Alternate without alternative: Neither preference nor simple learning behaviour shown by C57BL/6J mice in the T-maze

Abstract

In rodents, the T-maze test is commonly used to investigate spontaneous alternating behaviour but it can also be used to investigate memory, stimuli discrimination or preference between goods. However, especially regarding T-maze preference tests there is no recommended protocol and researchers frequently report reproduction difficulties of this test using mice. Here, we aimed to develop an efficient protocol with female C57BL/6J mice, conducting two preference tests with different design: In a first test, on two consecutive days with five trials, thirteen mice had to choose between two fluids. In a second preference test, on five consecutive days with two (week 1) or three (week 2) trials, twelve mice had to choose between one arm containing bedding mixed with millet and one containing only bedding. This test design resembled a simple learning test (learn where to find the rewarded and the unrewarded arm on the basis of spatial, olfactory and visual cues). In both experiments, mice took only a few seconds per trial to run the maze and make their choice. However, in both experiments mice failed to show any preference for one of the arms. Instead, they alternated choices. We therefore believe the T-maze test to be rather unsuitable to test preference or learning behaviour with C57BL/6J mice.