Cognition – Five-choice Serial Reaction Time Test (5CSRT)
The 5-CSRTT measures several parameters of cognitive function, including attention and impulsivity. In this operant-based test, animals are required to monitor five apertures for a brief (≤ 1 s) illumination. Rats must nose-poke into the aperture where the brief light stimulus was presented to receive a food reward. Behavioral measures such as accuracy, speed of response and impulsivity (impulsive action) are recorded. By altering the parameters of the task, high levels of premature responding can be induced. Stimulant and non-stimulant compounds effective in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can be differentiated. Specifically, atomoxetine (Strattera®) is effective, while methylphenidate (Ritalin ®) is not.
Administration of atomoxetine (Strattera®) attenuated the high levels of premature responding observed at prolonged inter-trial intervals. Asterisks (*p<0.05) indicate a significant difference compared to vehicle, at specific inter-trial intervals.
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Administration of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) had no effects on the high levels of premature responding observed at prolonged inter-trial intervals. Administration of d-amphetamine increased premature responding (data not shown).
