Uncovering Insights with Preclinical ADHD Studies and Advanced Rodent Models

PsychoGenics employs the 5-choice serial reaction time test and delay discounting task to assess the efficacy of your potential treatment to reduce impulsivity.

Increased impulsivity is characteristic of several disease states, and the delay discounting task provides a measure of impulsive behavior (impulsive choice). Delay discounting measures a subject’s preference to select a large reward delivered at variable delays (0 s, 10 s, 20 s, and 40 s) compared to immediate delivery of a small reward. Typically, when the delay is very short, the animal selects the large reward. As the delay increases, the animal is less likely to select the large, delayed reward. Compounds that are known to attenuate impulsive choice in humans have been shown to attenuate impulsive choice in rodents in the delay discounting task, for example methylphenidate (Ritalin®).

The 5-CSRTT measures several parameters of cognitive function, including attention and impulsivity. In this operant-based test, animals are required to monitor five apertures for a brief (≤ 1 s) illumination. Rats must nose-poke into the aperture where the brief light stimulus was presented to receive a food reward. Behavioral measures such as accuracy, speed of response, and impulsivity (impulsive action) are recorded. By altering the parameters of the task, high levels of premature responding can be induced. Stimulant and non-stimulant compounds effective in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can be differentiated. Specifically, atomoxetine (Strattera®) is effective, while methylphenidate (Ritalin®) is not.