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Neuroscience JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Morris Water Maze Test for Learning and Memory Deficits in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice

DOI: 10.3791/2920-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Perform Morris Water Maze testing protocol across learning and probe trial phases
  • ✓ Analyze spatial learning and memory retention data from rodent behavioral tasks
  • ✓ Interpret hippocampal-dependent cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease models
Protocol

The Morris Water Maze is a behavioral task to test hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. It has been widely used in the study of neurobiology, neuropharmacology and neurocognitive disorders in rodent models.

Difficulty
intermediate
Total time
~5-6 days (1 day visible platform training + 4 days hidden platform + 1 probe trial); ~30-45 min per animal per day
Model organism
Mouse (APP23 Alzheimer's disease model specified)

Steps

1
Prepare equipment and testing arena

Set up the Morris Water Maze apparatus, including the circular pool, platform positioning, camera system, and tracking software calibration for behavioral recording.

▶ 01:27
2
Configure tracking and analysis software

Initialize behavioral tracking software to record mouse position, velocity, and latency data during maze navigation trials.

▶ 02:03
3
Conduct Day 1 visible platform training

Perform learning trials with a visible platform to establish baseline swimming ability and task understanding before hidden platform sessions.

▶ 02:54
4
Execute Days 2-5 hidden platform trials

Run daily sessions with the submerged platform hidden beneath water surface to assess spatial learning and memory acquisition over four consecutive days.

▶ 04:14
5
Perform Day 6 probe trial assessment

Conduct probe trial without platform present to measure memory retention and quadrant preference as indicator of learned spatial location.

▶ 04:47
6
Analyze learning and memory metrics

Calculate latency to platform, path length, swim speed, and quadrant occupancy data to quantify cognitive performance across trial phases.

▶ 05:13
7
Interpret Alzheimer's model cognitive outcomes

Compare Morris Maze performance between treated and untreated APP23 mice to evaluate drug effects on memory deficits in disease model.

▶ 05:37
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