Figure 2.

MWM as a function of diet. (A–D) Spatial learning in the acquisition phase. In male mice, oral Cr significantly decreased escape latency (time to locate the platform; mean ± SEM) overall across training days, indicating enhanced learning of the spatial task. n = 8–10; P < 0.05; two-way ANOVA. (B) Swim speed (mean ± SEM) was assessed by two-way ANOVA to rule out enhanced motor performance as a contributing to factor to decreased latency. Swim speed decreased from the first day of training (P < 0.05) overall, as diet did not influence swim speed. (C) The frequency of use (% of total) of various search strategies (operationally defined as per Brody and Holtzman 2006) was calculated across training days for control and (D) Cr-fed mice and analyzed using Chi-square tests. In both groups, the frequency of use of various strategies differed across training days ((***) P < 0.001). Spatial strategies increased across training days, with the frequency of use peaking earlier in Cr-fed mice, although the difference fell short of significance (p = 0.06). Control: n = 8; Cr: n = 10. (E–G). Memory retention on the sixth day of the MWM after removal of the platform. The platform was removed, and mice were allowed 90 sec to swim. Memory retention (mean ± SEM) was evaluated in mice with and without oral Cr by measuring (E) time in target quadrant, (F) passes into the target quadrant, and (G) passes over the platform area. Student's t-test; dotted line indicates chance level. Control: n = 8; Cr: n = 9; (*) P < 0.05; (**) P < 0.01.