Radial Arm Maze Test
Objective: To investigate the role of BDNF in spatial reference and working memory formation and maintenance using a radial arm maze test in rats
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Equipment1
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Protocol Steps
Radial arm maze training
Rats undergo training in the radial arm maze to assess spatial learning and memory
Note: Training resulted in significant increase in BDNF mRNA expression in the hippocampus
View evidence from paper
“The radial arm maze training resulted in a significant increase in the BDNF mRNA expression in the hippocampus”
Treatment with 7-nitroindazole
Administer 7-nitroindazole, an inhibitor of brain nitric oxide synthase, to inhibit spatial learning
Note: When spatial learning is inhibited by this treatment, the increase in hippocampal BDNF mRNA does not occur
View evidence from paper
“When spatial learning was inhibited by treatment with 7-nitroindazole, an inhibitor of brain nitric oxide synthase, the increase in the hippocampal BDNF mRNA did not occur”
Continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of antisense BDNF oligonucleotide
Administer continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of antisense BDNF oligonucleotide to examine effects on spatial learning and memory
Note: Results in impairment of spatial learning; sense oligonucleotide serves as control with no effect
View evidence from paper
“A continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of antisense BDNF oligonucleotide resulted in an impairment of spatial learning, although the sense oligonucleotide had no effect”
Measurement of BDNF mRNA and protein levels
Measure BDNF mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus following antisense or sense oligonucleotide treatment
Note: Antisense treatment results in significant reduction of both BDNF mRNA and protein levels in hippocampus
View evidence from paper
“Treatment with antisense, but not sense, BDNF oligonucleotide was associated with a significant reduction of BDNF mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus”
Antisense BDNF treatment in previously trained rats
Administer antisense BDNF oligonucleotide to rats that had previously acquired spatial memory through extensive training
Note: Treatment impairs both reference and working memory in previously trained animals
View evidence from paper
“Treatment with antisense BDNF oligonucleotide in rats, which had previously acquired spatial memory by an extensive training, impaired both reference and working memory”
Assessment of locomotor activity, food consumption, and body weight
Measure locomotor activity, food consumption, and body weight as control measures
Note: No differences observed between antisense and sense oligonucleotide-treated rats in these measures
View evidence from paper
“There were no differences in locomotor activity, food consumption, and body weight between the antisense and sense oligonucleotide-treated rats”