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Updated: Jul 20, 2025
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Morris Water Maze Test: Optimization for Mouse Strain and Testing Environment
Published on: June 22, 2015
21.6K
A new automatic method for tracking rats in the Morris water maze.
Manuel G Forero1, Natalia C Hernández2, Cristian M Morera2
1Professional School of Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Urban Planning, Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo, Peru.
Heliyon
|July 31, 2023
Summary
RatsTrack, a novel image processing technique, automatically analyzes rodent behavior in the Morris water maze (MWM). This free ImageJ plugin significantly reduces operational time and provides accurate learning and memory deficit data for Alzheimer's research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computer Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- The Morris water maze (MWM) is crucial for assessing rodent learning and memory.
- Existing MWM analysis software has limitations in automation, cost, and user intervention.
- Automated video analysis using image processing can enhance MWM test efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a new, automated image processing technique for analyzing rat tracks in the MWM.
- To create a freely accessible ImageJ plugin named RatsTrack for MWM data analysis.
- To validate RatsTrack's performance using an Alzheimer's disease animal model.
Main Methods:
- Developed RatsTrack, an image processing technique using frame projection and Hough transformation for pool identification.
- Utilized mathematical morphology to automatically detect the rat's release frame.
- Integrated RatsTrack as a plugin for the free ImageJ software.
- Recorded MWM test videos to measure distance, time, speed, and acceleration.
Main Results:
- RatsTrack successfully and automatically detected the MWM pool and rat without user intervention.
- The technique significantly decreased operational time for MWM data analysis.
- Significant differences in learning and memory parameters were observed between Alzheimer's model rats and controls using RatsTrack.
- RatsTrack provided accurate distance, time, speed, and acceleration data.
Conclusions:
- RatsTrack offers an automated, efficient, and cost-effective solution for MWM video analysis.
- The plugin provides reliable data for studying learning and memory deficits in rodent models.
- RatsTrack's free availability promotes wider adoption in neuroscience research, particularly for Alzheimer's disease studies.
