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Updated: Jan 21, 2026
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Novel Object Recognition Test for the Investigation of Learning and Memory in Mice
Published on: August 30, 2017
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Age-related differences in appetitive trace conditioning and novel object recognition procedures.
Hayley J Marshall1, Marie A Pezze1, Kevin C F Fone1
1University of Nottingham, Psychology, University Park, Nottingham NG72RD, United Kingdom.
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
|July 28, 2019
Summary
Middle-aged rats show some working memory decline but can overcome age-related impairments through experience, despite reduced activity and striatal neurochemical changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Age-related cognitive decline is a significant concern.
- Working memory impairments are common in aging.
- Trace conditioning (TC) and novel object recognition (NOR) are sensitive measures of cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related working memory impairments in rats using TC and NOR.
- To compare cognitive performance in younger-adult and middle-aged rats.
- To explore the impact of experience on age-related cognitive changes.
Main Methods:
- Appetitive trace conditioning (TC) and novel object recognition (NOR) tasks were administered to younger-adult and middle-aged male Wistar rats over six months.
- Behavioral performance was assessed across different trace intervals (2s and 10s) and retention intervals (10 min and 24h).
- Neurochemical analysis (HPLC-ED) of the dorsal striatum was performed at the study's conclusion.
Main Results:
- Both age groups improved in TC at the 2s trace interval, but not the 10s interval.
- Middle-aged rats showed reduced daily improvement in TC (2s interval) and impaired NOR at a 24h retention interval.
- Object exploration decreased longitudinally in middle-aged rats, and reduced dorsal striatal 5-HIAA/5-HT levels were observed.
- Age-related impairments in TC and NOR were evident, alongside reduced activity and specific neurochemical alterations in middle-aged rats.
Conclusions:
- Experience can help overcome age-related working memory impairments, even with reduced activity and neurochemical changes.
- Cognitive recovery suggests plasticity in aging brains.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay between experience, neurochemistry, and cognitive function during aging.
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