Automated Two-Chamber Operon ID/ED Task for Mice

Abstract

Attentional set shifting is a measure of cognitive flexibility and executive functions widely assessed in humans by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the CANTAB Intra‐/Extra‐Dimensional set‐shifting task (ID/ED). The recently established automated two‐chamber “Operon ID/ED” task for mice has proved to be an effective preclinical tool for drug testing and genetic screening, with direct translational valence in healthy human subjects and patients with schizophrenia. Here, we describe an upgraded version of the Operon ID/ED task that is now commercially available. This automated task allows one to study the ability of mice to shift attention through different rules, using two or three different dimensions (i.e., lights, odors, and textures). This unit provides a detailed step‐by‐step protocol for preparing and testing the mice that includes all procedures required for this upgraded attentional set‐shifting paradigm. A short manual for the use of the dedicated ANY‐maze software and tools for adapting it to different needs are also provided. Overall, this is a comprehensive guideline for the use of this complex upgraded equipment and paradigm. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.