Figure 5.

Figures A-B illustrate data pertaining to learning in the water maze test (WMT) between control and PCMS treated groups. Note that, both groups exhibited excellent spatial learning ability, as evidenced by progressive decreases in the latency to reach the platform over 7 sessions and similar r² values (A), and >80% reduction in the latency to reach the platform between the first and last sessions of learning (B). Figures C-F compare the results of probe (memory retention) test performed at 24 hrs after the last learning session between control and PCMS treated groups. Note that all parameters of the memory retention (latency to reach the platform area, dwell time in platform area, platform area crossings and dwell time in the platform quadrant) in the PCMS treated group are superior to the control group. The bar charts G-I compare the control and PCMS treated groups for the time spent with: (i) the familiar object (G); (ii) the novel object (H); and (iii) both familiar and novel objects (i.e. total exploration time; I). The bar chart in J illustrates the discrimination index for the novel object in both groups. Note that, in rats treated with PCMS, both time spent with the novel object (H) and the discrimination index for the novel object (J) are significantly greater than in age-matched control rats, which are suggestive of a superior memory function in the PCMS treated rats.