title: Object discrimination and reversal learning in infant and juvenile non-human primates in a non-clinical laboratory.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Biopharmaceutical development necessitates use of non-human primates in toxicology, leading to adoption of non-traditional methods including cognitive function assessment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A two-object discrimination and reversal test in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) was performed using a Wisconsin General Testing Apparatus (WGTA). Non-clinical study design and regulatory considerations dictate that infants are raised by their biological mothers until weaning at 6 months. Thirty-four animals (6-21 months of age) were trained to discriminate between two randomly selected stimulus objects to retrieve a reward. Following training, days to first reversal after interchanging the reward were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both sexes acquired visual discrimination skills at similar rates. Trends in learning and reversals completed were uniform across age groups. Completing training early in some subjects had no impact on subsequent testing phases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Weaned cynomolgus monkey infants can be successfully tested for cognitive abilities using the WGTA in a non-clinical laboratory setting.
authors.affiliation: SNBL USA, Ltd, Everett, WA 98275, USA. nmakori@snblusa.com
authors.forename: Norbert
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Makori
authors.forename: Rebecca E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: Casey E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Hogrefe
authors.forename: Narine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lalayeva
authors.forename: Satoru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oneda
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D005260:Female; D008252:Macaca fascicularis / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D012193:Reversal Learning