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Cognitive Evaluation Using Morris Water Maze in Neurotrauma
Ying Deng-Bryant1, Lai Yee Leung2, Krista Caudle2
1Brain Trauma Neuroprotection and Neurorestoration Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA. ying.d.bryant.civ@mail.mil.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|September 9, 2016
Summary
Optimizing the Morris water maze (MWM) is crucial for detecting cognitive deficits after brain injuries. Adjusting MWM parameters like platform size and trial frequency enhances its sensitivity for evaluating new neurotrauma treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Neurotrauma Research
Background:
- The Morris water maze (MWM) is a key tool for assessing spatial learning and memory in behavioral neuroscience.
- It is frequently used to evaluate cognitive deficits in animal models of central nervous system (CNS) injuries, including penetrating ballistic-like brain injury (PBBI).
- MWM also serves as a critical measure for the therapeutic efficacy of interventions following neurotrauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how specific MWM testing parameters influence its ability to detect cognitive impairments.
- To optimize the MWM paradigm for enhanced sensitivity and discrimination in assessing therapeutic interventions for neurotrauma.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rat model of penetrating ballistic-like brain injury (PBBI).
- Manipulated key MWM testing variables: platform size, daily trial numbers, retesting intervals, and platform surface texture.
- Assessed the impact of these manipulations on MWM's capacity to reveal cognitive deficits.
Main Results:
- Specific MWM parameter adjustments significantly affect the detection of cognitive deficits post-PBBI.
- The study identifies critical factors for maximizing MWM's sensitivity in neurotrauma models.
- Optimized MWM protocols can improve the evaluation of potential treatments for brain injury.
Conclusions:
- Careful design of MWM testing paradigms is essential for accurately assessing cognitive function after CNS injury.
- Modifying MWM parameters can enhance its utility as a sensitive tool for therapeutic development in neurotrauma.
- This research provides a framework for refining MWM application in preclinical studies of brain injury and treatment.
