch Video

The TaskForcer is great because I was able to customize it to better suit my experimental needs. Instead of one spout port, my setup includes two which is critical for my experimental paradigm.

Dr. Watanabe

Kyoto University

Selected Publications

Kimura, R. et al. Reinforcing operandum: rapid and reliable learning of skilled forelimb movements by head-fixed rodents. Journal of Neurophysiology 108, 1781–1792 (2012).

Kimura, R., Saiki, A., Fujiwara-Tsukamoto, Y., Sakai, Y. & Isomura, Y. Large-scale analysis reveals populational contributions of cortical spike rate and synchrony to behavioural functions: Large-scale analysis of cortical spike synchrony. J Physiol 595, 385–413 (2017).

Nonomura, S. et al. Monitoring and Updating of Action Selection for Goal-Directed Behavior through the Striatal Direct and Indirect Pathways. Neuron 99, 1302-1314.e5 (2018).

Aoki, R. et al. Phase-dependent activity of neurons in the rostral part of the thalamic reticular nucleus with saccharin intake in a cue-guided lever-manipulation task. Brain Research 1658, 42–50 (2017).

Terada, S., Sakurai, Y., Nakahara, H. & Fujisawa, S. Temporal and Rate Coding for Discrete Event Sequences in the Hippocampus. Neuron 94, 1248-1262.e4 (2017).

Masamizu, Y. et al. Two distinct layer-specific dynamics of cortical ensembles during learning of a motor task. Nature Neuroscience 17, 987–994 (2014).

Hori, Y. et al. Ventral striatum links motivational and motor networks during operant-conditioned movement in rats. NeuroImage 184, 943–953 (2019).

For a complete list of publications visit this page.