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The Double-H Maze: A Robust Behavioral Test for Learning and Memory in Rodents
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Hibernation does not affect memory retention in bats.

Ireneusz Ruczynski1, Björn M Siemers

  • 1Sensory Ecology Group, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Eberhard-Gwinner-Straße, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany. ruczynski@orn.mpg.de

Biology Letters
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Bats maintain long-term memory after hibernation, unlike some rodents. This suggests bats possess a unique neuroprotective mechanism to preserve cognitive function in cold environments.

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Published on: August 20, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Animal Behavior
  • Zoology

Background:

  • Hibernation significantly lowers body temperature, potentially impairing brain function and memory.
  • Previous studies on memory retention during hibernation have primarily focused on rodents, yielding conflicting results.
  • Bats (Chiroptera), highly mobile vertebrates with long lifespans, represent an understudied group regarding hibernation's effects on memory.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate memory retention in bats following hibernation.
  • To determine if bats, unlike some rodents, can maintain consolidated memories during prolonged periods of cold.
  • To explore potential natural selection pressures favoring memory preservation in hibernating bats.

Main Methods:

  • Bats were trained to navigate a three-arm maze to find a food reward.
  • Pre-hibernation performance was assessed, with all bats achieving 100% accuracy.
  • One group of bats hibernated at 7°C for two months, while a control group remained active.

Main Results:

  • Hibernated bats demonstrated no decline in memory retention, performing at 100% accuracy post-hibernation.
  • Performance of hibernated bats matched their pre-hibernation levels and that of the non-hibernating control group.
  • These findings indicate successful memory maintenance in bats despite prolonged hypothermia.

Conclusions:

  • Bats exhibit remarkable memory retention after hibernation, contrasting with some findings in rodents.
  • This suggests the presence of an unknown neuroprotective mechanism in bats that safeguards memory during hibernation.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the specific neurobiological underpinnings of this memory preservation in bats.