Detection of object orientation and spatial changes by mice: importance of local views.
This study examines the types of information used by mice to detect changes in their environment. After a period of habituation to an open field containing three bicolored cube-shaped objects, we modified the spatial configuration of the objects or rotated the objects 180 degrees, or both. We noted that whatever the modification, mice reexplored the objects. This shows that mice are able to detect both topological changes and, in particular, changes in the orientation of objects. This is possible only if mice can establish a local view of the objects in relation to a stable element of their environment. A second experiment showed that this stable element is in fact a pattern within the open field and not an element of the distal environment. These two experiments demonstrate the importance of local views in spatial representation for rodents.
Roullet
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P
Laboratoire Neuromodulation et Processus Cognitifs, Institut des Neurosciences, Université Paris VI, France. Pascal.Roullet@snv.jussieu.fr
Bozec
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G
Carton
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D000818:Animals; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*