A computer-controlled Y-maze for the analysis of vibrissotactile discrimination learning in mice.

An automatized, computer-controlled Y-maze is described in which mice are trained to discriminate between two vibrissotactile, and/or visual stimuli, other modalities or combinations of modalities being testable as well. Movements of the mouse are recorded by photocells and monitored on a computer screen. Forward passage of the mouse is ensured by movable gates, and, if necessary, by brief air blows. Wrong choices are punished by air blows as well. The controller is a Hewlett-Packard Series 80 microcomputer with a 16 channel parallel input/output interface; programs are in BASIC. The program analyzes start latency, decision and homing time, side preference, inspections and ultimate choice, as well as choice strategies based on discrimination, left/right habits and short-term memory. Thus we can determine the nature of discrimination errors, and establish individual behavioral profiles of the animals. Results are both printed alphanumerically and plotted. The apparatus may be used for studying sensory physiology as well as cerebral lateralization, and drug or gene effects on memory and learning.