SPATIAL-LEARNING IN A Z-MAZE BY CEREBELLAR MUTANT MICE

Two types of cerebellar mutant mice (staggerer and lurcher) were evalu ated during 5-day acquisition of a spatial learning task in a Z-maze f illed with water. Although the number of errors and escape latencies d ecreased in normal mice, the acquisition of the cerebellar mutants was impaired but not abolished. These results indicate that the cerebellu m has a role in spatial learning. Mice with cerebellar dysfunction tak e a more indirect route toward a goal during the course of swimming, w hen ataxic symptoms are no longer in evidence.