New translational assays for preclinical modelling of cognition in schizophrenia: The touchscreen testing method for mice and rats

• Published in: Neuropharmacology Vol. 62; no. 3; pp. 1191 - 1203
• Main Authors: Bussey, T.J., Holmes, A., Lyon, L., Mar, A.C., McAllister, K.A.L., Nithianantharajah, J., Oomen, C.A., Saksida, L.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2012
• Subjects: Animals; Attention; Autoshaping; Cognition; Cognition Disorders - physiopathology; Cognition Disorders - psychology; Computers; Discrimination, Psychological; Disease Models, Animal; Extinction; Mice; Neurogenesis; Neuropsychological Tests; Paired associate learning; Pattern separation; PCP; Photic Stimulation; Psychomotor Performance; Rats; Schizophrenia - physiopathology; Schizophrenic Psychology; Touch; Translational Research, Biomedical - methods; Visual discrimination; Working memory; Extinction; Pattern separation; Attention; Paired associate learning; Autoshaping; Cognition; Working memory; PCP; Visual discrimination; Neurogenesis
• ISSN: 0028-3908; 1873-7064
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.04.011

We describe a touchscreen method that satisfies a proposed ‘wish-list’ of desirables for a cognitive testing method for assessing rodent models of schizophrenia. A number of tests relevant to schizophrenia research are described which are currently being developed and validated using this method. These tests can be used to study reward learning, memory, perceptual discrimination, object-place associative learning, attention, impulsivity, compulsivity, extinction, simple Pavlovian conditioning, and other constructs. The tests can be deployed using a ‘flexible battery’ approach to establish a cognitive profile for a particular mouse or rat model. We have found these tests to be capable of detecting not just impairments in function, but enhancements as well, which is essential for testing putative cognitive therapies. New tests are being continuously developed, many of which may prove particularly valuable for schizophrenia research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Schizophrenia’. ► We describe a touchscreen method for assaying cognition in rodent models. ► A number of tests relevant to schizophrenia research are described. ► The tests can be used to study multiple aspects of cognition. ► The tests can be combined in a flexible battery to establish a cognitive profile. ► The tests are capable of detecting both impairments and enhancements in function.