Examining the non-spatial pretraining effect on a Water Maze spatial learning task in rats treated with multiple intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of propionic acid: Contributions to a rodent model of ASD.

Examining the non-spatial pretraining effect on a Water Maze spatial learning task in rats treated with multiple intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of propionic acid: Contributions to a rodent model of ASD. Behav Brain Res. 2021 Jan 25;:113140 Authors: Mepham JR, MacFabe DF, Boon FH, Foley KA, Cain DP, Ossenkopp KP Abstract Propionic acid (PPA) is produced by enteric gut bacteria and is a dietary short chain fatty acid. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of PPA in rodents have been shown to produce behavioral changes, including adverse effects on cognition, similar to those seen in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous research has shown that repeated ICV infusions of PPA result in impaired spatial learning in a Morris water maze (MWM) as evidenced by increased search latencies, fewer direct and circle swims, and more time spent in the periphery of the maze than control rats. In the current study rats were first given non-spatial pretraining (NSP) in the water maze in order to familiarize the animals with the general requirements of the non-spatial aspects of the task before spatial training was begun. Then the effects of ICV infusions of PPA on acquisition of spatial learning were examined. PPA treated rats failed to show the positive effects of the non-spatial pretraining procedure, relative to controls, as evidenced by increased search latencies, longer distances travelled, fewer direct and circle swims, and more tim...
Source: Behavioural Brain Research - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Behav Brain Res Source Type: research