Measuring impulsivity in mice: the five-choice serial reaction time task

Rationale Mice are useful tools for dissecting genetic and environmental factors in relation to the study of attention and impulsivity. The five-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT) paradigm has been well established in rats, but its transferability to mice is less well documented. Objectives This study aims to summarise the main results of the 5CSRTT in mice, with special focus on impulsivity. Methods The 5CSRTT can be used to explore aspects of both attentional and inhibitory control mechanisms. Results Different manipulations of the task parameters can lead to different results; adjusting the protocol as a function of the main variable of interest or the standardisation of the protocol to be applied to a large set of strains will be desirable. Conclusions The 5CSRTT has proven to be a useful tool to investigate impulsivity in mice.