Equipment Model

Ugo Basile Drum-40155

Description

The Morris Water Maze (MWM) is a behavioral neuroscience apparatus designed to assess spatial learning and memory in rodents. The Ugo Basile 40155 model features a 150 cm diameter circular pool suitable for both mice and rats. The setup includes a submerged escape platform and is equipped with a Logitech C270HD webcam for real-time monitoring and video tracking of animal movements within the maze.

Lab

MW Room - 3

Institute

Central Animal Research Facility

Location

Central Animal Research Facility, Opposite MSLS, Eshwar Nagar, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka 576104, India

• Applications

  • Neuroscience Research: Evaluating the effects of genetic modifications or pharmacological agents on spatial learning and memory.

  • Psychopharmacology: Screening potential cognitive enhancers or impairers by observing changes in maze navigation performance.

  • Behavioral Genetics: Studying strain differences in spatial learning and memory capabilities.

  • Toxicology Studies: Assessing neurobehavioral toxicity by monitoring changes in spatial learning and memory.

  • Developmental Biology: Investigating the impact of developmental interventions or exposures on adult cognitive functions.

• Key Features

  • Standardized Circular Pool: 150 cm diameter and 60 cm height, constructed from high-quality alimentary-grade fiberglass for durability and ease of cleaning.

  • Submerged Escape Platform: Typically 10 cm in diameter, positioned below the water surface to assess spatial learning.

  • Video Monitoring: Equipped with a Logitech C270HD webcam providing 720p resolution for accurate tracking of rodent movements.

  • Quantitative Metrics: Measures parameters such as latency to find the platform, path length, swim speed, and time spent in target quadrants.

  • Software Integration: Compatible with behavioral analysis software for automated tracking and data analysis.

  • Mobility and Maintenance: Features embedded wheels for easy movement and a drainage system for convenient water replacement.

• Limitations

  • Environmental Sensitivity: Results can be influenced by external factors such as lighting, noise, and room temperature, necessitating controlled testing conditions.

  • Physical Demands: Requires rodents to swim, which may induce stress and affect performance, especially in animals with motor impairments.

  • Interpretation Challenges: Differentiating between memory deficits and motivational or motor issues can be complex, requiring complementary tests for comprehensive analysis.

  • Equipment Calibration: Accurate tracking depends on proper calibration and positioning of the camera and software settings.

  • Species and Strain Variability: Behavioral responses can vary significantly between different rodent species and strains, impacting the generalizability of results.