- Frozen Embryo and Sperm Archive
- Mouse Husbandry Services
- Transgenics
- Mutagenesis
- Phenotyping
- Bioimaging
- Clinical Pathology
- ENU DNA archive
- Genotyping and Mutation Detection Screens
- Molecular Phenotyping Core
Water maze
This test is used to assess aspects of cognitive function and learning in mice. In this test, mice are trained to locate a submerged platform within a tank of opaque water by using strategically placed visual cues. The test is run for 10 days in total. Prior to starting the experiment, mice are placed upon the platform for one minute to allow for orientation. Following this, on days 1-4, mice are placed in the water and are given a 1 minute trial to locate the platform. This is repeated 4 times per day. Mice that find the platform within the allotted time remain there for 20 seconds and are removed and allowed to rest for 1 minute before the next trial is begun. Mice that do not locate the platform within the allotted time are manually placed there. On day 5 the platform is removed and the mouse is placed in the tank for one minute. Time spent in the proximity of the platform position is noted. On days 5-10, the position of the platform is changed and the process is repeated. Variations on this protocol may also be used.
