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Strain comparisons in inhibitory discrimination learning and novel object recognition procedures
L Waite1, C Bonardi1, C W Stevenson2
1School of Psychology, University of Nottingham,UK.
Physiology & Behavior
|August 17, 2021
Summary
Albino Wistar and pigmented Lister Hooded rats show comparable associative learning but differ in inhibitory learning and novel object recognition (NOR) tasks. Wistar rats performed better in some inhibitory tasks, while Lister Hooded rats excelled in longer-delay NOR variants.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Strain differences in sensory and motor functions can impact cognitive testing in rats.
- Albino Wistar and pigmented Lister Hooded rats are commonly used models but may exhibit distinct behavioral profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the performance of Wistar and Lister Hooded rats in inhibitory learning and novel object recognition (NOR) tasks.
- To assess how strain differences influence learning, memory, and exploratory behavior in rats.
Main Methods:
- Appetitive conditioning with within-subjects inhibitory learning (A+/AX-) and novel object recognition (NOR) variants were employed.
- Performance was analyzed using difference scores for inhibitory learning and discrimination ratios for NOR to control for individual variation.
Main Results:
- No strain differences were observed in initial associative learning.
- Wistar rats showed an advantage in inhibitory discrimination and retardation tests.
- Strain effects on NOR varied by delay: Wistar rats performed better at 10-min, while Lister Hooded rats excelled at 24-hr and recency variants.
Conclusions:
- Both Wistar and Lister Hooded rats are suitable for associative learning and basic NOR tasks.
- Strain-specific differences emerge in more complex inhibitory learning and delayed NOR tasks, highlighting the importance of strain selection in cognitive research.
