The value of spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB) as a test of retention in pharmacological investigations of memory.
Because of its reliance on memory, the tendency for rats, mice and other animals to alternate successive choices of T- or Y-maze arms has assumed considerable popularity in pharmacological studies of spatial memory as a quick and simple measure of retention that avoids the need for extensive training and the use of conventional reinforcers. Two forms of this tendency have been utilized, namely two-trial and continuous spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB). However, as the behavior can also reflect drug-related changes in sensory/attentional, motivational and performance processes, SAB should not be unquestionably accepted as a measure of memory alone. While assessments of post-acquisition drug effects on longer term memory may be possible through the appropriate timing of drug administration, this is more problematic if SAB is used as a measure of shorter term memory. Even though SAB can be a useful index of responsiveness to novelty, its value as a measure of retention is less certain. In this latter respect, a possible alternative to SAB testing might be the recently developed form of the related procedure, responsiveness to change.
Hughes
Robert N
RN
Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. rob.hughes@canterbury.ac.nz
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D000109:Acetylcholine