Development of hexagonal maze procedure for evaluating memory in rat

Xu,Rui-Xin; Grigoryev,Nikolay; Li,Ting-Li; Bian,Hong-Sheng; Zhang,Ru; Liu,Xiao-Yan

doi:10.3892/br.2012.16

Development of hexagonal maze procedure for evaluating memory in rat

Authors:
- Rui-Xin Xu
- Nikolay Grigoryev
- Ting-Li Li
- Hong-Sheng Bian
- Ru Zhang
- Xiao-Yan Liu
View Affiliations

Affiliations: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, P.R. China, Department of Physiology, Amur State Medical Academy, Blagoveschensk 675000, Russia
Published online on: October 8, 2012 https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2012.16
Pages: 134-138

Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )

Metrics: Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )

Cited By (CrossRef): 0 citations Loading Articles...

Abstract

Memory is known as a series of behavioral changes caused by an experience, while learning is a process for acquiring memory. In the present study, we suggested a new method (hexagonal maze) to evaluate the learning and memory of rats. For preliminary validation, the authors used the maze to carry out two classical experiments. At first, the performance of rats of various ages was observed in the maze. Additionally, after establishing the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation model using the modified multiple platform method (MMPM), the authors also utilized a new experimental device to analyze learning and memory responses to REM sleep deprivation in rats. Behavior of the rats in the maze was recorded by a video recorder and was then quantified. According to the behavioral characteristics, rats of various ages showed differences in memory. Middle‑aged male rats exhibited a higher level compared to the young (P<0.05) and the old group (P<0.01). The results also indicated that the ability of learning and memory showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) after REM sleep deprivation. These findings were consistent with those of several similar studies using one of the adopted procedures (Morris water maze, radial arm maze and the Y‑maze). Based on the above-mentioned preliminary experiments, the introduction of a hexagonal maze may provide an applicable method for analyzing learning and memory of rat.

View Figures

View References

1.	McLean JH, Smith A, Rogers S, Clarke K, Darby-King A and Harley CW: A phosphodiesterase inhibitor, cilomilast, enhances cAMP activity to restore conditioned odor preference memory after serotonergic depletion in the neonate rat. Neurobiol Learn Mem. 92:63–69. 2009. View Article : Google Scholar
2.	Meneses A and Perez-Garcia G: 5-HT1A receptors and memory. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 31:705–727. 2007. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
3.	Hersi AI, Rowe W, Gaudreau P and Quirion R: Dopamine D1 receptor ligands modulate cognitive performance and hippocampal acetylcholine release in memory-impaired aged rats. Neuroscience. 69:1067–1074. 1995. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
4.	Kida Y, Tachibana H, Takeda M, Yoshikawa H and Okita T: Recognition memory for unfamiliar faces in Parkinson’s disease: behavioral and electrophysiologic measures. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 13:157–164. 2007.
5.	Cipolli C, Neri M, De Vreese LP, Pinelli M, Rubichi S and Lalla M: The influence of depression on memory and metamemory in the elderly. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 23:111–127. 1996. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
6.	Leplow B, Dierks Ch, Herrmann P, Pieper N, Annecke R and Ulm G: Remote memory in Parkinson’s disease and senile dementia. Neuropsychologia. 35:547–557. 1997.
7.	Ozdemir D, Tugyan K, Uysal N, Sonmez U, Sonmez A, Acikgoz O, et al: Protective effect of melatonin against head trauma-induced hippocampal damage and spatial memory deficits in immature rats. Neurosci Lett. 385:234–239. 2005. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
8.	Eppinger B, Herbert M and Kray J: We remember the good things: age differences in learning and memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem. 93:515–521. 2010. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
9.	Mishra A and Goel RK: Age dependent learning and memory deficit in Pentylenetetrazol kindled mice. Eur J Pharmacol. 674:315–320. 2012. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
10.	Fahle M and Daum I: Visual learning and memory as functions of age. Neuropsychologia. 35:1583–1589. 1997. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
11.	Maquet P: The role of sleep in learning and memory. Science. 294:1048–1052. 2001. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
12.	Walker MP and Stickgold R: Sleep-dependent learning and memory consolidation. Neuron. 44:121–133. 2004. View Article : Google Scholar
13.	Ratcliff R, Hans PA and Dongen V: Sleep deprivation affects multiple distinct cognitive processes. Psychon Bull Rev. 16:742–751. 2009. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
14.	Peigneux P, Laureys S, Delbeuck X and Maquet P: Sleeping brain, learning brain. The role of sleep for memory systems. Neuroreport. 12:A111–A124. 2001. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
15.	Smith C and Rose GM: Evidence for a paradoxical sleep window for place learning in the Morris water maze. Physiol Behav. 59:93–97. 1996. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
16.	Smith CT, Conway JM and Rose GM: Brief paradoxical sleep deprivation impairs reference, but not working, memory in the radial arm maze task. Neurobiol Learn Mem. 69:211–217. 1998. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
17.	Zhang L, Guo XH and Zhao ZX: Effect of modafinil on the cognitive function of rats after rapid eye movement sleep deprivation and sleep recovery. J Shanghai Med. 31:175–178. 2008.
18.	Morris R: Developments of a water-maze procedure for studying spatial learning in the rat. J Neurosci Methods. 11:47–60. 1984. View Article : Google Scholar
19.	Kraemer PJ, Brown RW, Baldwin SA and Scheff SW: Validation of a single-day Morris water maze procedure used to assess cognitive deficits associated with brain damage. Brain Res Bull. 39:17–22. 1996. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
20.	Wolfer DP and Lipp HP: A new computer program for detailed off-line analysis of swimming navigation in the Morris water maze. J Neurosci Methods. 41:65–74. 1992. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
21.	Olton DS and Samuelson RJ: Remembrance of places passed: spatial memory in rats. J Exp Psychol. 2:97–116. 1976.
22.	Hodges H, Allen Y, Sinden J, Mitchell SN, Arendt T, Lantos PL and Gray JA: The effects of cholinergic drugs and cholinergic-rich foetal neural transplants on alcohol-induced deficits in radial maze performance in rats. Behav Brain Res. 43:7–28. 1991. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
23.	Levin ED and Christopher CN: Lobeline-induced learning improvement of rats in the radial-arm maze. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 76:133–139. 2003. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
24.	Martinez JL Jr, Petty C and Messing RB: Regional brain uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose following training in a discriminated y-maze avoidance task. J Comp Physiol Psychol. 96:721–724. 1982. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
25.	Beninger RJ, Kühnemann S, Ingles JL, Jhamandas K and Boegman RJ: Mnemonic deficits in the double Y-maze are related to the effects of nucleus basalis injections of ibotenic and quisqualic acid on choline acetyltransferase in the rat amygdala. Brain Res Bull. 35:147–152. 1994. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
26.	Dean O, Bush AI, Berk M, Copolovd DL and Buuseand M: Glutathione depletion in the brain disrupts short-term spatial memory in the Y-maze in rats and mice. Behav Brain Res. 198:258–262. 2009. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
27.	Ingram DK, London ED, Reynolds MA, Waller SB and Goodrick CL: Differential effects of age on motor performance in two mouse strains. Neurobiol Aging. 2:221–227. 1981. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
28.	Shukitt-Hale B, Mouzakis G and Joseph JA: Psychomotor and spatial memory performance in aging male Fischer 344 rats. Exp Gerontol. 33:615–624. 1998. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
29.	Kobayashi S, Kametani H, Ugawa Y and Osanai M: Age difference of response strategy in radial maze performance of Fischer-344 rats. Physiol Behav. 2:277–280. 1988. View Article : Google Scholar
30.	Warren SG and Juraska JM: Sex differences and estropausal phase effects on water maze performance in aged rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem. 74:229–240. 2000. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
31.	Li HB, Matsumoto K, Tohda M, Yamamoto M and Watanabe H: NMDA-but not AMPA-receptor antagonists augment scopolamine-induced spatial cognitive deficit of rats in a radial maze task. Brain Res. 725:268–271. 1996.PubMed/NCBI
32.	Fibiger HC: Cholinergic mechanisms in learning, memory and dementia: a review of recent evidence. Trends Neurosci. 14:220–223. 1991. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
33.	Baxter MG, Frick KM, Price DL, Brecklerb SJ, Markowskab AL and Gorman LK: Presynaptic markers of cholinergic function in the rat brain: relationship with age and cognitive status. Neuroscience. 89:771–780. 1999. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
34.	Machado RB, Hipolide DC, Benedito-Silva AA and Tufik S: Sleep deprivation induced by the modified multiple platform technique: quantification of sleep loss and recovery. Brain Res. 1004:45–51. 2004. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
35.	Jouvet D, Vimont P and Delorme F: Study of selective deprivation of the paradoxic phase of sleep in the cat. J Physiol (Paris). 56:756–759. 1964.(In French).
36.	Cohen HB and Dement WC: Sleep: changes in threshold to electroconvulsive shock in rats after deprivation of paradoxical phase. Science. 150:1318–1319. 1965. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
37.	Van Hulzen ZJM and Coenen AML: Paradoxical sleep deprivation and locomotor activity in rats. Physiol Behav. 27:741–744. 1981.PubMed/NCBI
38.	Suchecki D and Tufik S: Social stability attenuates the stress in the modified multiple platform method for paradoxical sleep deprivation in the rat. Physiol Behav. 68:309–316. 2000. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
39.	Youngblood BD, Zhou J, Smagin GN, Ryana DH and Harris RBS: Sleep deprivation by the ‘flower pot’ technique and spatial reference memory. Physiol Behav. 61:249–256. 1997.
40.	Yang RH, Hu SJ, Wang Y, Zhang WB, Luo WJ and Chen JY: Paradoxical sleep deprivation impairs spatial learning and affects membrane excitability and mitochondrial protein in the hippocampus. Brain Res. 1230:224–232. 2008. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
41.	Godoi FR, Oliveira MG and Tufik S: Effects of paradoxical sleep deprivation on the performance of rats in a model of visual attention. Behav Brain Res. 165:138–145. 2005. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
42.	Sloan MA: The effects of deprivation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep on maze learning and aggression in the albino rat. J Psychiatr Res. 9:101–111. 1972. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
43.	Hartmann E and Stern WC: Desynchronized sleep deprivation: learning deficit and its reversal by increased catecholamines. Physiol Behav. 8:585–587. 1972. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI