The effect of a caudal hippocampus lesion on learning in a Morris water maze in Bank Voles (Clethrionomys glareolus)

The involvement of the caudal hippocampus in spatial learning is presently uncertain, compared to the well established role of the dorsal region. Therefore voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) with large (about 1/3 of the whole hippocampus) caudal cytotoxic lesions were tested in the Morris water maze. A version of the test intended to measure long term spatial memory was used. The lesion inhibited the learning process, as well as reducing the accuracy of platform location memory at early stages of training. The data obtained indicate the involvement of this area in control of spatial learning in rodents.