Abstract

T-MAZE ALTERNATION FOR ZEBRAFISH BEHAVIOURAL STUDIES

Jatin Prakash, Chaitra Mandadhi, Guruprasad*

ABSTRACT

There is growing interest in using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. This protocol details a new T-maze to assess the cognitive ability for zebrafish. The purpose of the T-Maze is to assess spatial memory, behavior and learning of zebrafish in a control with disease model/intervention group, by observing their ability to remember which arm they have previously entered. The T-maze we designed is an open apparatus in the form of a T placed horizontally, it consists of a capital T-shape maze. Each arm, including the starting arm, ranges from (17) Inc in length to accommodate zebrafish. The width of the pathways is approximately (2.5) inc. left goal arms contain a well with food reward and the right arm containing a dc motor with a rotating fan fixed to it. This development of new methods for high-throughput tests of cognitive function for fish can provide means for rapid screening of potential toxic agents as well as promising therapeutic agents.

Keywords: zebrafish, dc motor, spatial memory.