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Meng X, Chen P, Veltien A, Palavra T, In't Veld S, Grandjean J, Homberg JR. Estimating foraging behavior in rodents using a modified paradigm measuring threat imminence dynamics. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 28:100585. [PMID: 38024390 PMCID: PMC10661863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals need to respond to threats to avoid danger and approach rewards. In nature, these responses did not evolve alone but are always accompanied by motivational conflict. A semi-naturalistic threat imminence continuum model models the approach-avoidance conflict and is able to integrate multiple behaviors into a single paradigm. However, its comprehensive application is hampered by the lack of a detailed protocol and data about some fundamental factors including sex, age, and motivational level. Here, we modified a previously established paradigm measuring threat imminence continuum dynamics, involving modifications of training and testing protocols, and utilization of commercial materials combined with open science codes, making it easier to replicate. We demonstrate that foraging behavior is modulated by age, hunger level, and sex. This paradigm can be used to study foraging behaviors in animals in a more naturalistic manner with relevance to human approach-avoid conflicts and associated psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzong Meng
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Andor Veltien
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tony Palavra
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sjors In't Veld
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Joanes Grandjean
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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