Memory and the effect of cold shock in the water maze in S100 beta transgenic mice

S100 beta, a calcium binding astrocytic brain protein, influences hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), synaptic processes suggested to play role in spatial (contextual) learning and memory. In the present study we trained S100 beta transgenic and wild-type control mice in a nonspatial version of the Morris water maze, the visible platform task, and analyzed retention of memory over periods of 18 h, several days, and weeks. The results show that acquisition and retention were not altered in the S100 beta transgenic mice compared to control. However, a single alteration of an environmental stimulus, water temperature, significantly worsened the performance of transgenic mice. This impairment lasted for two consecutive trials separated by a 2-week intertrial interval, suggesting a temporary disturbance associated with memory processes. We discuss the possibility that these results are compatible with normal cortical but abnormal hippocampal functioning in the S100 beta transgenic mice.