Platform Latency
Time to reach the hidden platform zone
ConductVision · Behavioral Analysis
Morris Water Maze
Gold-standard spatial learning and memory test with automated swim tracking.
RodentSpatial LearningAuto Export
ConductVision / Morris Water Maze
Recording / Trial 3subject tracked
Escape Latency28.5s
Path Length6.2m
StrategyDirect
Key Parameters
Metrics automatically extracted by ConductVision.
Quadrant Time
Duration spent in the target platform quadrant
Thigmotaxis Time
Time spent swimming along the pool wall
Whishaw's Corridor
Path efficiency within the ideal direct corridor to the platform
CIPL
Corrected Integrated Path Length — speed-independent measure of navigation accuracy
Distance Traveled
Total swim path length per trial
+ 7 more parameters trackedShow allHide
Swim Speed
Mean velocity — critical for dissociating motor from cognitive deficits
Platform Crossings
Number of crossings over the former platform location during probe trial
Search Strategy
Classification as spatial, systematic, or non-spatial (Brody & Bhatt categories)
Heading Error
Angular deviation between initial heading and direct path to platform
Annulus Crossings
Crossings of equivalent zones in non-target quadrants as spatial specificity control
Path Efficiency
Ratio of shortest possible path to actual path length
Latency to Platform Zone
Time to first entry into the platform zone area during probe trial
What is the Morris Water Maze?
The Morris Water Maze is the gold-standard assay for hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and memory. Animals are placed in a circular pool of opaque water and must learn to locate a hidden submerged platform using distal visual cues. Probe trials with the platform removed assess memory retention.
ConductVision automates tracking through advanced algorithms that handle water reflections, surface glare, and occasional diving. Dynamic zone configuration supports platform zones, quadrants, thigmotaxis annuli, and Whishaw's corridor for comprehensive spatial analysis.
Protocol Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Pool Diameter | Circular pool size | 120 cm (mouse) / 180 cm (rat) |
| Water Temperature | Maintained pool temperature | 22 ± 1 °C |
| Water Opacity | Non-toxic white paint or milk powder | Opaque |
| Platform Diameter | Hidden escape platform size | 10 cm (mouse) / 12 cm (rat) |
| Platform Depth | Submerged below water surface | 1–1.5 cm |
| Training Days | Acquisition training duration | 4–5 days |
| Trials per Day | Training trials per session from different start positions | 4 |
| Max Trial Duration | Maximum time per trial before guided placement | 60 s (mouse) / 90 s (rat) |
| Inter-Trial Interval | Rest between trials | 15–20 min |
| Probe Trial Duration | Platform removed, free swim | 60 s |
| Visual Cues | Distal spatial cues around the pool | 4 high-contrast shapes |
Interpreting Results
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Increased Platform Latency
Impaired spatial learning — classic finding in APP/PS1, 3xTg Alzheimer's models and after scopolamine (1 mg/kg) administration.
↓
Reduced Quadrant Time (Probe)
Poor spatial memory retention — animal does not preferentially search the target quadrant during the probe trial.
↑
Elevated Thigmotaxis
Persistent wall-hugging indicates anxiety, failure to engage in spatial search, or early-stage learning deficit.
↓
Shift to Non-Spatial Strategy
Loss of allocentric navigation — animals using systematic or random search instead of direct spatial paths.
↑
Increased Heading Error
Impaired initial orientation toward the platform — sensitive to hippocampal damage and cholinergic blockade.
↓
Reduced Swim Speed
Motor or motivational deficit — must be controlled for before interpreting latency differences as cognitive impairment.
Research Applications
Alzheimer's & Neurodegeneration
- Alzheimer's disease — APP/PS1, 3xTg-AD, 5xFAD transgenic models with progressive spatial deficits
- Drug efficacy — donepezil, memantine, and novel amyloid-targeting therapeutics
- Aging research — age-related spatial memory decline in Fischer 344, C57BL/6 strains
Hippocampal & Spatial Processing
- Hippocampal lesion studies — dorsal hippocampus ablation, NMDA receptor blockade (MK-801)
- Place cell and grid cell research — correlating navigation performance with unit recordings
- Reversal learning — cognitive flexibility assessment with relocated platform position
Pharmacology & Intervention
- Cholinergic modulation — scopolamine impairment model with rescue by AChE inhibitors
- Environmental enrichment — spatial memory enhancement through enriched housing
- Exercise and neurogenesis — voluntary running effects on MWM acquisition and probe performance
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