Differences in BTBR T+ tf/J and C57BL/6J mice on probabilistic reversal learning and stereotyped behaviors - PubMed (original) (raw)

Differences in BTBR T+ tf/J and C57BL/6J mice on probabilistic reversal learning and stereotyped behaviors

Dionisio A Amodeo et al. Behav Brain Res. 2012.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a class of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behavior. This latter class of symptoms often includes features such as compulsive behaviors and resistance to change. The BTBR T+ tf/J mouse strain has been used as an animal model to investigate the social communication and restricted interest features in ASD. Less is known about whether this mouse strain models cognitive flexibility deficits also observed in ASD. The present experiment investigated performance of BTBR T+ tf/J and C57BL/6J on two different spatial reversal learning tests (100% accurate feedback and 80/20 probabilistic feedback), as well as marble burying and grooming behavior. BTBR T+ tf/J and C57BL/6J mice exhibited similar performance on acquisition and reversal learning with 100% accurate feedback. BTBR T+ tf/J mice were impaired in probabilistic reversal learning compared to that of C57BL/6J mice. BTBR T+ tf/J mice also displayed increased stereotyped repetitive behaviors compared to that of C57BL/6J mice as shown by increased marble burying and grooming behavior. The present findings indicate that BTBR T+ tf/J mice exhibit similar features related to "insistence on sameness" in ASD that include not only stereotyped repetitive behaviors, but also alterations in behavioral flexibility. Thus, BTBR T+ tf/J mice can serve as a model to understand the neural mechanisms underlying alterations in behavioral flexibility, as well as to test potential treatments in alleviating these symptoms.

Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1

Acquisition and reversal learning of a spatial discrimination. A) Diagram of spatial reversal learning apparatus. B) In one study, C57BL/6J and BTBR mice were tested on acquisition and reversal learning of a spatial discrimination with 100% accurate feedback (top). In another study, C57BL/6J and BTBR mice were tested on acquisition and reversal learning of a spatial discrimination, but a 80/20 probabilistic reinforcement schedule was used (bottom). C) Order of behavioral testing completed by C57BL/6J and BTBR mice.

Figure 2

Figure 2

Acquisition and reversal learning of a spatial discrimination (100% accurate feedback). A) Mean (± SEM) trials to criterion in acquisition. BTBR (n = 8) and C57BL/6J (n = 8) mice performance did not differ on trials to criterion. B) Mean (± SEM) trials to criterion on reversal learning. BTBR and C57BL/6J mice did not differ on trials to criterion. C) Mean (± SEM) perseverative errors committed during reversal learning. BTBR and C57BL/6J mice did not differ on perseverative errors. D) Mean (± SEM) regressive errors during reversal learning. BTBR and C57BL/6J mice committed a similar number of regressive errors.

Figure 3

Figure 3

Acquisition and reversal learning of a spatial discrimination (80/20 probabilistic learning procedure). A) Mean (± SEM) trials to criterion on acquisition. BTBR (n = 10) and C57BL/6J (n = 11) mice performance did not differ on trials to criterion. B) Mean (± SEM) trials to criterion on reversal learning. BTBR mice required more trials to reach criterion compared to that of C57BL/6J mice. C) Mean (± SEM) perseverative errors during reversal learning. C57BL/6J and BTBR mice did not differ on the number of perseverative errors. D) Mean (± SEM) regressive errors during reversal learning. BTBR mice committed more regressive errors compared to that of C57BL/6J mice during reversal learning; * p < .05 vs. C57BL/6J.

Figure 4

Figure 4

Win-stay and lose shift probabilities for correct and incorrect choices during probabilistic reversal learning. A) Mean (± SEM) win-stay probability for correct choices. BTBR (n = 10) mice had a similar win-stay probability for the correct choice compared to that of C57BL/6J (n = 11) mice. B) Mean (± SEM) lose-shift probability for correct choices. BTBR and C57BL/6J mice did not differ in lose-shift probability for correct choices. C) Mean (± SEM) win-stay probability for incorrect choices. BTBR mice had a significantly greater probability of staying with the incorrect choice following obtainment of a reinforcement on an incorrect trial compared to that of C57BL/6J mice, * p < .05 vs. C57BL/6J. D) Mean (± SEM) lose-shift probability for incorrect choices. BTBR mice were significantly less likely to shift to the correct location following no reinforcement on an incorrect choice compared to that of C57BL/6J mice, * p < .05 vs. C57BL/6J.

Figure 5

Figure 5

Comparison of marble burying and repetitive grooming in BTBR (n = 8) and C57BL/6J (n = 8) mice. A) Mean (± SEM) seconds spent grooming during 10 min test session. BTBR mice spent more time grooming compared to C57BL/6J mice. B) Mean (± SEM) marbles buried during the 30 min testing session. BTBR mice buried more marbles compared to C57BL/6J mice. * p < .05 vs. C57BL/6J.

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