Abstract
Spatial learning and water maze: methodology and utilities. The main aim of the present work is to examine the methodology of the water maze and applications of this animal model to the study of neurobiological mechanisms of spatial learning and memory in rodents. Firstly, we present different experimental procedures which must be considered when applying this animal model. Then, we analyze the most important findings obtained in different research areas using the water maze. Relevant experimental data are presented about neuroanatomical and neurochemical bases of learning and memory, aging, influence of previous experience in the task or other factors both intrinsic and extrinsic on the subject, which could influence spatial learning. It is concluded that the behavior displayed by mice in the water maze is sensitive to a lot of behavioral, pharmacological or even social factors, which makes it a very useful paradigm in research on neurobiological processes of spatial learning.
