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Animal
Mouse, Rat
Videotracking
Traditional, Infrared

Novel Object Recognition

Product Code:47002/47003
Category: Mazes, Tracking

The object recognition test is now among the most commonly used behavioral tests for memory studies in rodents. In its simplest design, an animal is presented with two similar objects during the first session and then one of the two objects is replaced by a new object during a second session or is moved to a different location.

This test is based on the spontaneous tendency of rodents to spend more time exploring a novel object than a familiar one, so that the protocol implies video-tracking or manual measurement of the time spent exploring (or moving toward) the different objects in the different sessions.

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Background

The Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test is a widely used behavioral assay in mice to evaluate memory and learning, particularly recognition memory. The test is based on the natural tendency of rodents to explore new objects more than familiar ones. Here's an example of NOR procedure:

  1. Habituation Phase:
    • Mice are placed in an empty arena to familiarize themselves with the environment. This phase helps reduce anxiety and baseline exploration behavior.
  2. Training Phase (Familiarization):
    • Two identical objects are placed in the arena.
    • Mice are allowed to explore these objects for a set amount of time (usually 5-10 minutes).
    • The time spent exploring each object is recorded to ensure that there is no inherent preference for one object.
  3. Testing Phase (Novel Object Recognition):
    • After a delay (ranging from minutes to hours or even days, depending on the experiment's aim), one of the original objects is replaced with a new, novel object.
    • Mice are then reintroduced to the arena and allowed to explore.
    • The time spent exploring the novel object versus the familiar one is recorded.

Interpretation of Results:

  • Higher Novel Object Exploration:
    • Mice that remember the familiar object will spend more time exploring the novel one. This indicates intact recognition memory.
  • Lower Novel Object Exploration:
    • Reduced preference for the novel object may suggest impairments in recognition memory, often used to model cognitive deficits or evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.

The Novel Object Recognition (NOR) by Ugo Basile are made of resistant plastic material, come in 4 different shapes (sphere, cylinder, cube, pyramid) and in 2 colors (standard white and black) or custom ones.

The Objects come with magnets at the bottom to avoid accidental movement during the test.

General

Colours: black and white standard; other colours available on request

Dimensions

Dimesions

47002 – Rat NOR      

Weight (gr)

Width (mm) Length (mm) Diameter (mm)  Height (mm)

Cube

165 gr

80 mm 80 mm - 80 mm

Sphere

230 gr

- - 100 mm 87,5 mm

Pyramid

130 gr

110 mm base
33 mm top
110 mm base
33 mm top
- 80 mm
Cylinder 130 gr - - 80 mm 80 mm

47003 – Mouse NOR

Weight (gr)

Width (mm). 
Length (mm) 
Diameter (mm)  Height (mm)

Cube

35 gr

40 mm 40 mm - 40 mm

Sphere

35 gr

- - 50 mm 43,7 mm

Pyramid

35 gr

55 mm base
18 mm top

55 mm base
18 mm top

- 40 mm
Cylinder 30 gr - - 40 mm 40 mm

This test is based on the spontaneous tendency of rodents to spend more time exploring a novel object than a familiar one.

The Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test is a widely used behavioral assay in neuroscience to assess recognition memory, a form of declarative memory. It leverages rodents' natural preference for novelty to evaluate cognitive functions, particularly in relation to memory, learning, and brain function. Here are the key applications of the NOR test in behavioral neuroscience:

Memory and Cognitive Function:

  • Recognition Memory: The NOR test is specifically designed to evaluate non-spatial recognition memory, which involves distinguishing between familiar and novel objects.
  • Assessment of Memory Impairment: It is commonly used to study memory deficits in models of neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and brain injury.
  • Short-term and Long-term Memory: By varying the delay between the training and test phases, the test can assess short-term versus long-term memory processes.

Neurodegenerative Disease Models:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease (AD): The test is extensively used to study memory impairment in rodent models of AD and to evaluate potential therapeutic interventions targeting memory deficits.
  • Parkinson’s Disease and Huntington’s Disease: The NOR test is also relevant in studying memory impairments associated with other neurodegenerative conditions.

Pharmacological and Genetic Studies:

  • Drug Development: It serves as a tool to evaluate the efficacy of drugs targeting cognitive impairments, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor modulators, and other nootropic agents.
  • Genetic Manipulations: The test is used to study the role of specific genes in memory and cognitive function through knockout, knock-in, or transgenic rodent models.

Neural Circuitry and Molecular Mechanisms:

  • Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex Function: The NOR test is often combined with lesions, optogenetics, or pharmacological interventions to dissect the role of specific brain regions and circuits.

Behavioral Phenotyping

  • Rodent Strain Comparisons: The NOR test is used to characterize cognitive profiles across different rodent strains to identify innate differences or genetic susceptibilities.

The NOR test’s simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ability to provide robust data make it a cornerstone in behavioral neuroscience, particularly in studies aimed at understanding memory and cognitive processes in health and disease.

Product

47002

Set of 8 objects for NOR for rats: squares, pyramids, cylinders and spheres (8cm; 4 black + 4 white)

47003

Set of 8 objects for NOR: for mice: squares, pyramids, cylinders and spheres (4cm; 4 black + 4 white)

47002-W

Set of 4 objects for NOR for rats: piramid, cube, cylinder, sphere (8cm; 4 white)

47002-BK

Set of 4 objects for NOR for rats: piramid, cube, cylinder, sphere (8cm; 4 black)

47003-W Set of 4 objects for NOR for mice: piramid, cube, cylinder, sphere (4cm; 4 white)

47003-BK

Set of 4 objects for NOR for mice: piramid, cube, cylinder, sphere (4cm; 4 black)

Videotracking

60000

ANY-maze Software

47400-040

B/W USB Camera, including day&night 2.8-12.0mm varifocal lens, 5m USB cable and ceiling support

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