2.3. Open Field Tests & Elevated Plus Maze

An open-field test (OFT) was used to determine if CRF-neuronal inhibition within the CeA had an effect on locomotor activity or anxiety-like behaviors (Cox et al., 2013; Prut & Belzung, 2003). Similar to previous reports (Fee et al., 2004), mice received CNO prior to being placed in chambers and VersaMax® software program (AccuScan Instruments, Inc., Columbus, OH) tracked their movement over a two hour period with five minute output-bins using VersaDat® Version 4.00 (AccuScan Instruments, Inc.). Total distance traveled was measured as a correlate of locomotor activity, and center distance and time were recorded to determine if CeA CRF-neuronal inhibition altered anxiety-like behavior (Prut & Belzung, 2003).