Auditory Reversal Learning Task
Objective: Assess cognitive flexibility and relearning performance in auditory cortex using a frequency-modulated tone discrimination task with contingency reversal, examining the role of extracellular matrix in learning-related plasticity
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment2
Not specified • Not specified • Not specified • Not mentioned
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Materials2
Software1
Not specified • Not mentioned
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Protocol Steps
Baseline auditory discrimination training
Train adult Mongolian gerbils on frequency-modulated tone discrimination task to establish learned behavioral habits
Note: Task requires high behavioral flexibility and establishes baseline learned capacities
View evidence from paper
“contingency reversal of a frequency-modulated tone discrimination, a task requiring high behavioral flexibility”
Extracellular matrix removal via enzymatic degradation
Enzymatically degrade the extracellular matrix in auditory cortex of adult gerbils during specific phases of cortex-dependent auditory relearning using intracortical microinjection
Note: ECM removal is localized to auditory cortex and performed during reversal learning phases
View evidence from paper
“We removed the ECM in the auditory cortex of adult Mongolian gerbils during specific phases of cortex-dependent auditory relearning”
Contingency reversal learning
Reverse the contingency of the frequency-modulated tone discrimination task to induce strategy changes and assess cognitive flexibility during ECM removal
Note: Reversal learning requires high behavioral flexibility and strategy changes from previously acquired habits
View evidence from paper
“induced by the contingency reversal of a frequency-modulated tone discrimination”
Continued discrimination training
Continue discrimination training after reversal to assess whether ECM removal erases already established learned capacities
Note: Determines if ECM removal affects retention of previously learned behaviors
View evidence from paper
“without erasing already established—that is, learned—capacities when continuing discrimination training”