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One-trial associative odor learning in neonatal mice
Caren M Armstrong1, Loren M DeVito, Thomas A Cleland
1Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Chemical Senses
|February 24, 2006
Summary
Researchers developed a new method for studying associative learning in neonatal mice as young as 3 days old. This technique enables efficient behavioral phenotyping for genetic studies in young mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Efficient training protocols are crucial for rapid phenotypic screening in mouse behavior genetics.
- Studying associative memory in neonatal mice is challenging due to their limited sensorimotor capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a method for robust, naturalistic associative learning in neonatal mice (3-10 days old).
- To enable behavioral phenotyping of mutant and transgenic mouse strains, especially those modeling developmental disorders.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal CD-1 mice (3, 5, and 10 days old) underwent maternal deprivation (2 hours).
- Odorant was associated with suckling and milk delivery upon dam's return.
- Learned preference was tested after a second maternal deprivation period.
Main Results:
- Neonates demonstrated a learned preference for the conditioned odorant over a novel one.
- Learning occurred only with deprivation; brief scenting without deprivation showed no learning.
- One-trial learning induced clear preferences; repeated training enhanced preference expression.
Conclusions:
- A reliable associative learning protocol for neonatal mice was established.
- This method facilitates behavioral phenotyping in early development, aiding genetic research.