Fig. 2

Evaluation of the NOR paradigm and the sensorial assessment of male and female mice. a Schematic representation of the NOR experimental design to assess short-term (STM, learning index) and long-term memory (LTM, memory index), using two different objects. Graphs depicting b the total distance traveled in the habituation phase of the NOR paradigm and c its representation in 1 min intervals. Graphs showing d the percentage of preference exploring identical objects (represented as A) and e the number of interactions during the 15-min training phase of the test. f Graph representing the discrimination index (DI) between objects following the STM and LTM protocols when using a novel object (represented as B in STM protocol and C in LTM protocol) that differed drastically from the familiar object. g Schematic representation of the NOR experimental design to assess STM using objects with minimal differences between them. h Graph depicting the DI following the STM protocol and representative heatmaps showing activity around the objects, when the novel object (represented as D cross out) presented strong similarity with the familiar one (represented as D). Evaluation of the i mechanical response in the von Frey test using calibrated filaments from 0.16 to 10 g and j the paw withdrawal (in seconds) in the plantar test. The data are presented as the mean ± SEM of n = 10 mice per group: *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 vs male; #p < 0.05 vs the first minute. Females were in proestrus and estrus (P/E) stages. DI, discrimination index; AU, arbitrary units