Step-Down Avoidance Task

Rodent Step-Down Avoidance Task is a classic passive avoidance learning and memory test designed for mice and rates.

It is widely used to evaluate learning acquisition, memory retention, and aversive memory in behavioral neuroscience and pharmacological research.

This Step-Down Avoidance Test is especially suitable for initial drug screening, including compounds targeting cognitive enhancement, memory improvement, anti-aging, and nervous system protection.

During the experiment, rodents learn to associate stepping down from a safe platform with a mild aversive stimulus.

Retention latency, that is the time before stepping down, is recorded as a key indicator of learning and memory performance—The longer the retention latency, the better the memory.