Stable, long-term, spatial memory in young and aged rats achieved with a one day Morris water maze training protocol

Abstract

Here, we present data demonstrating that a 1 d Morris water maze training protocol is effective at producing stable, longterm spatial memory in both young (3 mo old) and aged (24 mo old) F344xBN rats. Four trials in each of four sessions separated by a 2.5 h ISI produced robust selective search for the platform 1 and 4 d after training, in both age groups. A 1 h ISI protocol did not produce good retention. Also, compressing the trials into just two sessions separated by a 2.5 h ISI produced limited retention in only young rats.