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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2011 May 15.
Published in final edited form as: J Neurosci Methods. 2010 Feb 12;188(2):195–204. doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2010.02.007

Figure 1. Semi-automated conditioning apparatus.

Figure 1

(A) A schematic diagram of a semi-automated system for Drosophila olfactory conditioning. The system is composed of an air pump, a stimulator, a computer, and conditioning units (outlined by a dotted box). One conditioning unit is composed of three solenoid valves and a training tube with electric grids. Flies are loaded onto the training tube and sequentially receive electric shocks and air flow containing an odorant. Labview controls the gating of solenoid valves and an electric stimulator. To monitor the change in airborne odor concentration, an odor sensor is equipped adjacent to a training tube (green arrow). (B) Magnified illustrations showing an training tube (upper) and odor cups that are connected to solenoid valves (bottom). (C) A photo of a unit of the apparatus (encircled area in A). Letters correspond to parts shown in A. For details on building the apparatus, see supplemental Figures (Fig. S1–5).