HOME > News Archives > 2010 > [Press Release] Brain asymmetry is critical for proper memory function: Evidence from behavioral experiments with brain asymmetry deficit mice
In the collaboration with the research group of Assoc. Prof. Isao Ito of Kyushu University, the research group headed by Prof. Shigeru Watanabe of Keio University reported that the
spontaneous mutant mice that have a brain asymmetry deficit (bilateral right-sidedness) showed spatial memory deficit in two behavioral tasks. The results suggest that bilateral asymmetry of the brain is critical for proper memory function.
Two tasks were used to test memory performance of the mutant mice. In a maze task in which mice learn and remember a location of baited food, and this task was testing the long-term memory capacity. In lever-pressing task, mice remember a lever position of left or right and they subsequently have to select the lever not pressed earlier, and this task was used for testing the
short-term memory capacity. Comparing with the control mice, whose brain has bilateral asymmetry, these mutant mice show poorer memory performance. These results suggest that left-right asymmetry is critical for normal brain functions in regards to both long-term and short-term memory.
The group of Assoc, Prof. Ito previously discovered that the neural circuitry of the mutant mouse hippocampus was bilaterally symmetrical (exhibits bilateral right-sidedness), as opposed to those of the control mice that are bilaterally asymmetrical. The present study further revealed that such asymmetrical circuitry is critical for proper memory function of the brain. These results was published on line in October 17, 2010 edition of the science journal, PLoS ONE.
PLoS ONE 5(11): e15468.
（URL: http://www.plosone.org/doi/pone.0015468）.
*For further information, please check the Press Release announced by Keio University
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