Rodent Continuous Performance Task: Image (rCPT) for Rats
Model 89551A-R
Adapted for rats. In this Rodent CPT (Image) task, 5 different images are shown briefly, one at a time and in a random order. One of the images is designated the target stimulus. In order to obtain reward, the subject must touch the target stimulus and withhold from touching the non-target stimuli.
CPT tasks have been widely used to assess attentional processes. Attention in rodents is usually tested using the 5-choice serial reaction time task and 5-choice continuous performance tasks. These, however, require spatially divided attention. Typical Human CPT tasks present a series of images, each image being presented in succession for a brief period, in the same position. The subject is required to respond to designated target stimuli and withhold a response to non-target stimuli. This has the added difficulty of being able to discriminate and remember target patters, demonstrated as a key variable for observing vigilance decrements in perceptual sensitivity.
In this rodent Image CPT task, 5 different black and white images are used. They are shown briefly, one at a time and in a random order, on the touch screen. One of the images is designated the target stimulus. In order to obtain reward, the subject must touch the target stimulus and withhold from touching the non-target stimuli. This task keeps the differences between pre-clinical and clinical attention tasks to a minimum.
Example Neural Systems Involved
- Cholinergic system
- Anterior cingulate cortex
Clinical Areas Showing Impairment
- Alzheimer's
- OCD
- ADHD
- Schizophrenia
Cognitive Functions Covered
- Impulsivity
- Attention
- Cognitive flexibility and response inhibition
Typical Training Times (depends on strain and age)
- 1-2 weeks to train to touch the screen and initiate the task
- ~30 sessions training to the task
Features
- A test of impulsivity, attention, cognitive flexibility and decision making
- All training paradigms and advice included
Science
Palmer, D., Dumont, J. R., Dexter, T. D., Prado, M. A. M., Finger, E., Bussey, T. J., & Saksida, L. M. (2021). Touchscreen cognitive testing: Cross-species translation and co-clinical trials in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disease. In Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (Vol. 182, p. 107443). - Abstract
Jager, A., Dam, S. A., Van Der Mierden, S., Oomen, C. A., Arias-Vasquez, A., Buitelaar, J. K., Kozicz, T., & Glennon, J. C. (2020). Modulation of cognitive flexibility by reward and punishment in BALB/cJ and BALB/cByJ mice. Behavioural Brain Research, 378, 112294. - Abstract
Ding, Z., Brown, J. W., Rueter, L. E., & Mohler, E. G. (2018). Profiling attention and cognition enhancing drugs in a rat touchscreen-based continuous performance test. Psychopharmacology, 235(4), 1093?1105. - Abstract
Hvoslef-Eide, M., Nilsson, S. R. O., Hailwood, J. M., Robbins, T. W., Saksida, L. M., Mar, A. C., & Bussey, T. J. (2018). Effects of anterior cingulate cortex lesions on a continuous performance task for mice. Brain and Neuroscience Advances, 2, 239821281877296. - Abstract
Mar, A. C., Nilsson, S. R. O., Gamallo-Lana, B., Lei, M., Dourado, T., Alsi?, J., Saksida, L. M., Bussey, T. J., & Robbins, T. W. (2017). MAM-E17 rat model impairments on a novel continuous performance task: effects of potential cognitive enhancing drugs. Psychopharmacology, 234(19), 2837?2857. - Abstract
Kim, E. W., Phillips, B. U., Heath, C. J., Cho, S. Y., Kim, H., Sreedharan, J., Song, H. T., Lee, J. E., Bussey, T. J., Kim, C. H., Kim, E., & Saksida, L. M. (2017). Optimizing reproducibility of operant testing through reinforcer standardization: Identification of key nutritional constituents determining reward strength in touchscreens. Molecular Brain, 10(1). - Abstract
Kim, C. H., Hvoslef-Eide, M., Nilsson, S. R. O., Johnson, M. R., Herbert, B. R., Robbins, T. W., Saksida, L. M., Bussey, T. J., & Mar, A. C. (2015). The continuous performance test (rCPT) for mice: A novel operant touchscreen test of attentional function. Psychopharmacology, 232(21?22), 3947?3966. - Abstract
