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Illouz T, Ascher LAB, Madar R, Okun E. Unbiased analysis of spatial learning strategies in a modified Barnes maze using convolutional neural networks. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15944. [PMID: 38987437 PMCID: PMC11237060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66855-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Assessment of spatial learning abilities is central to behavioral neuroscience and a useful tool for animal model validation and drug development. However, biases introduced by the apparatus, environment, or experimentalist represent a critical challenge to the test validity. We have recently developed the Modified Barnes Maze (MBM) task, a spatial learning paradigm that overcomes inherent behavioral biases of animals in the classical Barnes maze. The specific combination of spatial strategies employed by mice is often considered representative of the level of cognitive resources used. Herein, we have developed a convolutional neural network-based classifier of exploration strategies in the MBM that can effectively provide researchers with enhanced insights into cognitive traits in mice. Following validation, we compared the learning performance of female and male C57BL/6J mice, as well as that of Ts65Dn mice, a model of Down syndrome, and 5xFAD mice, a model of Alzheimer's disease. Male mice exhibited more effective navigation abilities than female mice, reflected in higher utilization of effective spatial search strategies. Compared to wildtype controls, Ts65Dn mice exhibited delayed usage of spatial strategies despite similar success rates in completing this spatial task. 5xFAD mice showed increased usage of non-spatial strategies such as Circling that corresponded to higher latency to reach the target and lower success rate. These data exemplify the need for deeper strategy classification tools in dissecting complex cognitive traits. In sum, we provide a machine-learning-based strategy classifier that extends our understanding of mice's spatial learning capabilities while enabling a more accurate cognitive assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Illouz
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Paul Feder Laboratory on Alzheimer's Disease Research, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Lyn Alice Becker Ascher
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Paul Feder Laboratory on Alzheimer's Disease Research, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ravit Madar
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Paul Feder Laboratory on Alzheimer's Disease Research, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eitan Okun
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- The Paul Feder Laboratory on Alzheimer's Disease Research, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Building 901, Room 312, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel.
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Wijnen K, Genzel L, van der Meij J. Rodent maze studies: from following simple rules to complex map learning. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:823-841. [PMID: 38488865 PMCID: PMC11004052 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02771-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
More than 100 years since the first maze designed for rodent research, researchers now have the choice of a variety of mazes that come in many different shapes and sizes. Still old designs get modified and new designs are introduced to fit new research questions. Yet, which maze is the most optimal to use or which training paradigm should be applied, remains up for debate. In this review, we not only provide a historical overview of maze designs and usages in rodent learning and memory research, but also discuss the possible navigational strategies the animals can use to solve each maze. Furthermore, we summarize the different phases of learning that take place when a maze is used as the experimental task. At last, we delve into how training and maze design can affect what the rodents are actually learning in a spatial task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Wijnen
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Postbus 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Genzel
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Postbus 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jacqueline van der Meij
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Postbus 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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3
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Drougard A, Ma EH, Wegert V, Sheldon R, Panzeri I, Vatsa N, Apostle S, Fagnocchi L, Schaf J, Gossens K, Völker J, Pang S, Bremser A, Dror E, Giacona F, Sagar, Henderson MX, Prinz M, Jones RG, Pospisilik JA. An acute microglial metabolic response controls metabolism and improves memory. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.03.535373. [PMID: 37066282 PMCID: PMC10103996 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.03.535373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic high-fat feeding triggers chronic metabolic dysfunction including obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. How high-fat intake first triggers these pathophysiological states remains unknown. Here, we identify an acute microglial metabolic response that rapidly translates intake of high-fat diet (HFD) to a surprisingly beneficial effect on metabolism and spatial / learning memory. High-fat intake rapidly increases palmitate levels in cerebrospinal fluid and triggers a wave of microglial metabolic activation characterized by mitochondrial membrane activation and fission as well as metabolic skewing towards aerobic glycolysis. These effects are detectable throughout the brain and can be detected within as little as 12 hours of HFD exposure. In vivo, microglial ablation and conditional DRP1 deletion show that the microglial metabolic response is necessary for the acute effects of HFD. 13C-tracing experiments reveal that in addition to processing via β-oxidation, microglia shunt a substantial fraction of palmitate towards anaplerosis and re-release of bioenergetic carbons into the extracellular milieu in the form of lactate, glutamate, succinate, and intriguingly, the neuro-protective metabolite itaconate. Together, these data identify microglia as a critical nutrient regulatory node in the brain, metabolizing away harmful fatty acids and releasing the same carbons as alternate bioenergetic and protective substrates for surrounding cells. The data identify a surprisingly beneficial effect of short-term HFD on learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Drougard
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave, 49503, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eric H Ma
- Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave, 49503, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Vanessa Wegert
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave, 49503, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ryan Sheldon
- Metabolomics and Bioenergetics Core, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave, 49503, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Ilaria Panzeri
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave, 49503, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Naman Vatsa
- Department of Neurodegenerative Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave, 49503, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Stefanos Apostle
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave, 49503, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Luca Fagnocchi
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave, 49503, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Judith Schaf
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Gossens
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Josephine Völker
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Shengru Pang
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna Bremser
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Erez Dror
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Francesca Giacona
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave, 49503, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Sagar
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael X Henderson
- Department of Neurodegenerative Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave, 49503, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for NeuroModulation (NeuroModBasics), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Russell G Jones
- Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave, 49503, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - J. Andrew Pospisilik
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave, 49503, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
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Rodríguez Peris L, Scheuber MI, Shan H, Braun M, Schwab ME. Barnes maze test for spatial memory: A new, sensitive scoring system for mouse search strategies. Behav Brain Res 2024; 458:114730. [PMID: 37898351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
The Barnes maze is a task used to assess spatial learning and memory in rodents. It requires animals to learn the position of a hole that can be used as an escape from a bright and open arena. The often-used parameters of latency and path length to measure learning and memory do not reflect the different navigation strategies chosen by the animals. Here, we propose an 11-point scoring scheme to classify the search strategies developed by the animals during the initial training as well as after the change of the escape target to a new position. Strategy scores add an important dimension to time and path length to assess the behavior in this popular maze.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Huimin Shan
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marie Braun
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin E Schwab
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Jo D, Arjunan A, Choi S, Jung YS, Park J, Jo J, Kim OY, Song J. Oligonol ameliorates liver function and brain function in the 5 × FAD mouse model: transcriptional and cellular analysis. Food Funct 2023; 14:9650-9670. [PMID: 37843873 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03451h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease worldwide and is accompanied by memory deficits, personality changes, anxiety, depression, and social difficulties. For treatment of AD, many researchers have attempted to find medicinal resources with high effectiveness and without side effects. Oligonol is a low molecular weight polypeptide derived from lychee fruit extract. We investigated the effects of oligonol in 5 × FAD transgenic AD mice, which developed severe amyloid pathology, through behavioral tests (Barnes maze, marble burying, and nestle shredding) and molecular experiments. Oligonol treatment attenuated blood glucose levels and increased the antioxidant response in the livers of 5 × FAD mice. Moreover, the behavioral score data showed improvements in anxiety, depressive behavior, and cognitive impairment following a 2-month course of orally administered oligonol. Oligonol treatment not only altered the circulating levels of cytokines and adipokines in 5 × FAD mice, but also significantly enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of antioxidant enzymes and synaptic plasticity in the brain cortex and hippocampus. Therefore, we highlight the therapeutic potential of oligonol to attenuate neuropsychiatric problems and improve memory deficits in the early stage of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danbi Jo
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Seoyangro 264, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Science Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, Seoyangro 264, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Archana Arjunan
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Seoyangro 264, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seoyoon Choi
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Seoyangro 264, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Science Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, Seoyangro 264, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Seok Jung
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Seoyangro 264, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jihyun Park
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Nakdong-daero 550 beon-gil, Saha-gu, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Dong-A University, Nakdong-daero 550 beon-gil, Saha-gu, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Jo
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chonnam National University Medical School, Seoyangro 264, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea.
| | - Oh Yoen Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Nakdong-daero 550 beon-gil, Saha-gu, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Dong-A University, Nakdong-daero 550 beon-gil, Saha-gu, Busan, 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhyun Song
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Seoyangro 264, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Science Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, Seoyangro 264, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea
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Souza KA, Powell A, Allen GC, Earnest DJ. Development of an age-dependent cognitive index: relationship between impaired learning and disturbances in circadian timekeeping. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:991833. [PMID: 36438000 PMCID: PMC9682238 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.991833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical quantitative models of cognitive performance are necessary for translation from basic research to clinical studies. In rodents, non-cognitive factors are a potential influence on testing outcome and high variability in behavior requires multiple time point testing for better assessment of performance in more sophisticated tests. Thus, these models have limited translational value as most human cognitive tests characterize cognition using single digit scales to distinguish between impaired and unimpaired function. To address these limitations, we developed a cognitive index for learning based on previously described scores for strategies used by mice to escape the Barnes maze. We compared the cognitive index and circadian patterns of light-dark entrainment in young (4-6 months), middle-aged (13-14 months), and aged (18-24 months) mice as cognitive changes during aging are often accompanied by pronounced changes in sleep-wake cycle. Following continuous analysis of circadian wheel-running activity (30-40 days), the same cohorts of mice were tested in the Barnes maze. Aged mice showed significant deficits in the learning and memory portions of the Barnes maze relative to young and middle-aged animals, and the cognitive index was positively correlated to the memory portion of the task (probe) in all groups. Significant age-related alterations in circadian entrainment of the activity rhythm were observed in the middle-aged and aged cohorts. In middle-aged mice, the delayed phase angle of entrainment and increased variability in the daily onsets of activity preceded learning and memory deficits observed in aged animals. Interestingly, learning-impaired mice were distinguished by a positive relationship between the extent of Barnes-related cognitive impairment and variability in daily onsets of circadian activity. While it is unclear whether changes in the sleep-wake cycle or other circadian rhythms play a role in cognitive impairment during aging, our results suggest that circadian rhythm perturbations or misalignment may nevertheless provide an early predictor of age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karienn A. Souza
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Andrew Powell
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Gregg C. Allen
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - David J. Earnest
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, United States
- Center for Biological Clocks Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Zhao F, Wang K, Wen Y, Chen X, Liu H, Qi F, Fu Y, Zhu J, Guan S, Liu Z. Contribution of hippocampal BDNF/CREB signaling pathway and gut microbiota to emotional behavior impairment induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress during pregnancy in rats offspring. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13605. [PMID: 35769142 PMCID: PMC9235812 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous studies have shown that exposure to prenatal maternal stress (PMS) is associated with various psychopathological outcomes of offspring. The accumulating evidence linking bacteria in the gut and neurons in the brain (the microbiota-gut-brain axis) has been aconsensus; however, there is a lack of research on the involvement mechanism of gut microbiota in the regulation of the BDNF/CREB signaling pathway in the hippocampus of prenatally stressed offspring. Methods Pregnant rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to establish the prenatal maternal stress model. The body weight was measured and the behavioral changes were recorded. Offspring were tested to determine emotional state using sucrose preference test (SPT), open-field test (OFT) and suspended tail test (STT). Gut microbiota was evaluated by sequencing the microbial 16S rRNA V3-V4 region, and the interactive analysis of bacterial community structure and diversity was carried out. The expression of hippocampal BDNF, TrkB and CREB mRNA and proteins were respectively measured using RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results Prenatal maternal stress increased maternal plasma corticosterone levels, slowed maternal weight gain and caused depression-like behaviors (all P < 0.05). In offspring, prenatal maternal stress increased plasma corticosterone levels (P < 0.05) and emotional behavior changes (depression-like state) were observed (P < 0.05). The species abundance, diversity and composition of the offspring's gut microbiota changed after the maternal stress during pregnancy (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group's offspring, the species abundance of Lactobacillaceae was dropped, while the abundance of the Muribaculaceae species abundance was risen. Concurrent, changes in the hippocampal structure of the offspring and decreases in expression of BDNF/CREB signaling were noted (P < 0.05). Conclusions Prenatal maternal stress leads to high corticosterone status and abnormal emotion behavior of offspring, which may be associated with the abnormal BDNF/CREB signaling in hippocampus of offspring caused by the change of gut microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yujun Wen
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Hongya Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Faqiu Qi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Youjuan Fu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Jiashu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Suzhen Guan
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
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OTHMAN MZ, HASSAN Z, CHE HAS AT. Morris water maze: a versatile and pertinent tool for assessing spatial learning and memory. Exp Anim 2022; 71:264-280. [PMID: 35314563 PMCID: PMC9388345 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.21-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its development about 40 years ago (1981–2021), Morris water maze has turned into a very popular tool for assessing spatial learning and memory. Its many advantages have ensured its
pertinence to date. These include its effectiveness in evaluating hippocampal-dependent learning and memory, exemption from motivational differences across diverse experimental
manipulations, reliability in various cross-species studies, and adaptability to many experimental conditions with various test protocols. Nonetheless, throughout its establishment, several
experimental and analysis loopholes have galvanized researchers to assess ways in which it could be improved and adapted to fill this gap. Therefore, in this review, we briefly summarize
these developments since the early years of its establishment through to the most recent advancements in computerized analysis, offering more comprehensive analysis paradigms. In addition,
we discuss the adaptability of the Morris water maze across different test versions and analysis paradigms, providing suggestions with regard to the best paradigms for particular
experimental conditions. Hence, the proper selection of the experimental protocols, analysis paradigms, and consideration of the assay’s limitations should be carefully considered. Given
that appropriate measures are taken, with various adaptations made, the Morris water maze will likely remain a relevant tool to assess the mechanisms of spatial learning and memory.
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Kozlova EV, Carabelli B, Bishay AE, Denys ME, Chinthirla DB, Tran JD, Hsiao A, Nieden NZ, Curras-Collazo MC. Persistent exercise fatigue and associative learning deficits in combination with transient glucose dyshomeostasis in a GWI mouse model. Life Sci 2021; 289:120094. [PMID: 34710444 PMCID: PMC9053767 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Aims: To characterize exercise fatigue, metabolic phenotype and cognitive and mood deficits correlated with brain neuroinflammatory and gut microbiome changes in a chronic Gulf War Illness (GWI) mouse model. The latter have been described in an accompanying paper [1]. Main methods: Adult male C57Bl/6N mice were exposed for 28 days (5 days/week) to pyridostigmine bromide: 6.5 mg/kg, b.i.d., P.O. (GW1) or 8.7 mg/kg, q.d., P.O. (GW2); topical permethrin (1.3 mg/kg in 100% DMSO) and N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET 33% in 70% EtOH) and restraint stress (5 min). Exercise, metabolic and behavioral endpoints were compared to sham stress control (CON/S). Key findings: Relative to CON/S, GW2 presented persistent exercise intolerance (through post-treatment (PT) day 161), deficient associative learning/memory, and transient insulin insensitivity. In contrast to GW2, GW1 showed deficient long-term object recognition memory, milder associative learning/memory deficit, and behavioral despair. Significance: Our findings demonstrate that GW chemicals dose-dependently determine the presentation of exercise fatigue and severity/type of cognitive/mood-deficient phenotypes that show persistence. Our comprehensive mouse model of GWI recapitulates the major multiple symptom domains characterizing GWI, including fatigue and cognitive impairment that can be used to more efficiently develop diagnostic tests and curative treatments for ill Gulf War veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Kozlova
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Bruno Carabelli
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Anthony E Bishay
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Maximilian E Denys
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Devi B Chinthirla
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jasmin D Tran
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Ansel Hsiao
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Zur Nieden
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - M C Curras-Collazo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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