Learning Memory & Attention Barnes Maze for Evaluating Learning & Memory Learning Memory & Attention • Barnes Maze for Evaluating Learning & Memory Specifications Platform Material Platform Diameter Platform Height Diameter of Holes spacing of Holes Distance from Border Goal Box starting cylinder clear gray Perspex, can be provided in white or black color under request mouse: 92 cm (36 in), rat: 122 cm (48 in) 90-100 cm (35 - 39 in) mouse: 5 cm (2 in); rat: 10 cm (4 in) mouse: 7.5 cm (3 in), rat: 20º angle-spaced 2 cm (0.8 in) 20 (D) x 9 (w) x 9 (H) cm (8 x 3.5 x 3.5 in) 8 cm diameter (3 in) 12.5 cm height (4.9 in) number of Platform Holes mouse: 20 holes, rat: 18 Ordering Information Order # 76-0549 76-0716 Model Le851 Le854 Product barnes maze, mouse barnes maze for rat key features } Platform made with non-reflective perspex material for video-tracking systems note see pages 4-7 for information on our sMART 3 and LimeLight Video Tracking systems, pages 10-11, for use in conjunction with our Barnes Maze. } Material will not retain odors } Rotatable platform } Goal box with ramp } Provided with starting cylinder and false goal boxes The Barnes maze is a popular test for assessing spatial learning and memory in rats and mice. The animal is placed in a brightly lit environment, on the top of the Barnes maze, which consists of a large round open platform with a fixed number of peripheral holes. In such an open environment, rats naturally seek a dark enclosed surrounding, which is provided in the form of a dark box (goal box) under one of the round holes around the perimeter of the platform. The amount of time required for the animal to locate the goal box using visuo-spatial cues surrounding the maze periphery is measured by the researcher. The Barnes Maze experiment is conducted without dietary restrictions or stress, making this option an interesting alternative to the radial maze and water maze test for its use in the behavioral phenotyping of genetically-modified mice. 56 www.coulbourn.com • www.panlab.com