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Common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) as a primate model for behavioral neuroscience studies
Noeline W Prins1, Eric A Pohlmeyer1, Shubham Debnath1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|April 13, 2017
Summary
Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are proposed as a novel model for behavioral neuroscience. These animals successfully learned complex tasks, demonstrating their potential as an alternative to larger primates in research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primate Models
Background:
- Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) serve as a bridge between rodents and larger primates.
- Marmosets are utilized in auditory, vocal, visual, pharmacological, and genetics research.
- Their application in behavioral studies remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose the common marmoset as a novel model for behavioral neuroscience research.
- To present data from training marmosets for complex behavioral tasks.
- To highlight marmosets as an alternative to larger primate models.
Main Methods:
- Training 12 adult marmosets on three distinct behavioral tasks.
- Detailed husbandry, food preferences, handling, and acclimation protocols.
- Development of custom equipment, including a "scoop" and monkey chair.
Main Results:
- Marmosets learned a 4-target center-out reaching task within 1-2 weeks.
- Learning tasks involving robot action control required several months of training.
- Animals successfully associated robot actions with food rewards.
Conclusions:
- Marmosets demonstrate proficiency in learning behavioral neuroscience tasks.
- The common marmoset is a viable alternative model for behavioral neuroscience research.
- Advantages include ease of handling, rapid reproduction, and suitable neuroanatomy.