Method for testing sustained attention in touchscreen operant chambers in rats.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Sustained attention is crucial for cognitive performance, involving the detection of rare, unpredictable events.
• The traditional Sustained Attention Task (SAT) in rodents uses operant chambers with levers and a central light.
• Adapting SAT to touchscreen chambers offers greater versatility for studying sustained attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a touchscreen version of the Sustained Attention Task (SAT) for rodent research.
• To assess the comparability of touchscreen SAT to the traditional lever-based SAT.
• To provide a versatile tool for researchers studying sustained attention in touchscreen operant chambers.

Main Methods:

• A novel touchscreen Sustained Attention Task (SAT) was developed, presenting visual signals on a central touchscreen.
• Rats responded by nose-poking two designated areas on the touchscreen after a signal and auditory cue.
• Key parameters were maintained from the traditional SAT, including stimulus duration and distractor presence.

Main Results:

• Rats acquired the touchscreen SAT at a rate comparable to the traditional version.
• Reduced stimulus duration on signaled trials decreased accuracy, mirroring traditional SAT findings.
• A flashing houselight distractor significantly disrupted performance in the touchscreen SAT.

Conclusions:

• The touchscreen version of the Sustained Attention Task (SAT) is a valid and comparable alternative to the traditional method.
• This adaptation enhances the utility of SAT for researchers utilizing touchscreen operant chambers.
• The developed touchscreen SAT facilitates broader investigation of sustained attention in preclinical research.