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Reduced activity at the 5-HT2C receptor enhances reversal learning by decreasing the influence of previously non-rewarded associations

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 13:32 authored by S R O Nilsson, T L Ripley, E M Somerville, Pete CliftonPete Clifton
Rationale Reversal learning deficits are a feature of many human psychopathologies and their associated animal models and have recently been shown to involve the 5-HT2C receptor (5-HT2CR). Successful reversal learning can be reduced to two dissociable cognitive mechanisms, to dissipate associations of previous positive (opposed by perseverance) and negative (opposed by learned non-reward) valence. Objectives This study aims to explore the effect of reducing activity at the 5-HT2CR on the cognitive mechanisms underlying spatial reversal learning in the mouse. Methods Experiment 1 used the 5-HT2CR antagonist SB242084 (0.5 mg/kg) in a between-groups serial design, experiment 2 used 5-HT2CR KO mice in a repeated measures design. Animals initially learned to discriminate between two lit nosepoke holes. This was followed by three conditions; (1) full reversal, where contingencies reversed; (2) perseverance, where the previous CS+ became CS- and the previous CS- was replaced by a novel CS+; (3) learned non-reward, where the previous CS- became CS+ and the previous CS+ was replaced by a novel CS-. Results SB242084 treated and 5-HT2CR KO mice showed enhanced reversal learning seen as a decrease in trials, correct responses, and omissions to criterion in the full reversal condition. Similar effects were observed in the learned non-reward condition but SB242084 treated and 5-HT2CR KO mice did not differ from controls in the perseverance condition. SB242084 treated, but not 5- HT2CR KO mice, showed decreases in all latency indices in every condition. Conclusion Reducing activity at the 5-HT2CR facilitates reversal learning in the mouse by reducing the influence of previously non-rewarded associations.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Psychopharmacology

ISSN

0033-3158

Publisher

Springer

Issue

2

Volume

224

Page range

241-254

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-11-13

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