Cognition – Novel Object Recognition
The Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test provides a measure of episodic memory. The test subject is allowed to freely explore two objects during the training session. After a delay (1-48 hr, depending on experimental design), animals are tested again with exposure to one previously explored (familiar) and one novel object. Recognition memory is expressed as a recognition index which is defined as the ratio of time spent exploring the novel object over the total time spent exploring both familiar and novel objects.
Galantamine, used as a reference drug, significantly increased the recognition index compared to the saline group. Animals treated with saline and tested with 1 hour delay provide a non-pharmacological reference control, and exhibit a significantly higher recognition index compared to saline-treated animals tested with 48 hour delay.
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Acute administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 disrupts memory function tested at a 1 hour inter-trial interval. Galantamine partially reverses the deficit induced by MK-801 administration. * - p<0.05 compared to vehicle, # -p<0.05, compared to MK-801+Galantamine.
