Barnes maze test for spatial memory: A new, sensitive scoring system for mouse search strategies

The Barnes maze is a task used to assess spatial learning and memory in rodents. It requires animals to learn the position of a hole that can be used as an escape from a bright and open arena. The often-used parameters of latency and path length to measure learning and memory do not reflect the different navigation strategies chosen by the animals. Here, we propose an 11-point scoring scheme to classify the search strategies developed by the animals during the initial training as well as after the change of the escape target to a new position. Strategy scores add an important dimension to time and path length to assess the behavior in this popular maze.

Automated summary

The Barnes maze is a task used to evaluate spatial learning and memory in rodents. The commonly used parameters of latency and path length do not accurately reflect the different navigation strategies chosen by the animals. Therefore, we propose an 11-point scoring scheme to supplement time and path length, in order to evaluate the behavior of animals in the maze.