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Quantifying anhedonia-like symptoms in marmosets using appetitive Pavlovian conditioning
Laith Alexander1,2, Rana Banai-Tizkar1,2, Christian M Wood1,2
1Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK.
STAR Protocols
|May 13, 2021
Summary
This study trains marmosets on a reward task to understand depression-related anhedonia. The protocol measures reward processing and tests antidepressant effects using brain infusions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Primatology
Background:
- Blunted reward responsivity and anhedonia are core features of depression.
- Understanding reward processing is crucial for depression research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To train the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) on an appetitive Pavlovian conditioning paradigm.
- To measure behavioral and cardiovascular correlates of reward processing phases.
- To provide a model for testing antidepressant efficacy and manipulating brain regions involved in reward processing.
Main Methods:
- Appetitive Pavlovian conditioning in common marmosets.
- Measurement of behavioral and cardiovascular correlates.
- Intracerebral infusions to manipulate specific brain regions.
Main Results:
- The protocol enables measurement of both anticipatory and consummatory reward phases.
- The paradigm allows for the investigation of brain regions relevant to impaired reward processing.
- The model is suitable for testing the efficacy of antidepressant treatments.
Conclusions:
- This marmoset model provides a valuable tool for studying anhedonia and depression.
- The protocol facilitates research into the neurobiological underpinnings of reward processing.
- It offers a platform for preclinical testing of novel antidepressant strategies.
