Water maze spatial learning enhances social recognition ability in aged rats

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of spatial learning in the hidden-platform water maze task on the process of social recognition in aged rats. The recognition in contacts with a new housing partner was compared before and after such spatial learning in the hidden-platform water maze, as well as in animals undergoing such spatial learning and simply swimming (in the water maze with no platform). The aged rats after spatial learning experience showed a significantly higher social recognition index than before spatial learning exercise and also in comparison with the aged rats possessing only swimming experience. These results indicate that spatial learning may noticeably improve the social recognition abilities in aged rats.