OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of novel object recognition (NOR) test in assessment of learning and memory ability in ICR mice in different experimental conditions.

METHODSOne hundred and thirty male ICR mice were randomly divided into 10 groups: 4 groups for different inter-trial intervals (ITI: 10 min, 90 min, 4 h, 24 h), 4 groups for different object materials (wood-wood, plastic-plastic, plastic-wood, wood-plastic) and 2 groups for repeated test (measured once a day or every 3 days, totally three times in each group). The locomotor tracks in the open field were recorded. The amount of time spent exploring the novel and familiar objects, the discrimination ratio (DR) and the discrimination index (DI) were analyzed.

RESULTSCompared with familiar object, DR and DI of novel object were both increased at ITI of 10 min and 90 min (P<0.01). Exploring time, DR and DI were greatly influenced by different object materials. DR and DI remained stable by using identical object material. NOR test could be done repeatedly in the same batch of mice.

CONCLUSIONNOR test can be used to assess the learning and memory ability in mice at shorter ITI and with identical material. It can be done repeatedly.