Spatial Learning and Memory in the MWM is Not Affected by Loss of BMPRII.

(A) fbΔBMPRII mutant mice (red) do not have a significantly different learning curve than control littermates (black) during the cued (1) or first hidden (2–10) phases of the water maze, but show a slower learning curve during the reversal (12–16) phase of the water maze. (B) The swimming distance of the mice was not different than control littermates, (C) but the swimming speed of the mice was significantly slower on most days of the water maze. The appearance of a slower learning trend during the first hidden phase and reversal is likely an artifact of slow swimming speed rather than slower learning. (D-E) During probe trials fbΔBMPRII mutant mice show similar preference for the target quadrant as control littermates during both the first hidden phase and the reversal phase. Abbreviations: (P) platform position, (Cu) former cued platform position, (F) former hidden platform position. Results reported as mean ± S.E.M. Asterisk indicates *p<0.05, **p<0.005, ***p<0.0005, ****p<0.00005.