Several decades later, a spatial reference memory system was proposed 2. Spatial learning and memory in laboratory rodents was first assessed with food-deprived rats that navigated a maze of alleyways to locate a food reinforcer 1. Even so, the Barnes maze is a widely employed behavioral assessment measuring spatial navigational abilities and their potential disruption by genetic, neurobehavioral manipulations, or drug/ toxicant exposure. Both Barnes and water mazes can be time consuming as 4-7 test trials are typically required to detect improved learning and memory performance ( e.g. shorter latencies or path lengths to locate the escape platform or cage) and/or differences between experimental groups.
Appropriate stimuli must be identified which motivate the rodent to locate the escape cage. For example, while extra-maze cues are effective for rats, smaller wild rodents may require intra-maze cues with a visual barrier around the maze. Barnes maze construction and testing methodologies can differ for small rodents, such as mice, and large rodents, such as rats. Type of search strategy ( i.e. random, serial, or direct) can be categorized as well.
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From those video recordings, use of automated tracking software can generate a variety of endpoints that are similar to those produced in water mazes ( e.g. distance traveled, velocity/speed, time spent in the correct quadrant, time spent moving/resting, and confirmation of latency). Latency to locate the escape cage can be measured during the session however, additional endpoints typically require video recording. Mildly aversive stimuli ( e.g. bright overhead lights) provide motivation to locate the escape cage. All but one of the holes are false-bottomed or blind-ending, while one leads to an escape cage. Considered less stressful than water mazes, the Barnes maze is a relatively simple design of a circular platform top with several holes equally spaced around the perimeter edge. Improved performance over sessions or trials is thought to reflect learning and memory of the escape cage/platform location. Spatial learning and memory of laboratory rodents is often assessed via navigational ability in mazes, most popular of which are the water and dry-land (Barnes) mazes.