A comparison of learning and memory characteristics of young and middle-aged wild-type mice in the IntelliCage.

摘要: We have tested the cognitive abilities of young (2.5 months) and middle-aged (14 wild-type C57Bl/6J mice in IntelliCage, which enables automated monitoring spontaneous learning behaviour a homecage-like environment. No differences were observed either circadian activity or performance novelty-induced exploration test, but exhibited decreased exploratory overall. In place test module, when free to explore all corners without any negative reinforcement, tended not learn task performed less effectively than group. However, an air-puff was administered as reinforcement following visits incorrect corner, learned significantly better throughout period. Our data show that, freely moving mice, motivational cues for retrieval memory are age-dependent dramatically influence performance. Furthermore, reported here represent step towards optimised protocols comparing mice.