Place Memory Test
Objective: To assess place memory in rats by measuring exploratory preference for objects in novel locations versus locations where objects were previously encountered, as an index of hippocampal-dependent spatial memory
This is a Place Memory Test protocol using rat as the model organism. The procedure involves 3 procedural steps, 1 equipment items. Extracted from a 2002 paper published in Learning & Memory.
Model and subjects
rat • Not specified • Not specified • Not specified • Not specified • Not specified
Study window
~5 minutes hands-on
Core workflow
Familiarization Phase • Retention Interval • Place Memory Test Phase
Primary readouts
- Time spent exploring objects in novel locations versus familiar locations
- Exploratory preference score for place memory
- Discrimination between novel and familiar object locations
Key equipment and reagents
Verified items
0
Direct vendor links
0
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Protocol Steps
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Familiarization Phase
Rats are exposed to objects in specific locations and contexts to establish baseline familiarity
Note: This phase establishes which objects and locations are familiar to the rat
View evidence from paper
“between the familiarization and test phases”
Retention Interval
Time delay between familiarization and test phases
Note: Standard retention interval used in this protocol
View evidence from paper
“with a 5-min retention interval between the familiarization and test phases”
Place Memory Test Phase
Rats are presented with objects in novel locations versus familiar locations and their exploratory preference is measured
Note: Measures preference for exploring objects in novel locations as index of place memory
View evidence from paper
“Rats also show an exploratory preference for objects in locations where they have not previously encountered objects (an index of place memory)”