Fig. 5

Effects of ligature-induced periodontitis on learning and memory. The Morris Water Maze test (MWM) was conducted to assess the learning and memory ability: a latency to find the platform during the acquisition phase of the MWM test (n = 6 per group, two-way ANOVA, F = 18.08, *p < 0.05, and **p < 0.01 compared to the control group, #p < 0.05, and ##p < 0.01 compared to the CP group), b number of platform crossings in the target quadrant (F = 4.435, p = 0.0152), c percentage of time spent in the target quadrant (F = 4.600, p = 0.0132), and d the typical trajectories. The platform is represented by an open circle. (n = 6 per group, one-way ANOVA, *p < 0.05 compared to the control group; #p < 0.05 compared to the CP group)