The effect of varying concentrations of the aluminium chloride (AlCl3) induction on the memory and behavioral abilities of cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus

AbstractThis study was conducted with an aim to find out new animal model with better specifications and a cheap and fast method of inducing neurodegeneration using the neurotoxic compound aluminium chloride (AlCl3). The study began with acclimatisation of crickets, then continued with the induction of AlCl3 in various concentrations, including; 40 mMol, 60 mMol, 80 mMol, 100 mMol, and 120 mMol. Induction was given via ingestion and observed for comparison of memory decline based on spontaneous alternation test and memory recognition using Y-maze and brain organ observation. Results were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test and Dunn’s post-hoc to find the best treatment based on the spontaneous alternation test. The results obtained the higher the concentration, the lower the memory ability, and the reduced the life span of crickets. The best treatment by P3 and P4 has the greatest statistical significance (P < 0.0033) in the alternation behavior, and the recognition memory test obtained the lowest average in P4. Meanwhile, observations of brain organs showed abnormalities in the brain of P4 in the form of a collection of white plaques that did not occur in other treatments.