The Water Maze with Platform Relocation: A Method to Assess Working Memory

In This Article

Abstract

Source: Hausser, N., et al. Detecting Behavioral Deficits in Rats After Traumatic Brain Injury. J. Vis. Exp (2018).

In this video, we describe the Morris water maze test with platform relocation, a navigational task used to study working memory in rodents.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Working Memory Water Maze

Equipment
1. Use a tank filled with water to a height of 28 cm and maintained at 26 ± 1 °C.
2. Use a clear acrylic glass platform that is 10 cm in diameter on a stand 26 cm in height.
  NOTE: The top surface of the platform should be coated with silicon in the shape of a circle with an X across it. This allows the rats to climb up onto the platform and gives them traction so ....

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Results

Compass directions diagram with four labeled quadrants for navigation orientation study.
Figure 1. Diagram of the water maze. This diagram demonstrates the possible platform locations (1, 2, 3, 4) and starting points (N, S, E, W) for the working memory Morris water maze. Rats are allowed two trials from each starting location/platform p.......