High-Throughput Automatic Training System for Spatial Working Memory in Free-Moving Mice.
10.1007/s12264-019-00370-z
- Author:
Shimin ZOU
1
;
Chengyu Tony LI
2
Author Information
1. Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, 200031, China.
2. Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, 200031, China. tonylicy@ion.ac.cn.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Automatic training;
Cognitive functions;
Free-moving mice;
Spatial cognition;
Working memory
- MeSH:
Animals;
Automation, Laboratory;
instrumentation;
Behavior, Animal;
Equipment Design;
Habituation, Psychophysiologic;
Male;
Memory, Short-Term;
Mice, Inbred C57BL;
Spatial Memory
- From:
Neuroscience Bulletin
2019;35(3):389-400
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Efficient behavioral assays are crucial for understanding the neural mechanisms of cognitive functions. Here, we designed a high-throughput automatic training system for spatial cognition (HASS) for free-moving mice. Mice were trained to return to the home arm and remain there during a delay period. Software was designed to enable automatic training in all its phases, including habituation, shaping, and learning. Using this system, we trained mice to successfully perform a spatially delayed nonmatch to sample task, which tested spatial cognition, working memory, and decision making. Performance depended on the delay duration, which is a hallmark of working memory tasks. The HASS enabled a human operator to train more than six mice simultaneously with minimal intervention, therefore greatly enhancing experimental efficiency and minimizing stress to the mice. Combined with the optogenetic method and neurophysiological techniques, the HASS will be useful in deciphering the neural circuitry underlying spatial cognition.
