Strain differences in radial arm maze performance of rats

Abstract

Rats Of three different strains. one outbred and two inbred (Wistai’, Mol/WIST; Long-Evans, LE/ Mol; Sprague-Dawley, SPRD/Mol; n = 10 in each group) were tested in a radial maze training procedure. Throughout the entire test period, the rats were fed a restricted amount ot~ food. Testing was initiated with one week’s adaptation where rats were placed in the radial maze for five minutes each. This was followed by four weeks of testing consisting of one daily training session per rat with all eight arms open and baited (classical procedure). During this period, a stable performance was established. The remaining two weeks' training consisted of two daily sessions: In the first, four arms were shut. and the remaining four
arms were baited. The rat was allowed to collect the bait, after Which it was removed From the male to the home cage for one hour. In the second session all arms were open and bait was placed in those arms only that had previously been shut
(delayed non-maleh-to-sample procedure). Analysis of various aspects of performance in the maze showed comparable learning ability 0f all strains. However. certain strain ditferences were clearly demonstrated.