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Two-day radial-arm water maze learning and memory task; robust resolution of amyloid-related memory deficits in transgenic mice

Nature Protocols volume 1, pages 1671–1679 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

The radial arm water maze (RAWM) contains six swim paths (arms) extending out of an open central area, with an escape platform located at the end of one arm (the goal arm). The goal arm location remains constant for a given mouse. On day 1, mice are trained for 15 trials (spaced over 3 h), with trials alternating between visible and hidden platform. On day 2, mice are trained for 15 trials with the hidden platform. Entry into an incorrect arm is scored as an error. The RAWM has the spatial complexity and performance measurement simplicity of the dry radial arm maze combined with the rapid learning and strong motivation observed in the Morris water maze without requiring foot shock or food deprivation as motivating factors. With two sessions each day, 16 mice can be tested over 2 days.

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Figure 1: A schematic of the RAWM alley and inserts dimensions.
Figure 2: Platforms used in RAWM testing.
Figure 3: RAWM after completing setup.
Figure 4: Image of a score sheet for the RAWM task.
Figure 5: Image of a score sheet for the open pool task.
Figure 6: Performance of mice lacking normal vision.
Figure 7: Results of 2-day-RAWM testing in APP transgenic mice.

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Acknowledgements

We have been supported by NIH awards AG15490, AG18478, AG25509, AG25711 and NS48335. D.W. was a Benjamin Scholar in Alzheimer's Research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Alzheimer's Research Laboratory, School of Basic Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Tampa, 33612, Florida, USA

    Jennifer Alamed, Donna M Wilcock, David M Diamond, Marcia N Gordon & Dave Morgan

  2. Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, 33612, Florida, USA

    David M Diamond

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  1. Jennifer Alamed
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  2. Donna M Wilcock
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  4. Marcia N Gordon
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Correspondence to Dave Morgan.

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Alamed, J., Wilcock, D., Diamond, D. et al. Two-day radial-arm water maze learning and memory task; robust resolution of amyloid-related memory deficits in transgenic mice. Nat Protoc 1, 1671–1679 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2006.275

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