【Animal Modeling】-Behavioral performance of two strains of rats in classical conditioning and operant conditioning

  OBJECTIVE: To explore the differences in behavioral performance between SD and Wistar strains in classical conditioning and operant conditioning, and to provide a basis for the selection of experimental animals for the establishment of a stable conditioning animal model for the study of advanced brain functions.

  METHODS: Eight-week-old normal SD and Wistar rats were selected and subjected to three detection modes: reward training, single operation training, and continuous multiple operation training to study the learning and memory abilities of SD and Wistar rats.

  Results: During reward training, the number of nasal touches of SD rats increased significantly (vs. Wistar, P<0.05); during single operation training, compared with SD rats, Wistar rats' total pedal times (LPs), ratio (cLP/LP) was significantly increased (P<0.05), the total number of nasal touches (NPs) was significantly different on the 5th day, the pedal latency was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the pedal speed was significantly increased (P<0.05). <0.05). During the continuous operation training, the number of nasal touches in Wistar rats was significantly increased (P<0.05), the="" number="" of="" pedals="" and="" rewards="" were="" response="" accuracy="" was="" also="" higher="" than="" that="" sd="" but="" there="" no="" difference="" between="" groups.="" significant="" p="">0.05).

  CONCLUSION: SD rats in the classical conditioning stage have a strong ability to explore the drinking box and show a strong interest in reward substances; while in the reward operant conditioning stage, the performance of Wistar rats is better than that of SD rats.