Reducing the number of non-human primates in research by developing a rodent model of selective attention

Selective attention is the process by which brains 'zoom in' on events or objects that are important. Attention is fundamental to sensory and cognitive processing, so attentional disorders are among the most common and most devastating neurological conditions. Selective attention is generally thought of as a higher cognitive function, perhaps only present in animals with elaborate brains. For this reason non-human primates are currently the major animal models of selective attention. This proposal is to develop a rodent model of selective attention. We will develop a state-of-the art system for controlling visual stimuli and measuring behavioural responses in freely moving rats. Such a model would refine the use of animals in medical research by reducing the number of non-human primates. In addition the presence of a rodent model would allow better experimental design, and therefore better predictive power, by reducing individual variability. More generally a successful rodent model of selective attention will encourage the gradual reorienting of research into 'higher cognitive tasks' from non-human primates to rodents and non-vertebrates.

This proposal is to develop and validate a rodent model of spatial attention in the visual pathway. Using computer-based image analysis to control head position and thus visual stimulus, we will assess if cueing spatial location improves performance and reaction times in a change detection task. We hypothesise that rodents will be able to use spatial cues to allocate endogenous attention, and that evidence for attention will be provided by a reduction in reaction time, and an improvement in accuracy, for spatial locations that are cued. We will establish whether endogenous attention can be engaged by a prior spatial cue, or by blocking of experimental trials, both of which are effective in humans and non-human primates.

This pilot study proposal is to establish that rodents can deploy selective attention, which would in addition help show that higher cognitive processes can be studied in 'lower' species. The proposal will refine animal research by replacing non-human primates with rodents. This will also provide a more reliable animal model, with better predictive power, in which to make new discoveries. It may also lead to refinements in animal husbandry by increasing the understanding of cognitive behaviour in rodents. The study therefore has clear capacity to refine animal models of attention that are used both in the UK and in laboratories around the world, and also encourage the use of alternatives to non-human primates in other studies of higher cognitive function.