Phenotyping complex behaviours: assessment of circadian control and 5-choice serial reaction learning in the mouse.
Currently, the behavioural phenotyping of mutant strains is restricted by the paucity of tests for the cognitive capabilities of mice. Most of the paradigms at present available such as the water maze or passive avoidance are dependent upon an aversive component for conditioning and as a consequence the data can often be confounded by the non-specific effects of stress. The development of mutant or transgenic mouse models of human diseases that effect cognitive function will require this confound to be overcome. Here we highlight the value of using two apparently different paradigms, one exploring circadian control and the other visuospatial attention. The first provides an example of an elicited behaviour while the second requires learning; neither is aversive in nature. Interestingly, the data from each strengthens the interpretation of both.
Marston
H M
HM
Department of Neuroscience, Fujisawa Institute of Neuroscience, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH89JZ, UK. hugh.marston@ed.ac.uk
Spratt
C
C
Kelly
J S
JS
D000818:Animals; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D008818:Mice, Neurologic Mutants; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D010641:Phenotype; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000235:genetics; D012691:Serial Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D013045:Species Specificity; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology