Optimization of Morris Water Maze Protocols: Effects of Water Temperature and Hypothermia on Spatial Learning and Memory in Aged Female Rats

Abstract

Aging is a highly complex process driven by a multitude of factors. The use of humans in aging research is complicated by many factors (ethical issues; environmental and social factors; long natural life span). Therefore, rats are common models for the study of aging and age-related diseases. The Morris water maze test is one of the most common cognitive tests in studies investigating age-related learning and memory. However, standardized protocols are lacking, which could influence results. This study investigated the effects of water temperature and inter-trial interval on physiological parameters, hippocampus-dependent learning, and memory in aged female rats performing the Morris Water Maze.