[Effects of different light-dark cycle on learning and memory in mice]

To study the effect of different light-dark cycles on learning and memory in mice.

Seventy-two ICR mice were raised under different light-dark cycles including LD 5h/5h, LD 12h/12h and LD 22h/22h for 6 weeks. The locomotor activity was recorded continuously. Morris water-maze task was used as the judging criteria for spatial learning and memory.

The locomotor activity rhythm was consistent with the light-dark cycle. The period of light-dark cycle shorter than 24 h such as 10 h could effect on the ability of learning and memory in mice.

The short period of light-dark cycle can improve the ability of learning and memory in mice.