A Novel One‐Day Learning Procedure for Mice. Issue 1 (25th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Darvas, Martin; Mukherjee, Kishore; Lee, Amanda; Ladiges, Warren
• Editors: Auwerx, Johan; Ackerman, Susan L.; Brown, Stephen D.; Justice, Monica J.; Nadeau, Joseph
• Is Part Of: Current protocols in mouse biology. Volume 10:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-02-25
• Subjects: aging -- box maze -- learning -- cognitive impairment -- behavioral test; Mice -- Genetics -- Laboratory manuals; Mice; Animals, Laboratory; Research; Mice -- Genetics; Periodicals; Laboratory manuals; 616.027333
• DOI: 10.1002/cpmo.68
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2161-2617

Abstract

Abstract: Current preclinical cognitive assessments are highly time intensive, with lengthy assessment procedures. In this regard, a single‐day assay that focuses just on assessing learning behavior in a time‐effective and relatable manner would be of value. This article describes the box maze as a short‐term behavioral procedure to measure learning in mice. The protocol consists of allowing mice to explore an enclosed space that has eight holes. One of these holes leads to a tunnel that connects to an escape cage, and the latency to enter this escape hole is recorded for each mouse. Mice are tested four times within a single day, and the decrease in escape latency over time is used as a measure of learning. Age is a factor that affects escape latency in the box maze. Hence, the box‐maze procedure is proposed as an efficient test to probe aging and aging intervention–related research questions. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.