Knowledge Base

CognitionWall Discrimination Learning Test

The discrimination learning test efficiently identifies cognitive impairments in 1 or 2 nights. The CognitionWall is placed in front of a food dispenser. Mice are rewarded with a food reward when they choose to pass through one of the three entrances. The rate at which a mouse gains a relative preference for the rewarded entrance is used as a measure of discrimination learning.

The discrimination learning test has been validated for use with several models of synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease models (e.g. APP/PS1 transgenic mice) and after administration of NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 (0.06 mg/kg).

Superior Cognitive Testing in PhenoTyper Home-Cages

The CognitionWall adds sufficient complexity to the home-cage environment to implement complex operant conditioning tests. The CognitionWall is a wall with three entrances, which is placed in front of the optional Pellet Dispenser. In combination with EthoVision XT's Trial & Hardware Control Module, the CognitionWall currently forms the basis of two validated operant conditioning tests. The discrimination learning test has proven to be superior to the Morris Water Maze in terms of speed, sensitivity and reproducibility when screening Alzheimer's disease models.

CognitionWall Protocols

The following protocols are available to assess cognitive function in PhenoTyper home-cages:

• Discrimination Learning Test – Identifies cognitive impairments in 1 to 2 nights by measuring the rate at which a mouse develops a preference for the rewarded entrance.
• Reversal Learning Test – Evaluates specific impairments in cognitive flexibility by measuring adaptation to a switched reward entrance.

CognitionWall Reversal Learning Test

After initial discrimination learning, the rewarded entrance is switched to another entrance of the CognitionWall (reversal). The rate at which a mouse gains a relative preference for the newly rewarded entrance is used as a measure of reversal learning. Including initial discrimination learning, the reversal learning test takes 4 nights.

Key Features

• Mice learn to use a specific entrance of the CognitionWall during the discrimination learning test.
• Assessment of cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease models can be completed in 2 nights.
• Assessment following acute MK-801 administration can be completed in 1 night.
• Testing is fast, sensitive, and reproducible.

Availability and Contact

The CognitionWall is available through Noldus Information Technology. Contact [email protected] for information on implementing operant cognitive testing using the CognitionWall in your facility.

Source: Sylics CognitionWall, Noldus Information Technology