This article describes a method for assessing working memory in rats using a water maze. The procedure involves training subjects to locate a submerged platform using visual cues.
Ensure visual cues are placed around the water maze tank to help subjects learn the location of the submerged hidden platform. Place the subject in the tank away from the platform facing the wall. The animal will swim to locate the stage and escape.
End the trial after the animal finds the platform or a predetermined time has elapsed. Let the subject stay on top of the platform before repeating the trial a second time. If it fails to locate the stage, guide the animal by hand and allow it to remain on the platform for the duration of the trial.
Then, to assess the animals working memory, repeat the trial a second time. Subjects will have to remember how to locate the platform and use the visual cues as reference. Record the time and path length for repeated trials to use as measures of working memory. After the animal has rested, continue by moving the platform to a new location and perform trials 1 and 2.
Visual cues are located around the room to provide landmarks for the rat to learn and remember the location of the hidden platform. Begin the first trial by opening the video tracking software and loading the correct protocol, including the water maze map with platform locations, length of swim, number of trials, number of animals, and treatment groups.
Place the platform in the assigned location and check that it matches the map in the software. Then, place the rat in the tank facing the wall at the assigned location and immediately start the timer at the tracking program and/or stopwatch. Allow the rat 120 seconds to find the platform. When the rat finds the platform, stop the stopwatch and record the time on the worksheet.
Note, if the rat fails to find the platform, lead it to the platform by hand and record 120 seconds. Allow the rat to remain on the platform for 15 seconds between trials. After trial 2, place the rat in the heated enclosure for 4 minutes. Finally, move the platform to the second location and check that it matches the map in the software. Repeat trial 1 and 2 procedures until all four starting location and platform pairings are completed.
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