The RAT-ROTADRUM: A reaction time task depending on a continuous stream of tactile sensory information to the rat

Rats running in their natural habitat monitor the immediate environment with their micro- and macrovibrissae as if reading Braille. These sensory inputs can serve as a cue to change their ongoing motor patterns, for instance to avoid obstacles. To mimic this behavior in a laboratory setting we present a novel behavioral test design. It includes a self-controlled stimulus presentation with sensory discrimination acting as a cue to redirect motor behavior. To acquire the final paradigm, rats undergo a sequenced training protocol. Extracellular neuronal activity was recorded during task performance in the final paradigm. Together with this behavioral test box we present a flexible, easy to build and affordable modular stimulus control system.

► Presentation of a novel method to study rat sensorimotor behavior.
► Design of a rotating drum serving continuous stimulation of the rat vibrissae.
► A flexible and affordable stimulus control system drives the complex protocol.