Long-term enhancement of maze learning in mice via a generalized Mozart effect.
OBJECTIVE
An animal model of the 'generalized Mozart effect' (GME) - enhanced/normalized higher brain function in response to music exposure - has been established. We extend those results in two studies using another species (mice). Study 1: (1) maze testing after music exposure was extended to a minimum of 6 hours; (2) no exposure to music in utero. Study 2: (1) music exposure time further reduced; (2) maze testing extended to 24 hours.


METHODS
Study 1: two mouse groups were exposed to music continuously for 10 hours per day for 10 weeks (Group I: Mozart's Sonata K.448, Group II: Beethoven's Fur Elise). After 10 weeks, the ability to negotiate a T-maze was assessed (recording working time in maze, number of errors). Maze ability was tested 6 hours following the last music exposure. Study 2: two mouse groups were exposed periodically to music (58% silence) 10 hours per day for 10 weeks. Experiments after 10 weeks examined the groups' abilities to run the maze (recording working time/errors). Experiments were conducted 24 hours following the last music exposure.


RESULTS
The Mozart group exhibited significant enhancements compared with the control mice in both studies, i.e. significantly lower working time (p<0.05) and committed fewer errors.


CONCLUSIONS
Observation of GME in another species supports its generality for the mammalian cortex. The absence of a GME in fMRI studies for the control music also indicates a neurophysiological basis. With extended exposure, GME is a long-term effect, indicating potential clinical importance. It has been demonstrated that GME reduces neuropathological spiking significantly in epileptics. We discuss the relevance of this study for epilepsy treatment.
Aoun
Peter
P
MIND Institute, 1503 South Coast Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
Jones
Timothy
T
Shaw
Gordon L
GL
Bodner
Mark
M
D000818:Animals; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D006613:Higher Nervous Activity / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice / Q000502:physiology*; D009146:Music; D051381:Rats / Q000502:physiology; D013045:Species Specificity; D013997:Time Factors