Protocol for three alternative paradigms to test spatial learning and memory in mice

Abstract

Summary: Here, we describe three alternative paradigms to overcome the limitations of the most widely used spatial learning paradigm for rodents: the Morris water maze. We outline the preparation of behavioral testing rooms and mouse handling/habituation prior to testing. We then detail three spatial learning and memory tasks: the Barnes maze, active place avoidance, and novel object location tasks. These tests have been successfully used across multiple ages (from 2 to 24 months) in both wild-type and transgenic animals.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Leiter et al. (2022). : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Keywords

• Model Organisms
• Neuroscience
• Behavior