Source Paper
Mitochondrial protective effects of ellagic acid in a rat model of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease induced by STZ
Khodaei F, Namavar MR, Soutodeh N, Hadipour A, Asadi F et al.
Sci Rep • 2026
Step-down Test
behavioralRatSprague Dawley
Objective: Memory retention assessment in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease using inhibitory avoidance
Protocol Steps
1
Setup apparatus
Place wooden platform in center of plastic box floor
View evidence from paper
“wooden platform (4 × 4 × 4 cm) placed at the center of the floor”
2
Conduct learning session
Perform learning trial with 1 second duration and 1 mA electric stimulation
View evidence from paper
“learning and retention sessions consisted of two trials, with each trial lasting 1 s and delivering an electric stimulation of 1 mA”
3
Conduct retention session
Perform retention trial with 1 second duration and 1 mA electric stimulation
View evidence from paper
“learning and retention sessions consisted of two trials, with each trial lasting 1 s and delivering an electric stimulation of 1 mA”
4
Measure latency
Record rat's reaction latency with criterion of more than 60 seconds and maximum cut-off of 300 seconds
View evidence from paper
“criterion for learning and retention was the latency of the rat's reaction, which had to be more than 60 s. An upper cut-off latency time of 300 s was considered”