Figure 2
From: Learning and memory deficits produced by aspartame are heritable via the paternal lineage
Spatial working memory, spatial learning and learned helplessness in male F0 mice. Spatial working memory was analyzed based on spontaneous alternations in a Y-maze (A) at 4, 8 and 12-weeks of the drinking water exposures. The drinking water exposure produced significant effects (***two-way repeated measures ANOVA, p < 0.0001), suggesting poor performance by the two aspartame groups. Spatial learning was analyzed in the Barnes maze based on primary errors (B) and primary latency (C) during 10 consecutive daily acquisition of learning sessions and 4 daily consecutive reversal learning sessions (B′,C′). Drinking water exposure produced significant effects on primary errors and primary latency during acquisition of learning (****two-way Repeated Measures ANOVA, p < 0.0001), as did the sessions. Drinking water exposure did not produce significant effects on primary errors or primary latency (B′,C′) but the sessions did, on both measures. The three types of search strategy employed during each session of acquisition of learning and reversal learning were analyzed for the control (D), the 0.015% aspartame (E) and 0.03% aspartame (F) groups. All three groups transitioned from random or serial strategies to predominantly spatial strategy (open bars) by the final sessions of acquisition (session #10) and reversal learning (session #4). Spatial memory retention/recall based on the time spent in the target quadrant during the probe trial (G) did not show significant effects of drinking water treatment. Similarly, the reversal effect based on primary errors (H) or primary latency (I) did not show significant effects of drinking water exposure. Drinking water exposure did not produce significant effects on the total time immobile during the tail suspension test (J).
