Automated Two-Chamber Operon ID/ED Task for Mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Attentional set shifting assesses cognitive flexibility and executive functions.
• The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and CANTAB Intra-/Extra-Dimensional set-shifting task (ID/ED) are standard human assessments.
• The automated Operon ID/ED task is a valuable preclinical tool for drug testing and genetic screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an upgraded, commercially available automated two-chamber Operon ID/ED task for mice.
• To provide a detailed protocol for using this upgraded task to study attentional set shifting.
• To offer guidance on using the associated ANY-maze software for adaptability.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an upgraded automated two-chamber Operon ID/ED system for mouse behavioral testing.
• Employed a detailed step-by-step protocol for mouse preparation and testing.
• Included a manual for the ANY-maze software to facilitate task adaptation.

Main Results:

• The upgraded Operon ID/ED task allows for the study of attentional set shifting across two or three dimensions (lights, odors, textures).
• A comprehensive guideline for operating the equipment and paradigm is provided.
• The system is designed for effective preclinical drug testing and genetic screening.

Conclusions:

• The upgraded Operon ID/ED task offers a robust and adaptable preclinical model for cognitive flexibility research.
• This tool has direct translational relevance for understanding human cognitive disorders like schizophrenia.
• The provided protocol and software manual ensure comprehensive usability for researchers.