Development of an IntelliCage-based cognitive bias test for mice

Kahnau, Pia; Jaap, Anne; Urmersbach, Birk; Diederich, Kai; Lewejohann, Lars

doi:10.12688/openreseurope.15294.2

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 58 publications

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“…This group was used for experiments 7-8 (13 months at the start of experiment 7). This group participated beforehand in other experiments, e.g., the development of a home cage based cognitive bias test [39].…”

Section: Groupmentioning

confidence: 99%

In search of a conditioned place preference test to assess the severity of experimental procedures

Jaap,

Kahnau,

Lewejohann

2024

Preprint

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To compare the severity of experimental procedures and behavioural tests from an animal’s perspective novel methods are needed. In theory, one feasible approach could be the use of a conditioned place preference test (CPP). In this test the preference for a certain area in a test apparatus is associated with an experimental treatment. Traditionally, the CPP is used to investigate, for example, the effects of drugs. Here, we wanted to develop a protocol, which instead would enable us to compare the effects of different experimental procedures conducted with mice. Nine experiments with C57BL/6J mice were performed, varying the setup, the procedure duration, the neutral to be conditioned stimuli (NS → CS; visual and/or textual), and the unconditioned stimuli (US; fixation, food reward, or weighing) as well as the presentation order (NS before, after, or parallel to US). Unfortunately, none of the tested protocol resulted in a distinct preference. Moreover, even simple protocols using food reward as a treatment failed to result in a conditioned place preference. Overall, none of the protocols was sufficient to form a reliable association between NS and US. We have scrutinized the experimental setup in detail, and we cannot present a solution yet. However, hopefully, our findings will help to create a working CPP to compare the severity of different experimental procedures for mice.

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Section: Groupmentioning

confidence: 99%

In search of a conditioned place preference test to assess the severity of experimental procedures

Jaap,

Kahnau,

Lewejohann

2024

Preprint

Self Cite

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“…Operant conditioning changes the frequency of a behavior that is spontaneously shown. In mice, this can be pressing a lever ( Jurado-Parras et al, 2013 ; Lintas et al, 2021 ), performing a nose poke ( Krackow et al, 2010 ; Kahnau et al, 2023b ), or touching a touch screen ( Krakenberg et al, 2019 ). By providing a reward, the frequency of lever pressing, or nose poking can be increased.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Vice versa, a punishment will decrease the frequency of a behavior. The operant behavior can additionally be associated with external stimuli such as sounds ( Chen and De Hoz, 2023 ; Kahnau et al, 2023b ), which are presented depending on the change in behavior to be trained.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges and advanced concepts for the assessment of learning and memory function in mice

Lang,

Kahnau,

Hohlbaum

et al. 2023

Front. Behav. Neurosci.

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The mechanisms underlying the formation and retrieval of memories are still an active area of research and discussion. Manifold models have been proposed and refined over the years, with most assuming a dichotomy between memory processes involving non-conscious and conscious mechanisms. Despite our incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms, tests of memory and learning count among the most performed behavioral experiments. Here, we will discuss available protocols for testing learning and memory using the example of the most prevalent animal species in research, the laboratory mouse. A wide range of protocols has been developed in mice to test, e.g., object recognition, spatial learning, procedural memory, sequential problem solving, operant- and fear conditioning, and social recognition. Those assays are carried out with individual subjects in apparatuses such as arenas and mazes, which allow for a high degree of standardization across laboratories and straightforward data interpretation but are not without caveats and limitations. In animal research, there is growing concern about the translatability of study results and animal welfare, leading to novel approaches beyond established protocols. Here, we present some of the more recent developments and more advanced concepts in learning and memory testing, such as multi-step sequential lockboxes, assays involving groups of animals, as well as home cage-based assays supported by automated tracking solutions; and weight their potential and limitations against those of established paradigms. Shifting the focus of learning tests from the classical experimental chamber to settings which are more natural for rodents comes with a new set of challenges for behavioral researchers, but also offers the opportunity to understand memory formation and retrieval in a more conclusive way than has been attainable with conventional test protocols. We predict and embrace an increase in studies relying on methods involving a higher degree of automatization, more naturalistic- and home cage-based experimental setting as well as more integrated learning tasks in the future. We are confident these trends are suited to alleviate the burden on animal subjects and improve study designs in memory research.

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Development of an IntelliCage-based cognitive bias test for mice

Cited by 2 publications

References 58 publications

In search of a conditioned place preference test to assess the severity of experimental procedures

In search of a conditioned place preference test to assess the severity of experimental procedures

Challenges and advanced concepts for the assessment of learning and memory function in mice

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