A multivariate approach to the analysis of genetic and septal lesion effects on maze performance in mice.

Abstract

Reported are univariate and multivariate analyses concerning spatial discrimination behavior of Binghamton heterogeneous (HET) stock, C57BL/6J, and RF/J mice that had received either septal lesions or control surgery. In acquisition of an appetitively motivated T-maze task, lesions impaired HET but improved RF performance relative to their respective controls. When mice with lesions were reversed on a spatial discrimination acquired in a 17 degrees C water maze their performance was worse than control animals; the magnitude of the deficit was strain-specific. Measures of reactivity to handling suggested that HET and RF mice with lesions were more reactive than their control counterparts, while there was no such difference in C57 mice. Multivariate approaches broadly corroborated the importance of many complex Gene X Environment interactions that mold experience and thus behavior. In addition, they appeared to give some potentially important insights into the differential "behavioral profiles" of mice with lesions and control mice of the three genotypes; for instance, reactivity to handling and repeated error measurements were important variables in discriminating among the various groups in both learning tasks. The need to establish better and more stable behavioral profiles is clear; thus, multivariate techniques should be considered as useful, additional tools for the development and evaluation of explanatory theories regarding functions of central nervous system regions.

Multivariate analysis of putative measures of activity, exploration, emotionality, and spatial behavior in the hooded rat (Rattus norvegicus).

“…The number of subjects required to yield stable component structures with reproducible loadings of individual variables has been studied empirically in recent investigations. Orthodox and conservative rules of thumb demanding one to several hundred subjects are challenged by studies and analyses establishing that component stability may be attained with sample sizes of 50 (Barrett & Kline, 1981; Fanelli, Burright, & Donovick, 1983) and with subject-to-variable ratios of 3:1 (Baggaley, 1982). Two critical questions concern the replicability of component structures, as Gorsuch (1983) emphasized, and how cleanly the data are clustered.…”

Assessment of spatial memory in mice

“…Alternatively a positive reinforcer may be placed in one of the arms so as to reward alternation behavior. This appetitively motivated learning task is utilized in various studies (Fanelli et al 1983; Schlesinger et al 1986). Moreover, by increasing the interval between tests it is possible to conduct studies designed to evaluate spatial working memory in which a decrease in alternation behavior can be observed (Dember and Fowler 1959).…”

Prenatal exposure to Benzo[a]pyrene causes learning and memory impairment and loss of neurons in hippocampus during development of wistar rats

“…This appetitive motivated learning task was utilized to evaluate spatial working memory. 23,24 This test is based on the willingness of rodents to explore a new environment, i.e. they prefer to visit a new arm of the maze rather than a familiar arm.…”