Water Maze Training
Objective: To assess spatial learning and memory in rats by training them to locate a submerged platform in a water maze using environmental cues, measuring latency to platform and performance on probe and cued tests
Protocol Steps
Pre-training habituation
Animals are habituated to the pool before training begins
Note: Habituation occurs before the start of training
View evidence from paper
“Before the start of the training, the animals were habituated to the pool for 2 d for 1 min/d”
Spatial learning training trials
Animals are required to locate the submerged platform hidden in a fixed location using spatial cues available in the testing room. Each trial lasts 90 seconds with 30-second intertrial intervals. Animals begin from three different start points that vary randomly each day.
Note: Four trials per day. If animal does not find platform, it is placed on platform at end of trial. Latency to platform is recorded.
View evidence from paper
“They were all tested for four trials per day (90 s with an intertrial interval of 30 s and beginning from three different start points that varied randomly each day)”
Probe test
Performance is assessed by measuring time spent in the target quadrant where the platform was previously located. Platform is removed for this test.
Note: Measures spatial memory retention
View evidence from paper
“For the probe test (60 s), performances were assessed by the time spent in the target quadrant where the platform was previously located”
Cued test
Performance is assessed by measuring latency to reach a visible platform located in a different quadrant than the nonvisible platform used during training.
Note: Tests ability to locate visible cues independent of spatial learning
View evidence from paper
“For the cued test (90 s), performances were assessed by the latency to reach the visible platform located in a different quadrant than the one used for the nonvisible platform”
Video tracking and data collection
Latency to reach platform is collected using video camera fixed to ceiling connected to computerized tracking system (Videotrack) located in adjacent room
Note: Tracking system receives individual home cages of rats during testing
View evidence from paper
“The time to reach the platform (latency in seconds) was collected using a video camera fixed to the ceiling of the room and connected to a computerized tracking system (Videotrack; Viewpoint)”
Swim path analysis
Detailed analysis of swim paths made to reach platform location during probe test is performed using Wintrack software
Note: Post-hoc analysis of recorded data
View evidence from paper
“Detailed analysis of swim paths made to reach the platform location during the probe test was performed using the Wintrack software”