A simple methodology for opiate self-administration and electrical brain stimulation in the mouse.

A laboratory mouse can be partially restrained by placing it inside a cage with its tail protruding through a hole in one wall and taped to a surface outside of the cage. The mouse maintains enough mobility to perform an operant response yet its movements are limited to the extent that electrical or chemical stimulation of the brain or electrical recording from the brain can be accomplished without the use of troublesome swivel connectors. In addition, the lateral tail veins are always available for intravenous infusions. Mice adapt readily to this mild restraint and can be taught to self-administer opiates, either intravenously or intracerebrally, as well as to work for electrical brain stimulation.