The Comparison of Immobilization Stress on Learning and Spatial Memory in Young and Old Male Rats

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of immobilization stress on learning and spatial memory between young and old male rats. In order 24 male Wistar rats were selected from Royan institute of Isfahan and divided into 2 age groups based on their weights (3 months= young and 12 months= old). After one week of adaptation to the nest environment, each group (4 groups, n=6) takes part in their special program contains immobility stress group (2h×7days), and sham group. Learning and spatial memory measured by using Morris water maze. Data were analyzed by using independent T-test and two-way variance analyses test. Results showed that immobility stress destroyed learning in young and old rats but had no effect on spatial memory and learning of young rats was less damaged by stress than old rats. The results of this research confirmed the negative effect of immobility stress, especially in learning.