Evaluating Working Memory on a T-maze in Male Rats

Abstract

Working memory is short-term memory, so temporal improvement does not reflect the consolidation of a memory trace, rather the functionality of the underlying neuronal circuits and molecular signaling cascades. The administration of drugs–either one-time or through daily injection–can elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The T-maze is especially suitable for studying dopamine-dependent working memory, since it is less stressful than other tests, for example, water maze-based paradigms (Bezu et al., 2016 and 2017). Here, we present a training protocol for evaluating the underlying mechanisms that lead to the development of spatial working memory in rats. Our approach uses a T-maze, and it can be used to get high temporal resolution.