Developing a Trial Unique Sequencing Task for Mice

The hippocampus and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) play distinct yet complimentary roles in the performance of cognitively demanding tasks. While rodent models cannot truly capture human cognition, there is a serious need to develop more cognitively demanding rodent tasks to better understand human cognition to develop new tools to fight neurodegeneration. Sequencing tasks are some of the most difficult for rodents to perform and are notoriously difficult to train. Cutting edge interactive touch screen technology allows us to test an endless array of sequences, in a sound-controlled enclosure featuring a simple behavioral response for the mice. Study Aim: To create a standardized protocol that can be used to effectively assess cognitive performance during sequence memory tasks in mice.We used the ABET II software to devise a program coupled with the Second Generation Bussey-Saksida Touch Screen Chamber. This setup will allow us to test new sequences each day and is readily adaptable for recording electrophysiological signals from the ACC and hippocampus.