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The Attentional Set Shifting Task: A Measure of Cognitive Flexibility in Mice
Published on: February 4, 2015
Reversal learning and attentional set-shifting in mice
Gregory B Bissonette1, Elizabeth M Powell
1Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Neuropharmacology
|March 29, 2011
Summary
Mice are increasingly valuable models for studying schizophrenia, particularly for analyzing prefrontal cortex function. Recent behavioral tests now enable detailed investigation into orbital and medial prefrontal cortex roles in this complex disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Animal Models
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a complex developmental disorder with unclear etiology and treatment challenges.
- Abnormalities in frontal cortical areas are observed in postmortem brains of patients.
- Animal models are crucial for studying brain development, drug responses, and behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in behavioral paradigms for assessing prefrontal cortical function in mouse models of schizophrenia.
- To highlight the utility of mice in studying the neurobiology of schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Focuses on behavioral analyses in mouse models.
- Examines pharmacological and genetic manipulation of mice.
- Reviews studies on orbital and medial prefrontal cortical function.
Main Results:
- Mouse prefrontal anatomy and function are increasingly understood.
- Behavioral analyses in mice have advanced, particularly for frontal cortical regions.
- Mice are now considered feasible models for prefrontal cortical research in schizophrenia.
Conclusions:
- The mouse model is a viable tool for investigating prefrontal cortical function in schizophrenia.
- Recent behavioral paradigms enhance the study of schizophrenia's neurobiological underpinnings in mice.
- Further research using mouse models can aid in understanding and treating schizophrenia.
