An Automated, Experimenter-Free Method for the Standardised, Operant Cognitive Testing of Rats.

ABSTRACT: Animal models of human pathology are essential for biomedical research. However, a recurring issue in the use of animal models is the poor reproducibility of behavioural and physiological findings within and between laboratories. The most critical factor influencing this issue remains the experimenter themselves. One solution is the use of procedures devoid of human intervention. We present a novel approach to experimenter-free testing cognitive abilities in rats, by combining undisturbed group housing with automated, standardized and individual operant testing. This experimenter-free system consisted of an automated-operant system (Bussey-Saksida rat touch screen) connected to a home cage containing group living rats via an automated animal sorter (PhenoSys). The automated animal sorter,

SUBMITTER: Rivalan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5218494 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature