4-Choice Gambling Task (4C-GT) for Rats
Model 89550A-R
Adapted for rats, this test is based on the Iowa Gambling Task, sensitive to serotonergic and dopaminergic agents.
Based on the Iowa Gambling Task, the rodent chooses from four illuminated windows. A touch in any of the windows will result in either a Win (food reward is delivered) or a Loss (timeout period with no reward). Each window is associated with a different amount of reward. The larger the associated reward, the lower the probability of receiving a Win and the longer the timeout if the trial results in a Loss. The subject must learn to avoid the high-risk, high-reward options in order to maximize earnings. The test is sensitive to serotonergic and dopaminergic agents.
Example Neural Systems Involved
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
Clinical Areas Showing Impairment
- Bipolar Disorder
- Gambling
- Depression
- OCD
- ADHD
- Parkinson's
- Schizophrenia
Cognitive Functions Covered
- Impulsivity
- Decision making
Typical Training Times (depends on strain and age)
- 1-2 weeks to train to touch the screen and initiate the task
- 4 sessions familiarizing with choices available
- ~13 sessions testing
Features
- A test of impulsivity and decision making
- All training paradigms and advice included
Science
Openshaw, R. L., Pratt, J. A., & Morris, B. J. (2022). The schizophrenia risk gene Map2k7 regulates responding in a novel contingency-shifting rodent touchscreen gambling task. Disease Models & Mechanisms, 15(3). - Abstract
Humby, T., Smith, G. E., Small, R., Davies, W., Carter, J., Bentley, C. A., Winstanley, C. A., Rogers, R. D., & Wilkinson, L. S. (2020). Effects of 5-HT 2C, 5-HT 1A receptor challenges and modafinil on the initiation and persistence of gambling behaviours. Psychopharmacology, 237(6), 1745–1756. - Abstract
Cho, B. R., Kwak, M. J., Kim, W. Y., & Kim, J. H. (2018). Impulsive action and impulsive choice are differentially expressed in rats depending on the age at exposure to a gambling task. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9(OCT), 503. - Abstract
Coba MP, Komiyama NH, Nithianantharajah J, et al. (2012) TNiK is required for postsynaptic and nuclear signalling pathways and cognitive function. J Neurosci.; 32(40):13987-13999.
