title: Acquisition of a High-precision Skilled Forelimb Reaching Task in Rats.
abstract: Movements are the main measurable output of central nervous system function. Developing behavioral paradigms that allow detailed analysis of motor learning and execution is of critical importance in order to understand the principles and processes that underlie motor function. Here we present a paradigm to study movement acquisition within a daily session of training (within-session) representing the fast learning component and primary acquisition as well as skilled motor learning over several training sessions (between-session) representing the slow learning component and consolidation of the learned task. This behavioral paradigm increases the degree of difficulty and complexity of the motor skill task due to two features: First, the animal realigns its body prior to each pellet retrieval forcing renewed orientation and preventing movement execution from the same angle. Second, pellets are grasped from a vertical post that matches the diameter of the pellet and is placed in front of the cage. This requires a precise grasp for successful pellet retrieval and thus prevents simple pulling of the pellet towards the animal. In combination with novel genetics, imaging and electrophysiological technologies, this behavioral method will aid to understand the morphological, anatomical and molecular underpinnings of motor learning and memory.
authors.affiliation: Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich; Department of Biology and Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich; zemmar@hifo.uzh.ch.
authors.forename: Ajmal
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zemmar
authors.affiliation: Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich; Department of Biology and Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich.
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kast
authors.affiliation: Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich; Department of Biology and Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich.
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lussi
authors.affiliation: Clinical Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neurology, University of Zurich & University Hospital Zurich.
authors.forename: Andreas R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Luft
authors.affiliation: Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich; Department of Biology and Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich; schwab@hifo.uzh.ch.
authors.forename: Martin E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Schwab
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005552:Forelimb / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats