Operant conditioning chambers for behavioral research

可以使用动物模型来研究大脑如何调节行为，这需要专门的设备来训练实验对象。为此目的而开发的操作条件反应室可以被配置为用于许多不同的行为范例。例如，腔室可以配备听觉和视觉刺激，其功能是发出信号，表明发生了显著的“食欲”事件，如运送蔗糖以供口服。受试者很快学会将线索与蔗糖联系在一起，并会对线索做出刻板印象的反应，这可以用来评估学习情况。这样的模型使我们在理解这种形式的学习所需的神经系统方面取得了实质性进展。然而，如果预期的结果被扣留，那么预测积极结果的线索可能会获得新的含义。在这种情况下，受试者将逐渐学会抑制对线索的反应。令人惊讶的是，人们对大脑如何调节这种高度适应性的新学习知之甚少。我的研究计划需要一个操作性条件反射小室系统，它将研究抑制对不再预测积极结果的暗示的反应所需的神经通路。我们将使用学习的行为模型结合其他复杂的技术来探索潜在的神经回路。这一研究方向具有很高的独特性和创新性，因为很少有实验室研究这种类型学习的神经基础是在“食欲”学习的动物模型中进行的。鉴于在这一主题上现有信息的匮乏，这项研究计划将有助于将加拿大定位为学习和记忆研究的国际领导者。

How the brain regulates behavior can be studied using animal models, which require specialized equipment for training experimental subjects. Operant conditioning chambers which were developed for this purpose can be configured for use in many different behavioral paradigms. For example, chambers can be equipped with auditory and visual stimuli that function as 'cues' to signal the occurrence of salient 'appetitive' events, such as the delivery of sucrose for oral consumption. Subjects rapidly learn to associate the cue with sucrose and will make stereotypical responses to the cue that can be measured to assess learning. Such models have enabled substantial progress in our understanding of the neural systems that are required for this form of learning. However, a cue that predicts a positive outcome can acquire a new meaning if the expected outcome is withheld. In this event subjects will gradually learn to inhibit responding to the cue. Surprisingly, little is known about how the brain regulates this form of highly adaptive 'new' learning.' My research program, for which a system of operant conditioning chambers is needed, will study the neural pathways that are needed to inhibit responding to cues that no longer predict positive outcomes. We will use behavioral models of learning in combination with other sophisticated techniques to probe underlying neural circuits. This research direction is highly unique and innovative, as very few laboratories study the neural basis of this type of learning in animal models of 'appetitive' learning. Given the dearth of information available on this topic, this program of study will contribute towards positioning Canada as an international leader in research on learning and memory.