The Active Place Avoidance (APA) Test, an Effective, Versatile and Repeatable Spatial Learning Task for Mice

Asad A. Ali; Tara L. Walker; Daniel G. Blackmore

doi:10.3791/65935

Le test d’évitement actif des lieux (APA), une tâche d’apprentissage spatial efficace, polyvalent...

JoVE Journal
Behavior

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JoVE Journal Behavior

The Active Place Avoidance (APA) Test, an Effective, Versatile and Repeatable Spatial Learning Task for Mice

Le test d’évitement actif des lieux (APA), une tâche d’apprentissage spatial efficace, polyvalente et reproductible pour les souris

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06:03 min

February 16, 2024

DOI: 10.3791/65935-v

Asad A. Ali¹, Tara L. Walker², Daniel G. Blackmore^1,2

¹Queensland Brain Institute,The University of Queensland, ²Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute,The University of Queensland

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Overview

This article presents a protocol for the active place avoidance test, a spatial learning paradigm that is dependent on the hippocampus and designed for rodents. The protocol allows for re-testing of animals before and after treatments or over time by altering key parameters.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Behavioral Testing
Spatial Learning

Background

The active place avoidance test is a behavioral paradigm used to assess spatial learning.
It is particularly useful for studying the effects of aging and interventions like physical exercise on cognitive outcomes.
Traditional spatial learning tests have limitations, especially for longitudinal studies.
Modifications to the active place avoidance test can enhance its utility for repeated measures.

Purpose of Study

To examine how aging affects hippocampal-dependent spatial learning.
To investigate the impact of physical exercise on cognitive outcomes in mice.
To develop a reliable method for longitudinal testing of spatial learning in the same cohort of mice.

Methods Used

Utilization of the active place avoidance apparatus with adjustable parameters.
Tracking mouse behavior using specialized software during trials.
Implementation of specific shock protocols to assess learning and avoidance.
Data analysis through tracking software to evaluate performance metrics.

Main Results

Mice with intact spatial learning abilities showed fewer shocks and increased time spent avoiding the shock zone.
Trace maps indicated that these mice maintained a more organized avoidance pattern.
Mice with learning disabilities exhibited more shocks and disordered movement patterns.
The protocol allows for repeated testing with modifications to minimize stress and maximize data reliability.

Conclusions

The active place avoidance test is effective for assessing spatial learning in rodents.
Modifications to the test enhance its applicability for longitudinal studies.
Results indicate significant differences in spatial learning capabilities based on intervention and age.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the active place avoidance test?

It is a behavioral paradigm used to assess spatial learning in rodents, particularly focusing on hippocampal function.

How can the active place avoidance test be modified?

Key parameters such as shock zone location and arena color can be altered to facilitate repeated testing.

What are the limitations of traditional spatial learning tests?

Many traditional tests are either too easily learned or too stressful for the animals, complicating longitudinal studies.

What interventions can affect spatial learning?

Physical exercise is one intervention that can positively influence cognitive outcomes in spatial learning tasks.

How is data analyzed in the active place avoidance test?

Data is analyzed using tracking software that evaluates the mouse's movement patterns and avoidance behavior.

What are the expected outcomes for mice with intact spatial learning?

These mice typically show fewer shocks and spend more time avoiding the shock zone compared to those with learning disabilities.

Ici, nous présentons un protocole pour le test d’évitement de lieu actif, un paradigme d’apprentissage spatial dépendant de l’hippocampe conçu pour les rongeurs. La modification des paramètres clés permet de retester les animaux avant et après les traitements ou au fil du temps.

Nous voulons examiner comment l’apprentissage spatial dépendant de l’hippocampe est modifié avec le vieillissement. Nous examinons ensuite comment les interventions, telles que l’exercice physique, modifient ces résultats cognitifs. Ce paradigme comportemental nous permet d’examiner facilement ces derniers dans la même cohorte de souris.

De multiples tests cognitifs sont disponibles pour tester l’apprentissage spatial chez la souris, dont la plupart sont établis depuis des décennies. Il s’agit notamment du labyrinthe aquatique Morris, du labyrinthe en Y et du labyrinthe Barnes. Chacun d’entre eux a des limites, notamment en ce qui concerne les tests longitudinaux.

Le principal défi expérimental consiste à tester les animaux de manière longitudinale, ce qui rend difficile de déterminer avec précision l’effet des interventions d’exercice. La plupart des tests d’apprentissage spatial sont soit faciles à apprendre, soit très stressants ou inappropriés pour les modèles de maladies. En modifiant certains éléments clés de l’évitement du lieu actif, tels que le sens de rotation de l’arène ou l’emplacement de la zone de choc, ce test peut être utilisé plusieurs fois.

En changeant la couleur du sol de l’arène, nous sommes en mesure de tester des souris de différentes couleurs, telles que C57-black-6 ou des souris suisses.

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