Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:33
An Objective and Reproducible Test of Olfactory Learning and Discrimination in Mice
Published on: March 22, 2018
Strain differences in rewarded discrimination learning using the olfactory tubing maze
L Restivo1, F A Chaillan, M Ammassari-Teule
1Istituto di Neuroscienze CNR, Sezione di Psicobiologia e Psicofarmacologia, Via Ardeatina 309, 00179, Roma, Italy.
Behavior Genetics
|June 21, 2006
Summary
This study introduces a new olfactory tubing maze for assessing mouse learning and memory. DBA/2J mice showed a learning deficit, making them a model for hippocampal dysfunction, while other strains demonstrated effective learning and memory capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Genetics
- Animal Models
Background:
- Investigating the genetic basis of learning and memory is crucial for understanding cognitive processes.
- Mouse models are essential for dissecting the complex mechanisms underlying memory formation and retrieval.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel olfactory tubing maze for assessing learning and memory in different mouse strains.
- To identify mouse strains suitable for genetic studies of learning and memory.
- To establish a model for hippocampal dysfunction using a specific mouse strain.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an olfactory tubing maze for automated training of odor-reward associations in five mouse strains: BALB/c Byllco (C), CD-1, SV 129/SvPasCr1 (129 SV), C57BL/6 (B6), and DBA/2J (D2).
- Assessed learning acquisition and memory retention based on correct odor-reward associations over multiple training sessions.
- Monitored inter-trial intervals to evaluate task timing and learning efficiency.
Main Results:
- All tested mouse strains, except DBA/2J (D2), successfully acquired odor-reward associations.
- Strains C, CD-1, and 129 SV demonstrated consistent memory retention by session seven.
- C57BL/6 (B6) mice required an additional session to achieve significant performance, while D2 mice failed to learn the associations.
- SV 129/SvPasCr1 (129 SV) mice exhibited slower decreases in inter-trial intervals across sessions.
Conclusions:
- The olfactory tubing maze is effective for studying learning and memory in mice.
- DBA/2J (D2) mice exhibit a specific learning and memory deficit, serving as a valuable model for hippocampal dysfunction and human amnesia.
- High-performing strains (C, CD-1, 129 SV) are suitable for studying gene-targeting mutations that may impair performance, while D2 mice are ideal for studying mutations that enhance performance.
- The C57BL/6 (B6) strain offers flexibility for gene-targeting studies with variable outcomes.
- The automated nature of the task allows for further investigation of phenomena like transitivity in mice.
