T-maze Forced Alternation and Left-right Discrimination Tasks for Assessing Working and Reference Memory in Mice

Abstract

Forced alternation and left-right discrimination tasks using the T-maze have been widely used to assess working and reference memory, respectively, in rodents. In our laboratory, we evaluated the two types of memory in more than 30 strains of genetically engineered mice using the automated version of this apparatus. Here, we present the modified T-maze apparatus operated by a computer with a video-tracking system and our protocols in a movie format. The T-maze apparatus consists of runways partitioned off by sliding doors that can automatically open downward, each with a start box, a T-shaped alley, two boxes with automatic pellet dispensers at one side of the box, and two L-shaped alleys. Each L-shaped alley is connected to the start box so that mice can return to the start box, which excludes the effects of experimenter handling on mouse behavior. This apparatus also has an advantage that in vivo microdialysis, in vivo electrophysiology, and optogenetics techniques can be performed during T-maze performance because the doors are designed to go down into the floor. In this movie article, we describe T-maze tasks using the automated apparatus and the T-maze performance of α-CaMKII+/-mice, which are reported to show working memory deficits in the eight-arm radial maze task. Our data indicated that α-CaMKII+/-mice showed a working memory deficit, but no impairment of reference memory, and are consistent with previous findings using the eight-arm radial maze task, which supports the validity of our protocol. In addition, our data indicate that mutants tended to exhibit reversal learning deficits, suggesting that α-CaMKII deficiency causes reduced behavioral flexibility. Thus, the T-maze test using the modified automatic apparatus is useful for assessing working and reference memory and behavioral flexibility in mice.

Baicalein improves behavioral dysfunction induced by Alzheimer’s disease in rats

“…The deposition of free radicals in the brain may induce the degenerative events associated with aging, including AD. In the current investigation, the AD rat groups treated with AlCl 3 showed a reduction in cage activity and a reduced duration of rotation in the rotarod test, along with an increase in the time taken for the rats to reach the food in the T-maze test 9,10. An increased level of AchE, but a reduced level of Ach, was found in the disease control group rats compared with the levels found in the normal control group rats.…”

“…Therefore, it is vital to develop herb- and medicinal plant-based drug therapies to prevent the development of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly those associated with memory dysfunction. In the current investigation, we explored the therapeutic and protective effect of baicalein vs rivastigmine in AD by assessing the effect of these drugs on the behavioral activity of rats 9,10…”

Comprehensive behavioral study of mGluR3 knockout mice: implication in schizophrenia related endophenotypes

“…They were modified for each test by authors and are available through O’Hara & Co. ImageLD [35], ImageEP [40], ImageFZ [37] and ImageTM are freely available at the following URL: http://www.mouse-phenotype.org/software.html.…”

Inorganic semiconducting materials for flexible and stretchable electronics

“…Figure 6a (right) shows activity patterns of a mouse optogenetically trained to exhibit a place-preference in a Y-maze, as described in detail elsewhere. 87,88 Advanced designs in filamentary, stretchable antennas yield miniaturized designs and soft mechanics, suitable for full implantation, as depicted in Fig. 6b (left).…”