I want to measure BDNF, but I need to know if I should use a separate group of rats which is not subjected to the test of Barnes maze.
I only studied this factor as a demonstration of the dysfunction of the endoplasmic reticulum but I remember a review that explained the role of BDNF in memory. Though it´s a bit old, I hope it suits you (Binder DK, Scharfman HE. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Growth Factors. 2004 Sep;22(3):123-31)
Both physical exercise and environmental enrichment up-regulate BDNF. The Barnes Maze should provide a very mild form of each, in addition to testing spatial memory. If your question is whether spatial learning on the Barnes Maze correlates with BDNF levels or whether it induces BDNF, you should construct a control group that runs and ducks in the holes but does not need to remember locations, as a control condition. In addition, you can have a group that is a cage control and/or an activity level control (in case they are doing incidental spatial learning on the previous "control task"). I hope that helps as I am not sure of your research question.
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