Rats recognize spatial and temporal attributes in a new object recognition memory task with multiple trials.

Background: Episodic-like memory tasks based on the spontaneous exploration of objects are commonly applied in one-trial protocols. However, multiple-trial designs are known to reduce animal numbers and data variance, providing faster accumulation of data.

New Method: In this study, we devised a new object recognition memory task for rats that carry out multiple trials per session.

CA1 inactivation impairs episodic-like memory in rats.

Episodic memory was initially believed to be unique to humans. However, studies demonstrate that nonhuman species discriminate items based on the triad what, where and when. Here we addressed the role of the dorsal hippocampal subfield CA1 in an integrative what-where-when task in Wistar rats.