Cited by 55Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum DisordersNeurotransmitter Receptor Influence on BehaviorMemory and Neural Mechanisms

Behavioral flexibility in a mouse model for obsessive‐compulsive disorder: Impaired Pavlovian reversal learning in SAPAP3 mutants

Open access
van den Boom, Bastijn J.G., Mooij, Adriana H., Misevičiūtė, Ieva, Denys, Damiaan, Willuhn, Ingo·2019·Genes, Brain and Behavior

Published version of a preprint

Abstract

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessive thinking, compulsive behavior and anxiety, and is often accompanied by cognitive deficits. The neuropathology of OCD involves dysregulation of cortical‐striatal circuits. Similar to OCD patients, SAPAP3 knockout mice 3 (SAPAP3 −/− ) exhibit compulsive behavior (grooming), anxiety and dysregulated cortical‐striatal function. However, it is unknown whether SAPAP3 −/− display cognitive deficits and how these different behavioral traits relate to one another. SAPAP3 −/− and wild‐type (WT) littermates were trained in a Pavlovian conditioning task pairing visual cues with the delivery of sucrose solution. After mice learned to discriminate between a reward‐predicting conditioned stimulus (CS+) and a non‐reward stimulus (CS−), contingencies were reversed (CS+ became CS− and vice versa). Additionally, we assessed grooming, anxiety and general activity. SAPAP3 −/− acquired Pavlovian approach behavior similarly to WT, albeit less vigorously and with a different strategy. However, unlike WT, SAPAP3 −/− were unable to adapt their behavior after contingency reversal, exemplified by a lack of re‐establishing CS+ approach behavior (sign tracking). Surprisingly, such behavioral inflexibility, decreased vigor, compulsive grooming and anxiety were unrelated. This study shows that SAPAP3 −/− are capable of Pavlovian learning, but lack flexibility to adapt associated conditioned approach behavior. Thus, SAPAP3 −/− not only display compulsive‐like behavior and anxiety, but also cognitive deficits, confirming and extending the validity of SAPAP3 −/− as a suitable model for the study of OCD. The observation that compulsive‐like behavior, anxiety and behavioral inflexibility were unrelated suggests a non‐causal relationship between these traits and may be of clinical relevance for the treatment of OCD.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

SAPAP3 knockout mice acquired Pavlovian conditioned approach to a reward-predicting cue but failed to adapt after contingency reversal, unlike wild-type littermates. Their behavioral inflexibility was unrelated to compulsive grooming or anxiety, suggesting independent traits in this OCD model.

Key findings

  • SAPAP3−/− showed increased grooming versus WT before autoshaping (320.53 ± 58.67 vs 159.43 ± 19.67 seconds) and after autoshaping (312.29 ± 66.62 vs 114 ± 15.71 seconds), and increased anxiety-like behavior on the elevated plus maze (less open-arm time: 97.38 ± 8.51 vs 152.25 ± 19.52 seconds; more closed-arm time: 445.28 ± 12.96 vs 374.58 ± 24.27 seconds).
  • Both genotypes learned CS+/CS− discrimination, but SAPAP3−/− mainly approached the reward magazine. After reversal, WT re-established CS+ approach (postreversal CS+ 15.02 ± 1.31 vs CS− 8.71 ± 0.99 trials, P < 0.001), whereas SAPAP3−/− did not (10.69 ± 1.4 vs 8.11 ± 1.11 trials, NS) and showed decreased CS+ approach after reversal (P = 0.045).
  • Direct genotype comparison showed no significant premaintenance difference score (8.58 ± 1.06 WT vs 5.98 ± 0.75 SAPAP3−/−, NS), but a lower postmaintenance difference score in SAPAP3−/− (6.31 ± 0.69 vs 2.58 ± 1.02, P = 0.028).
  • Grooming and anxiety did not correlate with reversal performance, while CS+ approach correlated strongly with postreversal difference score (R² = 0.75, P < 0.0001); reward magazine approach did not (R² = 0.02, NS). SAPAP3−/− also showed decreased general activity across tasks.

Methods

  • Male and female SAPAP3−/− mice (mean age 9 months, n = 20, two excluded because of skin lesions) and WT littermates (mean age 8 months, n = 14) were tested; autoshaping analyses after exclusions included n = 11 WT and n = 12 SAPAP3−/−.
  • Behavioral battery: open-field grooming/activity before and after autoshaping, elevated plus maze for anxiety, and touchscreen Pavlovian autoshaping with 30-minute sessions twice daily for 72 sessions (36 before and 36 after reversal); CS+ was followed by 7 μL strawberry milkshake, and reversal switched CS+ and CS−.
  • Analyses used mixed/repeated ANOVA, t tests, Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon tests, Holm-Bonferroni correction, P < 0.05, and correlations reported as R² with 95% confidence intervals.

Limitations

  • The paper states that anxiety may still play a role in decreased overall activity, that future studies are needed to test model-free/model-based interpretations, and that the genetic link of SAPAP3 to OCD needs further study.
  • Evident from the text: final autoshaping sample sizes were modest after exclusions (WT n = 11, SAPAP3−/− n = 12), and low-trial sessions were excluded, which may limit generalizability.
  • Evident from the text: the study reports correlations and behavioral associations, not causal manipulations linking PFC-striatal dysfunction to the reversal deficit.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1111/gbb.12557

Cites

78 of 78 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

30 tests recomputed · 0 with the reported and recomputed p on opposite sides of .05

Claims the paper makes

0 of 57 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    WT showed no systematic preference between reward magazine and CS during CS+ presentation before reversal.

    “During CS+ presentation before reversal, WT interacted with the reward magazine (Figure 4A) as well as the CS itself (Figure 4C) with no systematic preference.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Grooming trait value was not significantly correlated with EPM performance (ratio of time spent in closed vs open arms).

    “To study the relation between grooming and anxiety, the grooming trait value was correlated with EPM performance (ratio of time spent in closed vs open arms), resulting in no significant correlation (Pearson R 2 of 0.16; NS; 95% CI −0.74 to 0.11) (Figure 2E).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    SAPAP3−/− spent less time in open arms on the EPM compared to WT.

    “On the EPM, SAPAP3−/− spent less time in open arms (Figure 2B: 152.25 ± 19.52 seconds WT vs 97.38 ± 8.51 seconds SAPAP3−/−, t (17.88) = 2.58, P = 0.019)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    SAPAP3−/− exhibited decreased movement during EPM testing.

    “During EPM testing, SAPAP3−/− exhibited decreased movement (Figure 3F: 4008.17 ± 156.34 cm WT vs 2292.15 ± 259.57 cm SAPAP3−/−, t (29)=5.36, P < 0.0001)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    SAPAP3−/− showed increased grooming duration during EPM testing compared to WT.

    “Similar to the OF test, SAPAP3−/− showed increased grooming duration (Figure 2C: 35 ± 3.78 seconds WT vs 85.53 ± 13.23 seconds SAPAP3−/−, t (29)= − 3.37, P = 0.002) during EPM testing.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 24
  • May combine two claims. 22
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    SAPAP3−/− displayed a minor decrease in initiated trials after reversal.

    “SAPAP3−/− displayed a minor decrease in initiated trials after reversal (F (1,481.69) = 28.31, P < 0.001), but no effect of session (F (35,27.45) = 0.45, NS) nor an interaction effect (F (35, 27.45) = 1.01, NS) (Figure 3L).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    After reversal, WT re-acquired the new reward contingencies, shown by increased CS approaches and refrained from magazine approaches.

    “After reversal, WT re‐acquired the new reward contingencies, showed by increased CS approaches, but refrained from magazine approaches.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    SAPAP3−/− showed increased grooming bouts compared to WT.

    “Grooming bouts showed a similar effect (supplementary Figure 1A).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    SAPAP3−/− showed increased grooming duration compared to WT both before and after autoshaping.

    “SAPAP3−/− showed increased grooming duration both preautoshaping (Figure 2A, mean ± SEM: 159.43 ± 19.67 seconds WT vs 320.53 ± 58.67 seconds SAPAP3−/−, t (19.50) = −2.60, P = 0.017) and postautoshaping (Figure 2A, 114 ± 15.71 seconds WT vs 312.29 ± 66.62 seconds SAPAP3−/−, U = 57, z = −2.46, P = 0.026).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Movement during the open field was not related to grooming.

    “Movement during OF was not related to grooming (Pearson R 2 of 0.03; NS; 95% CI −0.60 to 0.34) (Figure 3E).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The decreased movement of SAPAP3−/− during EPM testing was not because of increased grooming or increased anxiety-like behavior.

    “that was not because of increased grooming (grooming duration EPM vs movement EPM; Pearson R 2 of 0.03; NS; 95% CI −0.61 to 0.34), nor because of increased anxiety‐like behavior (ratio of time spent in closed vs open arms vs movement EPM; Pearson R 2 of 0.22; NS; 95% CI −0.78 to 0.01).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    SAPAP3−/− differentiated between CS+ and CS− before reversal but not after reversal.

    “Indeed, post‐hoc analyses showed that SAPAP3−/− differentiated between CS+ and CS− before reversal (Figure 4F bar graphs: 13.99 ± 1.1 trials with approaches CS+ vs 8 ± 0.88 trials with approaches CS−, t (11) = 7.96, P < 0.0001), but not after reversal (10.69 ± 1.4 trials with approaches CS+ vs 8.11 ± 1.11 trials with approaches CS−, t (10) = 2.53, P = NS).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    SAPAP3−/− learned to discriminate between CS+ and CS−, but mainly only approached the reward magazine and not the CS.

    “Similar to WT, SAPAP3−/− learned to discriminate between CS+ and CS−, but mainly only approached the reward magazine (Figure 4B) and not the CS (Figure 4D).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    SAPAP3−/− showed a significant decrease in CS+ approach behavior after reversal, but not in CS− approach behavior.

    “A significant decrease in CS+ approach behavior was found after reversal (t (10) = 2.91, P = 0.045), but not in CS− approach behavior (t (10) = −0.21, NS).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both grooming and anxiety-like behavior were unrelated to Pavlovian behavioral flexibility in SAPAP3−/−.

    “Surprisingly, both grooming and anxiety‐like behavior were unrelated to Pavlovian behavioral flexibility in SAPAP3−/−”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Increased grooming was detected both before and after the Pavlovian conditioning and on the EPM.

    “Increased grooming was detected both before and after the Pavlovian conditioning and on the EPM”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    After reversal, SAPAP3−/− showed diminished discrimination between CS+ and CS−, but still retrieved rewards.

    “After reversal, SAPAP3−/− showed diminished discrimination between the CS+ and CS−, but still retrieved rewards.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In addition to compulsive behavior and augmented anxiety, SAPAP3−/− display decreased vigor and cognitive deficits.

    “In summary, we report that in addition to compulsive behavior and augmented anxiety, SAPAP3−/− display decreased vigor and cognitive deficits”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    SAPAP3−/− acquire Pavlovian conditioning but fail to flexibly update their responses after contingency reversal.

    “Similarly, we found that SAPAP3−/− acquire Pavlovian conditioning but fail to flexibly update their responses after contingency reversal.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Previous studies examining behavioral deficits in reversal learning in OCD patients yielded mixed outcomes.

    “Previous studies examining behavioral deficits in reversal learning in OCD patients yielded mixed outcomes, with some studies observing deficits,21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 whereas others did not.28, 29, 30”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [21] Valerius G, Lumpp A, Kuelz A‐K, Freyer T, Voderholzer U. Reversal learning as a neuropsychological indicator for the neuropathology of obsessive compulsive disorder? A behavioral study. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2008; 20: 210‐ 218. 18451192 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [22] Tezcan D, Tumkaya S, Bora E. Reversal learning in patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) and their unaffected relatives: is orbitofrontal dysfunction an endophenotype of OCD? Psychiatry Res. 2017; 252: 231‐ 233. 28285250 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [23] Lacerda ALT, Dalgalarrondo P, Caetano D, Haas GL, Camargo EE, Keshavan MS. Neuropsychological performance and regional cerebral blood flow in obsessive‐compulsive disorder. Prog Neuro‐Psychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2003; 27: 657‐ 665. 12787854 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by recurrent unwanted thoughts, anxiety and compulsive behavior, and is often associated with cognitive deficits.

    “Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder that is characterized by recurrent unwanted thoughts, anxiety and compulsive behavior, but is also often associated with cognitive deficits.1, 2, 3, 4, 5”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [1] Abramowitz JS, Taylor S, McKay D. Obsessive‐compulsive disorder. Lancet. 2009; 374: 491‐ 499. 19665647 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [2] Denys D. Pharmacotherapy of obsessive‐compulsive disorder and obsessive‐compulsive spectrum disorders. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2006; 29: 553‐ 584. 16650723 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [3] Bokor G, Anderson PD. Obsessive‐compulsive disorder. J Pharm Pract. 2014; 27: 116‐ 130. 24576790 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Reversal learning paradigms are often used to study cognitive flexibility in both humans and animals.

    “To study cognitive flexibility in both humans and animals, reversal learning paradigms are often used.19, 20”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [19] Izquierdo A, Brigman JL, Radke AK, Rudebeck PH, Holmes A. The neural basis of reversal learning: an updated perspective. Neuroscience. 2017; 345: 12‐ 26. 26979052 PMC5018909 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [20] Klanker M, Feenstra M, Denys D. Dopaminergic control of cognitive flexibility in humans and animals. Front Neurosci. 2013; 7: 1‐ 24. 24204329 PMC3817373 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    SAPAP3−/− mice show increased anxiety.

    “In addition to excessive grooming, SAPAP3−/− mice show increased anxiety, both of which can be reduced by viral rescue of striatal SAPAP3.7”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [7] Welch JM, Lu J, Rodriguiz RM, et al. Cortico‐striatal synaptic defects and OCD‐like behaviours in Sapap3‐mutant mice. Nature. 2007; 448: 894‐ 900. 17713528 PMC2442572 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    P values were adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Holm-Bonferroni correction.

    “P values were adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Holm‐Bonferroni correction.48”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [48] Wright SP. Adjusted P‐values for simultaneous inference. Biometrics. 1992; 48: 1005. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Animals that failed to associate the CS+ with reward were excluded from analysis.

    “We excluded animals that did not associate the CS+ with reward.45, 46, 47 Thus, animals that failed to approach screen or reward magazine during CS+ in over 70% of trials (in the last 10 sessions before reversal) and/or failed to avoid screen or reward magazine during CS− less than 70% of trials in the same sessions, were excluded from the analysis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [45] Everitt BJ, Parkinson JA, Lachenal G, et al. Effects of limbic corticostriatal lesions on autoshaping performance in rats. Soc Neurosci Abstr. 2000; 26: 979.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [46] Cardinal RN, Parkinson JA, Lachenal G, et al. Effects of selective excitotoxic lesions of the nucleus accumbens core, anterior cingulate cortex, and central nucleus of the amygdala on autoshaping performance in rats. Behav Neurosci. 2002; 116: 553‐ 567. 12148923 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [47] Parkinson JA, Dalley JW, Cardinal RN, et al. Nucleus accumbens dopamine depletion impairs both acquisition and performance of appetitive Pavlovian approach behaviour: implications for mesoaccumbens dopamine function. Behav Brain Res. 2002; 137: 149‐ 163. 12445721 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Individual sessions in which animals initiated less than 10 trials were excluded.

    “Additionally, on a session‐by‐session basis, individual sessions in which animals initiated less than 10 trials were excluded.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Three WT and six SAPAP3−/− were excluded from analysis.

    “This resulted in three excluded WT and six excluded SAPAP3−/−.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    SAPAP3−/− show increased anxiety-like behavior on different paradigms, indicating a broad anxiety phenotype.

    “Thus, SAPAP3−/− show increased anxiety‐like behavior on different paradigms, indicating a broad anxiety phenotype.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [7] Welch JM, Lu J, Rodriguiz RM, et al. Cortico‐striatal synaptic defects and OCD‐like behaviours in Sapap3‐mutant mice. Nature. 2007; 448: 894‐ 900. 17713528 PMC2442572 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [49] Hascoët M, Bourin M. The mouse light‐dark box test. Neuromethods. 2009; 42: 197‐ 223. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [50] Walf AA, Frye CA. The use of the elevated plus maze as an assay of anxiety‐related behavior in rodents. Nat Protoc. 2007; 2: 322‐ 328. 17406592 PMC3623971 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    A Janelia Automatic Animal Behavior Annotator classifier was used to quantify self-grooming.

    “A Janelia Automatic Animal Behavior Annotator classifier42 was used to quantify self‐grooming (see Ref. 43).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [42] Kabra M, Robie AA, Rivera‐Alba M, Branson S, Branson K. JAABA: interactive machine learning for automatic annotation of animal behavior. Nat Methods. 2013; 10: 64‐ 67. 23202433 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The unrelatedness of these traits may be of clinical relevance for the treatment of OCD.

    “The observation that compulsive‐like behavior, anxiety and behavioral inflexibility were unrelated suggests a non‐causal relationship between these traits and may be of clinical relevance for the treatment of OCD.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The SAPAP3−/− grooming phenotype is robust and validates this behavioral readout as a proxy for compulsivity.

    “Our results are consistent with previous reports, demonstrating robustness of the SAPAP3−/− grooming phenotype and further validate this behavioral readout as a proxy for compulsivity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [7] Welch JM, Lu J, Rodriguiz RM, et al. Cortico‐striatal synaptic defects and OCD‐like behaviours in Sapap3‐mutant mice. Nature. 2007; 448: 894‐ 900. 17713528 PMC2442572 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [43] van den Boom BJG, Pavlidi P, Wolf CJH, Mooij AH, Willuhn I. Automated classification of self‐grooming in mice using open‐source software. J Neurosci Methods. 2017; 289: 48‐ 56. 28648717 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    This is consistent with intact acquisition of Pavlovian responses but impaired reversal learning in OFC-lesioned animals.

    “This is consistent with the reported intact acquisition of Pavlovian responses, but impaired reversal learning in OFC‐lesioned animals.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [65] Burke KA, Takahashi YK, Correll J, Leon Brown P, Schoenbaum G. Orbitofrontal inactivation impairs reversal of Pavlovian learning by interfering with “disinhibition” of responding for previously unrewarded cues. Eur J Neurosci. 2009; 30: 1941‐ 1946. 19912335 PMC2810348 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [66] Panayi MC, Killcross S. Functional heterogeneity within the rodent lateral orbitofrontal cortex dissociates outcome devaluation and reversal learning deficits. Elife. 2018; 7: 1‐ 27. PMC6101941 30044220 source

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    • cites [67] Tait DS, Brown VJ. Difficulty overcoming learned non‐reward during reversal learning in rats with ibotenic acid lesions of orbital prefrontal cortex. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2007; 1121: 407‐ 420. 17698991 source

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  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Striatal regions that receive PFC input are thought to be critical for model-free learning.

    “Furthermore, striatal regions that receive PFC input are thought to be critical for model‐free learning,68”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [68] Yin HH, Knowlton BJ, Balleine BW. Lesions of dorsolateral striatum preserve outcome expectancy but disrupt habit formation in instrumental learning. Eur J Neurosci. 2004; 19: 181‐ 189. 14750976 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The methods used (trial initiation, analyzing trials with at least one response, combined approach measure) precluded general activity differences between genotypes from confounding learning variables and enabled direct comparison.

    “Together, these methods precluded general activity differences between genotypes from penetrating learning variables (instead of assessing how vigorous a mouse responded) and enabled direct comparison of SAPAP3−/− and WT.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Approach towards the reward location (goal tracking) suggests underlying model-based learning independent of incentive motivation.

    “In contrast, approach towards the reward location (goal tracking) suggests underlying model‐based learning independent of incentive motivation.59”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [59] Dayan P, Berridge KC. Model‐based and model‐free Pavlovian reward learning: revaluation, revision, and revelation. Cogn Affect Behav Neurosci. 2014; 14: 473‐ 492. 24647659 PMC4074442 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Approach towards the CS+ itself (sign tracking) is thought to be rooted in the CS gaining incentive salience, a process consistent with model-free learning.

    “Approach towards the CS+ itself (sign tracking) is thought to be rooted in the CS gaining incentive salience,57 a process consistent with model‐free learning.58”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [57] Berridge KC. Motivation concepts in behavioral neuroscience. Physiol Behav. 2004; 81: 179‐ 209. 15159167 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [58] Morrison SE, Bamkole MA, Nicola SM. Sign tracking, but not goal tracking, is resistant to outcome devaluation. Front Neurosci. 2015; 9:468. PMC4679928 26733783 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    OFC lesions consistently result in impaired reversal learning.

    “as OFC lesions consistently result in impaired reversal learning.60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [60] Dias R, Robbins TW, Roberts AC. Dissociation in prefrontal cortex of affective and attentional shifts. Nature. 1996; 380: 69‐ 72. 8598908 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [61] McAlonan K, Brown VJ. Orbital prefrontal cortex mediates reversal learning and not attentional set shifting in the rat. Behav Brain Res. 2003; 146: 97‐ 103. 14643463 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [62] Boulougouris V, Dalley JW, Robbins TW. Effects of orbitofrontal, infralimbic and prelimbic cortical lesions on serial spatial reversal learning in the rat. Behav Brain Res. 2007; 179: 219‐ 228. 17337305 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Dysfunctional cortical-striatal circuitry in both OCD patients and SAPAP3−/− may be responsible for behavioral deficits in flexibly updating conditioned responses, further validating the SAPAP3−/− model for OCD.

    “Thus, dysfunctional cortical‐striatal circuitry in both OCD patients and SAPAP3−/− may be responsible for behavioral deficits in flexibly updating conditioned responses, further validating the SAPAP3−/− model for OCD.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Previous studies indicate crucial involvement of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in reversal learning.

    “Previous studies indicate crucial involvement of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in reversal learning.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [60] Dias R, Robbins TW, Roberts AC. Dissociation in prefrontal cortex of affective and attentional shifts. Nature. 1996; 380: 69‐ 72. 8598908 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [61] McAlonan K, Brown VJ. Orbital prefrontal cortex mediates reversal learning and not attentional set shifting in the rat. Behav Brain Res. 2003; 146: 97‐ 103. 14643463 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [62] Boulougouris V, Dalley JW, Robbins TW. Effects of orbitofrontal, infralimbic and prelimbic cortical lesions on serial spatial reversal learning in the rat. Behav Brain Res. 2007; 179: 219‐ 228. 17337305 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    SAPAP3−/− display altered OFC-striatal activity and deficits in behavioral response inhibition that can be rescued by optogenetic stimulation of the OFC-striatal network.

    “SAPAP3−/− display altered OFC‐striatal activity7, 8 and deficits in behavioral response inhibition that can be rescued by optogenetic stimulation of the OFC‐striatal network.16”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [7] Welch JM, Lu J, Rodriguiz RM, et al. Cortico‐striatal synaptic defects and OCD‐like behaviours in Sapap3‐mutant mice. Nature. 2007; 448: 894‐ 900. 17713528 PMC2442572 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [8] Wan Y, Ade KK, Caffall Z, et al. Circuit‐selective striatal synaptic dysfunction in the sapap3 knockout mouse model of obsessive‐compulsive disorder. Biol Psychiatry. 2014; 75: 623‐ 630. 23414593 PMC3687030 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [16] Burguière E, Monteiro P, Feng G, Graybiel AM. Optogenetic stimulation of lateral orbitofronto‐striatal pathway suppresses compulsive behaviors. Science (80‐). 2013; 340: 1243‐ 1246. PMC3876800 23744950 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Deficits in reversal learning are associated with altered recruitment of fronto-striatal circuitry, which has been observed more consistently in OCD patients during cognitively-flexibility demanding tasks.

    “As discussed above, deficits in reversal learning are associated with altered recruitment of fronto‐striatal circuitry (suggestive of altered cognitive processing), which has been observed more consistently in OCD patients during cognitively‐flexibility demanding tasks.31, 34”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [31] Chamberlain SR, Menzies L, Hampshire A, et al. Orbitofrontal dysfunction in patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder and their unaffected relatives. Science (80‐). 2008; 321: 421‐ 422. 18635808 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [34] Remijnse PL, Nielen MMA, van Balkom AJLM, et al. Reduced orbitofrontal‐striatal activity on a reversal learning task in obsessive‐compulsive disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006; 63: 1225‐ 1236. 17088503 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Previous studies examining symptom-unrelated cognitive flexibility in OCD patients yielded mixed outcomes, with some studies observing behavioral deficits in reversal learning, whereas others did not.

    “However, previous studies examining symptom‐unrelated cognitive flexibility in OCD patients yielded mixed outcomes, with some studies observing behavioral deficits in reversal learning,21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 whereas others did not.28, 29, 30, 69”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [21] Valerius G, Lumpp A, Kuelz A‐K, Freyer T, Voderholzer U. Reversal learning as a neuropsychological indicator for the neuropathology of obsessive compulsive disorder? A behavioral study. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2008; 20: 210‐ 218. 18451192 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [22] Tezcan D, Tumkaya S, Bora E. Reversal learning in patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) and their unaffected relatives: is orbitofrontal dysfunction an endophenotype of OCD? Psychiatry Res. 2017; 252: 231‐ 233. 28285250 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [23] Lacerda ALT, Dalgalarrondo P, Caetano D, Haas GL, Camargo EE, Keshavan MS. Neuropsychological performance and regional cerebral blood flow in obsessive‐compulsive disorder. Prog Neuro‐Psychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2003; 27: 657‐ 665. 12787854 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    These two approach strategies are thought to differ in the amount of incentive salience assigned to the CS.

    “These two approach strategies are thought to differ in the amount of incentive salience assigned to the CS.40, 56”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [40] Robinson TE, Flagel SB. Dissociating the predictive and incentive motivational properties of reward‐related cues Through the study of individual differences. Biol Psychiatry. 2009; 65: 869‐ 873. 18930184 PMC2737368 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [56] Flagel SB, Robinson TE, Clark JJ, et al. An animal model of genetic vulnerability to behavioral disinhibition and responsiveness to reward‐related cues: implications for addiction. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2010; 35: 388‐ 400. 19794408 PMC2794950 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Such inflexibility could potentially contribute to the persistence of compulsive behavior despite negative consequences.

    “Such inflexibility could potentially contribute to the persistence of compulsive behavior despite negative consequences.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    SAPAP3−/− were not able to disinhibit responding for previously unrewarded cues, despite successful inhibition of responding to the previously rewarded cue.

    “One explanation for this finding is that SAPAP3−/− were not able to “disinhibit” responding for previously unrewarded cues, despite successful inhibition of responding to the previously rewarded cue.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    This excessive grooming behavior is considered compulsive.

    “Because of these negative consequences, this behavior is considered compulsive.7”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [7] Welch JM, Lu J, Rodriguiz RM, et al. Cortico‐striatal synaptic defects and OCD‐like behaviours in Sapap3‐mutant mice. Nature. 2007; 448: 894‐ 900. 17713528 PMC2442572 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Model-free mechanisms enable this flexible behavior in WT.

    “suggesting model‐free mechanisms to enable this flexible behavior.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
42 of 42

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • OCD-like behavioral phenotypes in Sapap3-KO mice have mostly been studied in mice of about 6 months or older, shortly before the onset of lesions.

    “Skin lesions arising from excessive grooming typically appear in Sapap3-KO mice at advanced age, therefore, OCD-like behavioral phenotypes have mostly been studied in mice of about 6 months or older, shortly before the onset of lesions [9,10,13,14,17].”
  • Sapap3-KO mice exhibit behavioral inflexibility.

    “Such phenotypes are excessive grooming [9][10][11], anxiety-like behavior [9,12], behavioral inflexibility [13,14], and deficits in the balance of habitual and goal-directed behavior [15,16].”
  • Skin lesions arising from excessive grooming typically appear in Sapap3-KO mice at advanced age.

    “Skin lesions arising from excessive grooming typically appear in Sapap3-KO mice at advanced age, therefore, OCD-like behavioral phenotypes have mostly been studied in mice of about 6 months or older, shortly before the onset of lesions [9,10,13,14,17].”

Statistics that don’t add up

Each reported p-value recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom.

  • Inconsistent p-value: F (1, 29)=12.32, p < .0001

    Minor

    The paper reports p < .0001 here; recomputing from the test statistic and its degrees of freedom gives p = .001. The check cannot tell whether the statistic or the p-value is the misprint.

    Reported p < .0001 · recomputed p = .001

  • p-value fits an unstated one-tailed test: F (1, 10) = 33.96, p < .0001

    Minor

    The paper reports p < .0001 here; recomputing from the test statistic and its degrees of freedom gives p < .001. The reported value is what a one-tailed test gives, but the paper does not say near this result that a one-tailed test was used.

    Reported p < .0001 · recomputed p < .001

2 of 2

Statistics recomputed

Every reported test result, recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom. A result shows as not adding up only once an independent check has confirmed it.

  • Doesn’t add upF(1, 29) = 12.32reported p < .0001 · recomputed p = .001

    “F (1, 29)=12.32, p < .0001”

  • Doesn’t add upF(1, 10) = 33.96reported p < .0001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F (1, 10) = 33.96, p < .0001”

  • Not confirmedz = -2.46reported p = .026 · recomputed p = .014

    “z = −2.46, p = .026”

  • Not confirmedz = -2.93reported p = .009 · recomputed p = .003

    “z = −2.93, p = .009”

  • ConsistentF(1, 29) = 8.69reported p = .006 · recomputed p = .006

    “F (1, 29)=8.69, p = .006”

  • Consistentt(19.5) = -2.6reported p = .017 · recomputed p = .017

    “t (19.50) = −2.60, p = .017”

  • Consistentt(17.88) = 2.58reported p = .019 · recomputed p = .019

    “t (17.88) = 2.58, p = .019”

  • Consistentt(20.14) = -2.57reported p = .036 · recomputed p = .018

    “t (20.14) =−2.57, p = .036”

    The paper states a correction for multiple tests

  • Consistentt(29) = -3.37reported p = .002 · recomputed p = .002

    “t (29)= − 3.37, p = .002”

  • ConsistentF(1, 29) = 14.47reported p = .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F (1, 29) = 14.47, p = .001”

  • Consistentz = -3.22reported p = .001 · recomputed p = .001

    “z = −3.22, p = .001”

  • Consistentz = -4.01reported p < .0001 · recomputed p < .001

    “z = −4.01, p < .0001”

  • Consistentt(29) = 2.15reported p = .04 · recomputed p = .040

    “t(29)=2.15, p = .04”

  • Consistentt(29) = 2.24reported p = .03 · recomputed p = .033

    “t(29)=2.24, p = .03”

  • Consistentz = -2.9reported p = .003 · recomputed p = .004

    “z = −2.9, p = .003”

  • Consistentz = -3.97reported p < .0001 · recomputed p < .001

    “z = −3.97, p < .0001”

  • Consistentt(29) = 5.36reported p < .0001 · recomputed p < .001

    “t (29)=5.36, p < .0001”

  • Consistentt(21) = 3.71reported p = .001 · recomputed p = .001

    “t (21)=3.71, p = .001”

  • ConsistentF(1, 23) = 4.26reported p = .05 · recomputed p = .050

    “F (1, 23)=4.26, p = .05”

  • ConsistentF(1, 23) = 7.94reported p = .01 · recomputed p = .010

    “F (1, 23)=7.94, p = .01”

  • ConsistentF(1, 481.69) = 28.31reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F (1,481.69) = 28.31, p < .001”

  • ConsistentF(1, 10) = 142.66reported p < .0001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F (1, 10) = 142.66, p < .0001”

  • Consistentt(10) = 9.1reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “t (10) = 9.1, p < .001”

  • ConsistentF(1, 10) = 9.81reported p = .01 · recomputed p = .011

    “F (1, 10) = 9.81, p = .01”

  • Consistentt(11) = 7.96reported p < .0001 · recomputed p < .001

    “t (11) = 7.96, p < .0001”

  • Consistentt(10) = 2.91reported p = .045 · recomputed p = .016

    “t (10) = 2.91, p = .045”

    The paper states a correction for multiple tests

  • ConsistentF(1, 21) = 96.37reported p < .0001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F (1, 21) = 96.37, p < .0001”

  • ConsistentF(1, 20) = 11.38reported p = .003 · recomputed p = .003

    “F (1, 20) = 11.38, p = .003”

  • ConsistentF(1, 20) = 10.47reported p = .004 · recomputed p = .004

    “F (1, 20) = 10.47, p = .004”

  • Consistentt(20) = 3.03reported p = .028 · recomputed p = .007

    “t (20) = 3.03, p = .028”

    The paper states a correction for multiple tests

30 of 30

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Self-check results appear here once an independent check has confirmed them.

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
van den Boom, B. J. G., Mooij, A. H., Misevičiūtė, I., Denys, D., & Willuhn, I.
Affiliations
  • Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences Amsterdam The Netherlands
  • Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NL)
Corresponding author
Willuhn, Ingo
Venue
Genes, Brain and Behavior
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2019-02-27
Volume
18
Issue
4
Pages
e12557-e12557
ISSN
  • 1601-183X (ISSN-L)
  • 1601-1848
OpenAlex
W2915040738
Cited by
55
References
76
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 1
FWCI
8.18
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Genes Brain & Behavior (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • KNAW Research Portal (The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • KNAW research portal (Royal Academy of Art and Sciences (KNAW)) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Pure Amsterdam UMC (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
  • H2020 European Research Council (ERC‐2014‐STG 638013)
  • Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (864.14.010, 2015/06367/ALW)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Keywords
obsessive-compulsive disorder, behavioral flexibility, compulsive grooming, anxiety, sign-tracking, cognitive impairment
MeSH terms
Animals, Conditioning, Classical, Female, Male, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Mice

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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