The Water Maze with Platform Relocation: A Method to Assess Working Memory

Visual cues are located around the room to provide landmarks for the rat to learn and remember the location of the hidden platform. Begin the first trial by opening the video tracking software and loading the correct protocol, including the water maze map with platform locations, length of swim, number of trials, number of animals, and treatment groups.

Place the platform in the assigned location and check that it matches the map in the software. Then, place the rat in the tank facing the wall at the assigned location and immediately start the timer at the tracking program and/or stopwatch. Allow the rat 120 seconds to find the platform. When the rat finds the platform, stop the stopwatch and record the time on the worksheet.

Note, if the rat fails to find the platform, lead it to the platform by hand and record 120 seconds. Allow the rat to remain on the platform for 15 seconds between trials. After trial 2, place the rat in the heated enclosure for 4 minutes. Finally, move the platform to the second location and check that it matches the map in the software. Repeat trial 1 and 2 procedures until all four starting location and platform pairings are completed.