Assessment of long-term working memory by a delayed nonmatch-to-place task using a T-maze

Long-term working memory (LTWM) is a subdivision concept of working memory and indicates the enhancement of performance in a working memory task. LTWM has been shown in humans who have been engaged in a specific task requiring working memory over a long time. However, there is very little understanding of the exact mechanism of LTWM because of limitations of experimental methods in human studies. We have modified the standard T-maze task, which is used to test working memory in mice, to demonstrate LTWM in an animal model. We observed an enhancement of performance by repeated experience with the same working memory load in mice, which can be regarded as an LTWM. This effect seems to depend on the condition wherein a delay was given. This task may be a good experimental protocol to assess LTWM in animal studies.