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An Appetitive Spatial Working Memory Task for Mice in a Semi-Automated 8-Arm Radial Maze, Reducing Fearful Memory Association in the Maze
Published on: July 29, 2025
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An Appetitive Spatial Working Memory Task for Mice in a Semi-Automated 8-Arm Radial Maze, Reducing Fearful Memory
Takahiro Shimizu1, Stuart G Nayar2, Bruce R Ransom3
1The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London; Gerald Choa Neuroscience Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; takahiroshimizu@cuhk.edu.hk.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|August 18, 2025
Summary
This study presents a semi-automated radial 8-arm maze protocol for assessing spatial working memory in mice. The adapted method enhances habituation and uses a novel forced and free run approach for reliable memory testing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Spatial working memory is crucial for survival and is often studied using maze tasks.
- Traditional radial 8-arm maze (RAM) protocols were designed for rats and require adaptation for mice.
- Semi-automated systems offer improved control and consistency in behavioral experiments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail a refined protocol for testing spatial working memory in mice using a semi-automated radial 8-arm maze (RAM).
- To adapt the RAM task for mice, incorporating enhanced habituation and a modified reward-seeking strategy.
- To establish a reliable and reproducible method for assessing cognitive function in mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a semi-automated 8-arm radial maze with servo-controlled doors for precise arm access.
- Implemented an adapted protocol for mice, including extended habituation and a sequential forced-then-free run reward strategy.
- Introduced a 5-second delay between runs to specifically challenge working memory recall.
Main Results:
- Male C57BL/6 mice achieved a daily success rate of ≥ 80% after 6 days of habituation and 9 days of training.
- The adapted protocol demonstrated effectiveness in testing spatial working memory in mice.
- The semi-automated nature allows for potential integration with in vivo monitoring techniques.
Conclusions:
- The developed semi-automated RAM protocol provides a robust method for evaluating spatial working memory in mice.
- This protocol can be integrated with advanced neurophysiological recording techniques for comprehensive cognitive studies.
- The findings contribute to standardized methodologies in preclinical cognitive research.
