Enhanced Novel Object Recognition and Spatial Memory in Rats Selectively Bred for High Nicotine Preference

Enhanced Novel Object Recognition and Spatial Memory in Rats Selectively Bred for High Nicotine Preference

This study examined the influence of genetic background on cognitive performance in a selectively bred high nicotine-preferring (NP) rat line. Using the novel object recognition (NOR), novel location recognition (NLR), and Morris water maze (MWM) tests, we evaluated object memory, spatial memory, an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brain sciences Vol. 14; no. 5; p. 427
Main Authors: Bekci, Eren, Gokmen, Ramazan Can, Kanit, Lutfiye, Gozen, Oguz, Balkan, Burcu, Koylu, Ersin O, Keser, Aysegul
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01-05-2024
Subjects:
Animal cognition
Behavior
Brain
Cognitive ability
Comparative analysis
Discrimination
Drinking water
Drug withdrawal
Ethanol
Females
Genetic factors
Males
Memory
Navigation behavior
Nicotine
nicotine preference
novel object recognition
novelty seeking
Pattern recognition
Phenotypes
selective breeding
Smoking
Spatial discrimination learning
Spatial memory
Tobacco
novel object recognition
selective breeding
nicotine preference
spatial memory
novelty seeking
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Summary:This study examined the influence of genetic background on cognitive performance in a selectively bred high nicotine-preferring (NP) rat line. Using the novel object recognition (NOR), novel location recognition (NLR), and Morris water maze (MWM) tests, we evaluated object memory, spatial memory, and spatial navigation in nicotine-naive NP rats compared to controls. Our results demonstrate that in the NOR test, both male and female NP rats spent more time exploring the novel object (higher discrimination index) compared to sex-matched controls. In the NLR, the discrimination index differed significantly from zero chance (no preference) in both NP males and females but not in controls, indicating enhanced spatial memory in the NP line. During MWM acquisition, the NP groups and control males took a shorter path to reach the platform compared to control females. On the probe trial, the distance traveled in the target quadrant was longer for NP males and females compared to their respective controls, suggesting enhanced spatial navigation and learning in the NP rats. The interesting preference for novel objects and locations displayed by NP rats may indicate a potential novelty-seeking phenotype in this line. These results highlight the complex interplay between genetic factors, cognitive function, and nicotine preference.
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content type line 23
ISSN:2076-3425
2076-3425
DOI:10.3390/brainsci14050427