Paw preference is associated with behavioural despair and spatial reference memory in male rats

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Animal Models

Background:

• Paw preference, a marker of behavioral asymmetry, is linked to affective states and depression models.
• Previous research has not consistently shown paw preference effects on cognitive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the affective properties of paw preference.
• To explore potential cognitive effects of paw preference, specifically spatial memory.
• To examine the relationship between paw preference and behavioral despair.

Main Methods:

• Male Wistar rats were categorized as left- or right-pawed.
• Rats were tested using the forced swim test for behavioral despair.
• Spatial memory was assessed using the Morris water maze, including a probe trial.

Main Results:

• Left-pawed rats exhibited significantly higher susceptibility to behavioral despair.
• No significant differences in spatial learning were observed between groups during the Morris water maze task.
• Left-pawed rats demonstrated superior reference memory during the probe trial.

Conclusions:

• Paw preference is a vulnerability factor for behavioral despair.
• A novel association exists between left-paw preference and enhanced spatial reference memory.
• Paw preference influences both affective states and specific cognitive functions in rats.