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

APA(Active Place Avoidance) 테스트는 생쥐를 위한 효과적이고 다재다능하며 반복 가능한 공간 학습 과...

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

APA(Active Place Avoidance) 테스트는 생쥐를 위한 효과적이고 다재다능하며 반복 가능한 공간 학습 과제입니다.

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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.

여기에서 우리는 설치류를 위해 설계된 해마 의존 공간 학습 패러다임인 활성 장소 회피 테스트를 위한 프로토콜을 제시합니다. 주요 매개변수를 변경하면 처리 전후 또는 시간이 지남에 따라 동물을 다시 테스트할 수 있습니다.

우리는 해마 의존적 공간 학습이 노화에 따라 어떻게 변화하는지 조사하고자 합니다. 그런 다음 신체 운동과 같은 중재가 이러한 인지 결과를 어떻게 변화시키는지 조사합니다. 이 행동 패러다임을 통해 우리는 동일한 생쥐 집단에서 이러한 것들을 쉽게 조사할 수 있습니다.

생쥐의 공간 학습을 테스트하기 위해 여러 인지 테스트를 사용할 수 있으며, 대부분은 수십 년 동안 확립되었습니다. 여기에는 Morris 물 미로, Y-미로 및 Barnes 미로가 포함됩니다. 이들 각각은 특히 종단 테스트와 관련하여 제한 사항이 있습니다.

주요 실험적 과제는 종단 방식으로 동물을 테스트하는 것이므로 운동 중재의 효과를 정확하게 결정하기 어렵습니다. 대부분의 공간 학습 테스트는 쉽게 배울 수 있거나 스트레스가 많거나 질병 모델에 적합하지 않습니다. 경기장의 회전 방향 또는 충격 구역의 위치와 같은 활성 장소 회피의 일부 주요 구성 요소를 변경함으로써 이 테스트는 여러 번 사용할 수 있습니다.

경기장 바닥의 색상을 변경하여 C57-black-6 또는 스위스 마우스와 같은 다양한 색상의 마우스를 테스트할 수 있습니다.