1
|
Brown RE. Measuring the replicability of our own research. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 406:110111. [PMID: 38521128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
In the study of transgenic mouse models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, we use batteries of tests to measure deficits in behaviour and from the results of these tests, we make inferences about the mental states of the mice that we interpret as deficits in "learning", "memory", "anxiety", "depression", etc. This paper discusses the problems of determining whether a particular transgenic mouse is a valid mouse model of disease X, the problem of background strains, and the question of whether our behavioural tests are measuring what we say they are. The problem of the reliability of results is then discussed: are they replicable between labs and can we replicate our results in our own lab? This involves the study of intra- and inter- experimenter reliability. The variables that influence replicability and the importance of conducting a complete behavioural phenotype: sensory, motor, cognitive and social emotional behaviour are discussed. Then the thorny question of failure to replicate is examined: Is it a curse or a blessing? Finally, the role of failure in research and what it tells us about our research paradigms is examined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Henn RE, Elzinga SE, Glass E, Parent R, Guo K, Allouch AM, Mendelson FE, Hayes J, Webber-Davis I, Murphy GG, Hur J, Feldman EL. Obesity-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in young adult versus middle-aged mice. Immun Ageing 2022; 19:67. [PMID: 36550567 PMCID: PMC9773607 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-022-00323-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity rates are increasing worldwide. Obesity leads to many complications, including predisposing individuals to the development of cognitive impairment as they age. Immune dysregulation, including inflammaging (e.g., increased circulating cytokines) and immunosenescence (declining immune system function), commonly occur in obesity and aging and may impact cognitive impairment. As such, immune system changes across the lifespan may impact the effects of obesity on neuroinflammation and associated cognitive impairment. However, the role of age in obesity-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment is unclear. To further define this putative relationship, the current study examined metabolic and inflammatory profiles, along with cognitive changes using a high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model of obesity. RESULTS First, HFD promoted age-related changes in hippocampal gene expression. Given this early HFD-induced aging phenotype, we fed HFD to young adult and middle-aged mice to determine the effect of age on inflammatory responses, metabolic profile, and cognitive function. As anticipated, HFD caused a dysmetabolic phenotype in both age groups. However, older age exacerbated HFD cognitive and neuroinflammatory changes, with a bi-directional regulation of hippocampal inflammatory gene expression. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data indicate that HFD promotes an early aging phenotype in the brain, which is suggestive of inflammaging and immunosenescence. Furthermore, age significantly compounded the impact of HFD on cognitive outcomes and on the regulation of neuroinflammatory programs in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary E Henn
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Sarah E Elzinga
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Emily Glass
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Rachel Parent
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Kai Guo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA
| | - Adam M Allouch
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Faye E Mendelson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - John Hayes
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Ian Webber-Davis
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Geoffery G Murphy
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Junguk Hur
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA
| | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dutrow EV, Serpell JA, Ostrander EA. Domestic dog lineages reveal genetic drivers of behavioral diversification. Cell 2022; 185:4737-4755.e18. [PMID: 36493753 PMCID: PMC10478034 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Selective breeding of domestic dogs has generated diverse breeds often optimized for performing specialized tasks. Despite the heritability of breed-typical behavioral traits, identification of causal loci has proven challenging due to the complexity of canine population structure. We overcome longstanding difficulties in identifying genetic drivers of canine behavior by developing a framework for understanding relationships between breeds and the behaviors that define them, utilizing genetic data for over 4,000 domestic, semi-feral, and wild canids and behavioral survey data for over 46,000 dogs. We identify ten major canine genetic lineages and their behavioral correlates and show that breed diversification is predominantly driven by non-coding regulatory variation. We determine that lineage-associated genes converge in neurodevelopmental co-expression networks, identifying a sheepdog-associated enrichment for interrelated axon guidance functions. This work presents a scaffold for canine diversification that positions the domestic dog as an unparalleled system for revealing the genetic origins of behavioral diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily V Dutrow
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James A Serpell
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elaine A Ostrander
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ahnaou A, Whim D. REM sleep behavior and olfactory dysfunction: improving the utility and translation of animal models in the search for neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104897. [PMID: 36183864 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease that belongs to the family of synucleiopathies, varying in age, symptoms and progression. Hallmark of the disease is the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein protein (α-Syn) in neuronal and non-neuronal brain cells. In past decades, diagnosis and treatment of PD has focused on motor deficits, which for the clinical endpoint, have contributed to the prevalence of deficits in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system and animal models related to motor behavior to study disease. However, clinical trials have failed to translate results from animal models into effective treatments. PD as a multisystem disorder therefore requires additional assessment of motor and non-motor symptoms. Braak's staging revealed early α-Syn pathology in pontine brainstem and olfactory circuits controlling rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and olfaction, respectively. Recent converging evidence from multicenter clinical studies supports that RBD is the most important risk factor for prodromal PD and the conduct of neuroprotective therapeutic trials in RBD-enriched cohorts has been recommended. Animal models of RBD and olfaction dysfunction can aid to fill the gap in translational research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Ahnaou
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium.
| | - Drinkenburg Whim
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The Ameliorating Effect of Lizhong-Tang on Antibiotic-Associated Imbalance in the Gut Microbiota in Mouse. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12146943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Some herbal medicines have anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal effects. This study analyzed the modulating effect of gut microbiota of anti-inflammatory herbal medicines on antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). The anti-inflammatory effects of 10 herbal medicines and Lizhong-tang active compounds were studied by measuring the nitric oxide production in an in vitro experiment. This was followed by an in vivo experiment in which the anti-diarrheal effects of Lizhong-tang and Magnolia officinalis in a lincomycin-induced AAD mouse model were measured. Changes in the intestinal microflora were observed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Both Lizhong-tang and M. officinalis were effective against AAD, with Lizhong-tang’s anti-diarrheal effects being particularly effective. In addition, the active compounds of Lizhong-tang, liquiritin and 6-gingerol, inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, thus showing an anti-inflammatory effect. Gut microbiota analysis showed that Lizhong-tang could alter the composition of the gut microbiota and ameliorated imbalance in the gut microbiota in a lincomycin-induced AAD mouse model.
Collapse
|
6
|
Genetically modified mice for research on human diseases: A triumph for Biotechnology or a work in progress? THE EUROBIOTECH JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/ebtj-2022-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Genetically modified mice are engineered as models for human diseases. These mouse models include inbred strains, mutants, gene knockouts, gene knockins, and ‘humanized’ mice. Each mouse model is engineered to mimic a specific disease based on a theory of the genetic basis of that disease. For example, to test the amyloid theory of Alzheimer’s disease, mice with amyloid precursor protein genes are engineered, and to test the tau theory, mice with tau genes are engineered. This paper discusses the importance of mouse models in basic research, drug discovery, and translational research, and examines the question of how to define the “best” mouse model of a disease. The critiques of animal models and the caveats in translating the results from animal models to the treatment of human disease are discussed. Since many diseases are heritable, multigenic, age-related and experience-dependent, resulting from multiple gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, it will be essential to develop mouse models that reflect these genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors from a developmental perspective. Such models would provide further insight into disease emergence, progression and the ability to model two-hit and multi-hit theories of disease. The summary examines the biotechnology for creating genetically modified mice which reflect these factors and how they might be used to discover new treatments for complex human diseases such as cancers, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
7
|
O'Leary TP, Brown RE. Visuo-spatial learning and memory impairments in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: Effects of age, sex, albinism, and motor impairments. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12794. [PMID: 35238473 PMCID: PMC9744519 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) rapidly develops AD-related neuro-behavioral pathology. Learning and memory impairments in 5xFAD mice, however, are not always replicated and the size of impairments varies considerably across studies. To examine possible sources of this variability, we analyzed the effects of age, sex, albinism due to background genes (Tyrc , Oca2p ) and motor impairment on learning and memory performance of wild type and 5xFAD mice on the Morris water maze, from 3 to 15 months of age. The 5xFAD mice showed impaired learning at 6-9 months of age, but memory impairments were not detected with the test procedure used in this study. Performance of 5xFAD mice was profoundly impaired at 12-15 months of age, but was accompanied by slower swim speeds than wild-type mice and a frequent failure to locate the escape platform. Overall female mice performed worse than males, and reversal learning impairments in 5xFAD mice were more pronounced in females than males. Albino mice performed worse than pigmented mice, confirming that albinism can impair performance of 5xFAD mice independently of AD-related transgenes. Overall, these results show that 5xFAD mice have impaired learning performance at 6-9 months of age, but learning and memory performance at 12-15 months is confounded with motor impairments. Furthermore, sex and albinism should be controlled to provide an accurate assessment of AD-related transgenes on learning and memory. These results will help reduce variability across pre-clinical experiments with 5xFAD mice, and thus enhance the reliability of studies developing new therapeutics for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P. O'Leary
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Richard E. Brown
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nigri M, Åhlgren J, Wolfer DP, Voikar V. Role of Environment and Experimenter in Reproducibility of Behavioral Studies With Laboratory Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:835444. [PMID: 35250504 PMCID: PMC8895324 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.835444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral phenotyping of mice has received a great deal of attention during the past three decades. However, there is still a pressing need to understand the variability caused by environmental and biological factors, human interference, and poorly standardized experimental protocols. The inconsistency of results is often attributed to the inter-individual difference between the experimenters and environmental conditions. The present work aims to dissect the combined influence of the experimenter and the environment on the detection of behavioral traits in two inbred strains most commonly used in behavioral genetics due to their contrasting phenotypes, the C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice. To this purpose, the elevated O-maze, the open field with object, the accelerating rotarod and the Barnes maze tests were performed by two experimenters in two diverse laboratory environments. Our findings confirm the well-characterized behavioral differences between these strains in exploratory behavior, motor performance, learning and memory. Moreover, the results demonstrate how the experimenter and the environment influence the behavioral tests with a variable-dependent effect, often with mutually exclusive contributions. In this context, our study highlights how both the experimenter and the environment can have an impact on the strain effect size without altering the direction of the conclusions. Importantly, the general agreement on the results is reached by converging evidence from multiple measures addressing the same trait. In conclusion, the present work elucidates the contribution of both the experimenter and the laboratory environment in the intricate field of reproducibility in mouse behavioral phenotyping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Nigri
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Martina Nigri,
| | - Johanna Åhlgren
- Laboratory Animal Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David P. Wolfer
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vootele Voikar
- Laboratory Animal Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Vootele Voikar,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hernandez M, Vaughan J, Gordon T, Lippmann M, Gandy S, Chen LC. World Trade Center dust induces nasal and neurological tissue injury while propagating reduced olfaction capabilities and increased anxiety behaviors. Inhal Toxicol 2022; 34:175-188. [PMID: 35533138 PMCID: PMC9728549 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2022.2072027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Previous in vitro and in vivo World Trade Center particulate matter (WTCPM) exposure studies have provided evidence of exposure-driven oxidative/nitrative stress and inflammation on respiratory tract and aortic tissues. What remains to be fully understood are secondary organ impacts due to WTCPM exposure. This study was designed to test if WTC particle-induced nasal and neurologic tissue injury may result in unforeseen functional and behavioral outcomes.Material and Methods: WTCPM was intranasally administered in mice, evaluating genotypic, histopathologic, and olfaction latency endpoints.Results: WTCPM exposure was found to incite neurologic injury and olfaction latency in intranasally (IN) exposed mice. Single high-dose and repeat low-dose nasal cavity insults from WTCPM dust resulted in significant olfaction delays and enduring olfaction deficits. Anxiety-dependent behaviors also occurred in mice experiencing olfaction loss including significant body weight loss, increased incidence and time spent in hind stretch postures, as well as increased stationary time and decreased exploratory time. Additionally, WTCPM exposure resulted in increased whole brain wet/dry ratios and wet whole brain to body mass ratios that were correlated with exposure and increased exposure dose (p<0.05).Discussion: The potential molecular drivers of WTCPM-driven tissue injury and olfaction latency may be linked to oxidative/nitrative stress and inflammatory cascades in both upper respiratory nasal and brain tissues.Conclusion: Cumulatively, these data provide evidence of WTCPM exposure in relation to tissue damage related to oxidative stress-driven inflammation identified in the nasal cavity, propagated to olfactory bulb tissues and, potentially, over extended periods, to other CNS tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Hernandez
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua Vaughan
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Terry Gordon
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morton Lippmann
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sam Gandy
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- James J Peter VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Lung-Chi Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Judgement Bias in Miniature Donkeys: Conditioning Factors and Personality Links. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092737. [PMID: 34573703 PMCID: PMC8464721 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Expectation-related bias may configure individuals' perception of their surrounding environment and of the elements present in it. This study aimed to determine the repercussions of environmental (weather elements) or subject-inherent factors (sex, age, or personality features) on judgment bias. A cognitive bias test was performed in eight Miniature jennies and four jacks. Test comprised habituation, training and testing phases during which subjects were trained on how to complete the test and scored based on their latency to approach an ambiguous stimulus. A questionnaire evaluating eleven personality features was parallelly completed by three caretakers, five operators and two care assistants to determine the links between personality features and judgment bias. Adjusted latencies did not significantly differ between sexes (Mann-Whitney test, p > 0.05). Although Miniature donkeys can discriminate positive/negative stimuli, inter-individual variability evidences were found. Such discrimination is evidenced by significant latency differences to approach positive/negative stimuli (33.7 ± 43.1 vs. 145.5 ± 53.1 s) (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.05). Latencies significantly increased with patience, indicative of an expression of pessimism. Better understanding judgement bias mechanisms and implications may help optimize routine handling practices in the framework of animal welfare.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ren Y, Shen Y, Si N, Fan S, Zhang Y, Xu W, Shi L, Zhang X. Slc20a2-Deficient Mice Exhibit Multisystem Abnormalities and Impaired Spatial Learning Memory and Sensorimotor Gating but Normal Motor Coordination Abilities. Front Genet 2021; 12:639935. [PMID: 33889180 PMCID: PMC8056086 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.639935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC, OMIM#213600), also known as Fahr's disease, is a rare autosomal dominant or recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by bilateral and symmetrical microvascular calcifications affecting multiple brain regions, particularly the basal ganglia (globus pallidus, caudate nucleus, and putamen) and thalamus. The most common clinical manifestations include cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric signs, and movement disorders. Loss-of-function mutations in SLC20A2 are the major genetic causes of PFBC. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether Slc20a2 knockout mice could recapitulate the dynamic processes and patterns of brain calcification and neurological symptoms in patients with PFBC. We comprehensively evaluated brain calcifications and PFBC-related behavioral abnormalities in Slc20a2-deficient mice. METHODS Brain calcifications were analyzed using classic calcium-phosphate staining methods. The Morris water maze, Y-maze, and fear conditioning paradigms were used to evaluate long-term spatial learning memory, working memory, and episodic memory, respectively. Sensorimotor gating was mainly assessed using the prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex program. Spontaneous locomotor activity and motor coordination abilities were evaluated using the spontaneous activity chamber, cylinder test, accelerating rotor-rod, and narrowing balance beam tests. RESULTS Slc20a2 homozygous knockout (Slc20a2-HO) mice showed congenital and global developmental delay, lean body mass, skeletal malformation, and a high proportion of unilateral or bilateral eye defects. Brain calcifications were detected in the hypothalamus, ventral thalamus, and midbrain early at postnatal day 80 in Slc20a2-HO mice, but were seldom found in Slc20a2 heterozygous knockout (Slc20a2-HE) mice, even at extremely old age. Slc20a2-HO mice exhibited spatial learning memory impairments and sensorimotor gating deficits while exhibiting normal working and episodic memories. The general locomotor activity, motor balance, and coordination abilities were not statistically different between Slc20a2-HO and wild-type mice after adjusting for body weight, which was a major confounding factor in our motor function evaluations. CONCLUSION The human PFBC-related phenotypes were highly similar to those in Slc20a2-HO mice. Therefore, Slc20a2-HO mice might be suitable for the future evaluation of neuropharmacological intervention strategies targeting cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Ren
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqi Shen
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nuo Si
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shiqi Fan
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wanhai Xu
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Shi
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Crawford K, Oliver PL, Agnew T, Hunn BHM, Ahel I. Behavioural Characterisation of Macrod1 and Macrod2 Knockout Mice. Cells 2021; 10:368. [PMID: 33578760 PMCID: PMC7916507 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine diphosphate ribosylation (ADP-ribosylation; ADPr), the addition of ADP-ribose moieties onto proteins and nucleic acids, is a highly conserved modification involved in a wide range of cellular functions, from viral defence, DNA damage response (DDR), metabolism, carcinogenesis and neurobiology. Here we study MACROD1 and MACROD2 (mono-ADP-ribosylhydrolases 1 and 2), two of the least well-understood ADPr-mono-hydrolases. MACROD1 has been reported to be largely localized to the mitochondria, while the MACROD2 genomic locus has been associated with various neurological conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia; yet the potential significance of disrupting these proteins in the context of mammalian behaviour is unknown. Therefore, here we analysed both Macrod1 and Macrod2 gene knockout (KO) mouse models in a battery of well-defined, spontaneous behavioural testing paradigms. Loss of Macrod1 resulted in a female-specific motor-coordination defect, whereas Macrod2 disruption was associated with hyperactivity that became more pronounced with age, in combination with a bradykinesia-like gait. These data reveal new insights into the importance of ADPr-mono-hydrolases in aspects of behaviour associated with both mitochondrial and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerryanne Crawford
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK; (K.C.); (T.A.)
| | - Peter L. Oliver
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK; (P.L.O.); (B.H.M.H.)
- MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Didcot OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Thomas Agnew
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK; (K.C.); (T.A.)
| | - Benjamin H. M. Hunn
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK; (P.L.O.); (B.H.M.H.)
| | - Ivan Ahel
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK; (K.C.); (T.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fertan E, Wong AA, Purdon MK, Weaver ICG, Brown RE. The effect of background strain on the behavioral phenotypes of the MDGA2 +/- mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 20:e12696. [PMID: 32808443 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The membrane-associated mucin (MAM) domain containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor 2 protein single knock-out mice (MDGA2+/- ) are models of ASD. We examined the behavioral phenotypes of male and female MDGA2+/- and wildtype mice on C57BL6/NJ and C57BL6/N backgrounds at 2 months of age and measured MDGA2, neuroligin 1 and neuroligin 2 levels at 7 months. Mice on the C57BL6/NJ background performed better than those on the C57BL6/N background in visual ability and in learning and memory performance in the Morris water maze and differed in measures of motor behavior and anxiety. Mice with the MDGA2+/- genotype differed from WT mice in motor, social and repetitive behavior and anxiety, but most of these effects involved interactions between MDGA2+/- genotype and background strain. The background strain also influenced MDGA2 levels and NLGN2 association in MDGA2+/- mice. Our findings emphasize the importance of the background strain used in studies of genetically modified mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Aimée A Wong
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michaela K Purdon
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ian C G Weaver
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Possible challenges in behavioral phenotyping of rodents following COVID-19 lockdown. Lab Anim (NY) 2020; 49:159. [DOI: 10.1038/s41684-020-0559-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
15
|
Soontornniyomkij V, Chang RC, Soontornniyomkij B, Schilling JM, Patel HH, Jeste DV. Loss of Immunohistochemical Reactivity in Association With Handling-Induced Dark Neurons in Mouse Brains. Toxicol Pathol 2020; 48:437-445. [PMID: 31896310 PMCID: PMC7113115 DOI: 10.1177/0192623319896263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The handling-induced dark neuron is a histological artifact observed in brain samples handled before fixation with aldehydes. To explore associations between dark neurons and immunohistochemical alterations in mouse brains, we examined protein products encoded by Cav3 (neuronal perikarya/neurites), Rbbp4 (neuronal nuclei), Gfap (astroglia), and Aif1 (microglia) genes in adjacent tissue sections. Here, dark neurons were incidental findings from our prior project, studying the effects of age and high-fat diet on metabolic homeostasis in male C57BL/6N mice. Available were brains from 4 study groups: middle-aged/control diet, middle-aged/high-fat diet, old/control diet, and old/high-fat diet. Young/control diet mice were used as baseline. The hemibrains were immersion-fixed with paraformaldehyde and paraffin-embedded. In the hippocampal formation, we found negative correlations between dark neuron hyperbasophilia and immunoreactivity for CAV3, RBBP4, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) using quantitative image analysis. There was no significant difference in dark neuron hyperbasophilia or immunoreactivity for any protein examined among all groups. In contrast, in the hippocampal fimbria, old age seemed to be associated with higher immunoreactivity for GFAP and allograft inflammatory factor-1. Our findings suggest that loss of immunohistochemical reactivity for CAV3, RBBP4, and GFAP in the hippocampal formation is an artifact associated with the occurrence of dark neurons. The unawareness of dark neurons may lead to misinterpretation of immunohistochemical reactivity alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virawudh Soontornniyomkij
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rachel C. Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Jan M. Schilling
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Hemal H. Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Dilip V. Jeste
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Simanaviciute U, Ahmed J, Brown RE, Connor-Robson N, Farr TD, Fertan E, Gambles N, Garland H, Morton AJ, Staiger JF, Skillings EA, Trueman RC, Wade-Martins R, Wood NI, Wong AA, Grant RA. Recommendations for measuring whisker movements and locomotion in mice with sensory, motor and cognitive deficits. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 331:108532. [PMID: 31785300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have measured whisker movements and locomotion to characterise mouse models of neurodegenerative disease. However, these studies have always been completed in isolation, and do not involve standardized procedures for comparisons across multiple mouse models and background strains. NEW METHOD We present a standard method for conducting whisker movement and locomotion studies, by carrying out qualitative scoring and quantitative measurement of whisker movements from high-speed video footage of mouse models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Cerebellar Ataxia, Somatosensory Cortex Development and Ischemic stroke. RESULTS Sex, background strain, source breeder and genotype all affected whisker movements. All mouse models, apart from Parkinson's disease, revealed differences in whisker movements during locomotion. R6/2 CAG250 Huntington's disease mice had the strongest behavioural phenotype. Robo3R3-5-CKO and RIM-DKOSert mouse models have abnormal somatosensory cortex development and revealed significant changes in whisker movements during object exploration. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) Our results have good agreement with past studies, which indicates the robustness and reliability of measuring whisking. We recommend that differences in whisker movements of mice with motor deficits can be captured in open field arenas, but that mice with impairments to sensory or cognitive functioning should also be filmed investigating objects. Scoring clips qualitatively before tracking will help to structure later analyses. CONCLUSIONS Studying whisker movements provides a quantitative measure of sensing, motor control and exploration. However, the effect of background strain, sex and age on whisker movements needs to be better understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ugne Simanaviciute
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK; School of Biological Sciences, Manchester University, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jewel Ahmed
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Natalie Connor-Robson
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Tracy D Farr
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Nikki Gambles
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK; Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L2 2QP, UK
| | - Huw Garland
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - A Jennifer Morton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Jochen F Staiger
- Institute for Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center, Göttingen, 37075, Germany
| | - Elizabeth A Skillings
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Rebecca C Trueman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Nigel I Wood
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Aimee A Wong
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Robyn A Grant
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Social dominance hierarchy type and rank contribute to phenotypic variation within cages of laboratory mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13650. [PMID: 31541122 PMCID: PMC6754368 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49612-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A tacit assumption in laboratory animal research is that animals housed within the same cage or pen are phenotypically more similar than animals from different cages or pens, due to their shared housing environment. This assumption drives experimental design, randomization schemes, and statistical analysis plans, while neglecting social context. Here, we examined whether a domain of social context-social dominance-accounted for more phenotypic variation in mice than cage-identity. First, we determined that cages of mice could be categorized into one of three dominance hierarchies with varying degrees of dominance behavior between cage-mates, and low levels of agonistic behavior in the home-cage. Most groups formed dynamic hierarchies with unclear ranks, contrasting with recent accounts of stable transitive hierarchies in groups of mice. Next, we measured some phenotypic traits, and found that social dominance (i.e. dominance hierarchy type and degree of dominance behavior) consistently accounted for some phenotypic variation in all outcome measures, while cage-identity accounted for phenotypic variation in some measures but virtually no variation in others. These findings highlight the importance of considering biologically relevant factors, such as social dominance, in experimental designs and statistical plans.
Collapse
|
18
|
Roth TC, Krochmal AR, LaDage LD. Reptilian Cognition: A More Complex Picture via Integration of Neurological Mechanisms, Behavioral Constraints, and Evolutionary Context. Bioessays 2019; 41:e1900033. [PMID: 31210380 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Unlike birds and mammals, reptiles are commonly thought to possess only the most rudimentary means of interacting with their environments, reflexively responding to sensory information to the near exclusion of higher cognitive function. However, reptilian brains, though structurally somewhat different from those of mammals and birds, use many of the same cellular and molecular processes to support complex behaviors in homologous brain regions. Here, the neurological mechanisms supporting reptilian cognition are reviewed, focusing specifically on spatial cognition and the hippocampus. These processes are compared to those seen in mammals and birds within an ecologically and evolutionarily relevant context. By viewing reptilian cognition through an integrative framework, a more robust understanding of reptile cognition is gleaned. Doing so yields a broader view of the evolutionarily conserved molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie cognitive function and a better understanding of the factors that led to the evolution of complex cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Roth
- Department of Psychology, Franklin and Marshall College, P.O. Box 3003, Lancaster, PA, 17603, USA
| | - Aaron R Krochmal
- Department of Biology, Washington College, 300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, MD, 21620, USA
| | - Lara D LaDage
- Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Penn State University Altoona, Altoona, PA, 16601, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
The history of neuroscience is the memory of the discipline and this memory depends on the study of the present traces of the past; the things left behind: artifacts, equipment, written documents, data books, photographs, memoirs, etc. History, in all of its definitions, is an integral part of neuroscience and I have used examples from the literature and my personal experience to illustrate the importance of the different aspects of history in neuroscience. Each time we talk about the brain, do an experiment, or write a research article, we are involved in history. Each published experiment becomes a historical document; it relies on past research (the “Introduction” section), procedures developed in the past (“Methods” section) and as soon as new data are published, they become history and become embedded into the history of the discipline (“Discussion” section). In order to be transparent and able to be replicated, each experiment requires its own historical archive. Studying history means researching books, documents and objects in libraries, archives, and museums. It means looking at data books, letters and memos, talking to scientists, and reading biographies and autobiographies. History can be made relevant by integrating historical documents into classes and by using historical websites. Finally, conducting historical research can be interesting, entertaining, and can lead to travel to out-of-the-way and exotic places and meeting interesting people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lundberg S, Högman C, Roman E. Adolescent Exploratory Strategies and Behavioral Types in the Multivariate Concentric Square Field TM Test. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:41. [PMID: 30886574 PMCID: PMC6409336 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is an important developmental phase with extensive changes in behavior due to remodeling of the brain and hormonal systems. Validation of animal behavioral tests in this age group is therefore of importance as differences to adult behavior are often not clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate adolescent behavior in the multivariate concentric square fieldTM (MCSF) test and its relationship to other common behavioral tests as well as to a literature dataset of adult animals. Sixty adolescent male Wistar rats were tested in the MCSF and one of four reference tests; the elevated plus maze, the open field with or without start box, or the social play behavior test. Additionally, 12 animals were tested twice in the MCSF. When analyzing the first encounter with the MCSF test, a distinct grouping of the individuals into three behavioral types was observed. Approximately 20% of the animals had high levels of activity and an additional 20% had high levels of shelter seeking-behavior, these groups composed the outlying behavioral types named Explorers and Shelter seekers, respectively, which were distinct from the Main type of animals. When tested in the MCSF for a second time, the adolescent animals showed a recollection of the arena as they changed their behavior in relation to the first encounter. When comparing the MCSF performance to the reference tests, a relationship was found between the MCSF and the other behavioral test entailing forced exploration, while no relationship was found between the MCSF and social play. The adolescent behavioral profile was characterized by decreased risk assessment and a different activity profile than adults. In conclusion, the MCSF test is useful for profiling adolescent rats but the behavioral interpretation differs from that of adults due to differences in behavioral manifestation during adolescence and the presence of natural subgroups. Adolescent exploration shows a relationship across tests, but the MCSF gives more information than any of the other behavioral tests based on forced exploration. Further studies into the neurobiology behind the behavioral types and how different manipulations affect the distribution into the behavioral types are of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stina Lundberg
- Neuropharmacology, Addiction and Behavior, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Högman
- Neuropharmacology, Addiction and Behavior, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erika Roman
- Neuropharmacology, Addiction and Behavior, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Grant RA, Wong AA, Fertan E, Brown RE. Whisker exploration behaviours in the 5xFAD mouse are affected by sex and retinal degeneration. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 19:e12532. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robyn A. Grant
- Division of Biology and Conservation EcologyManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Aimee A. Wong
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Richard E. Brown
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
O'Leary TP, Hussin AT, Gunn RK, Brown RE. Locomotor activity, emotionality, sensori-motor gating, learning and memory in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Brain Res Bull 2018; 140:347-354. [PMID: 29870778 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse (line 85) is a double transgenic model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with familial amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1 mutations. These mice develop age-related behavioral changes reflective of the neuropsychiatric symptoms (altered anxiety-like behaviour, hyperactivity) and cognitive dysfunction (impaired learning and memory) observed in AD. The APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse has been used to examine the efficacy of therapeutic interventions on behaviour, despite previous difficulties in replicating behavioural phenotypes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the reliability of these phenotypes by further characterizing the behaviour of male APPswe/PS1dE9 and wild-type mice between 7 and 14 months of age. Mice were tested on the open-field over 5-days to examine emotionality, locomotor activity and inter-session habituation. Mice were also tested on the repeated-reversal water maze task and spontaneous alternation on the Y-maze to assess working memory. Sensori-motor gating was examined with acoustic startle and pre-pulse inhibition. Lastly contextual and cued (trace) memory was assessed with fear conditioning. The results show that among non-cognitive behaviours, APPswe/PS1dE9 mice have normal locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, habituation and sensori-motor gating. However, APPswe/PS1dE9 mice show impaired working memory on the repeated-reversal water-maze and impaired memory in contextual but not trace-cued fear conditioning. These results indicate that the APPswe/PS1dE9 (line 85) mice have deficits in some types of hippocampal-dependent learning and memory and, at the ages tested, APPswe/PS1dE9 mice model cognitive dysfunction but not neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P O'Leary
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Ahmed T Hussin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Rhian K Gunn
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Brown RE, Bolivar S. The importance of behavioural bioassays in neuroscience. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 300:68-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
24
|
Kafkafi N, Agassi J, Chesler EJ, Crabbe JC, Crusio WE, Eilam D, Gerlai R, Golani I, Gomez-Marin A, Heller R, Iraqi F, Jaljuli I, Karp NA, Morgan H, Nicholson G, Pfaff DW, Richter SH, Stark PB, Stiedl O, Stodden V, Tarantino LM, Tucci V, Valdar W, Williams RW, Würbel H, Benjamini Y. Reproducibility and replicability of rodent phenotyping in preclinical studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 87:218-232. [PMID: 29357292 PMCID: PMC6071910 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The scientific community is increasingly concerned with the proportion of
published “discoveries” that are not replicated in subsequent
studies. The field of rodent behavioral phenotyping was one of the first to
raise this concern, and to relate it to other methodological issues: the complex
interaction between genotype and environment; the definitions of behavioral
constructs; and the use of laboratory mice and rats as model species for
investigating human health and disease mechanisms. In January 2015, researchers
from various disciplines gathered at Tel Aviv University to discuss these
issues. The general consensus was that the issue is prevalent and of concern,
and should be addressed at the statistical, methodological and policy levels,
but is not so severe as to call into question the validity and the usefulness of
model organisms as a whole. Well-organized community efforts, coupled with
improved data and metadata sharing, have a key role in identifying specific
problems and promoting effective solutions. Replicability is closely related to
validity, may affect generalizability and translation of findings, and has
important ethical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - John C Crabbe
- Oregon Health & Science University, and VA Portland Health Care System, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Natasha A Karp
- Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - William Valdar
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Motor function deficits in the 12 month-old female 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Behav Brain Res 2017; 337:256-263. [PMID: 28890389 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Motor problems occur early in some patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and as the disease progresses many patients develop motor dysfunction. Motor dysfunction has been reported in some mouse models of AD, including the 5xFAD mouse, thus this model may be particularly useful for studying motor dysfunction in AD. In order to determine the extent of motor dysfunction in these mice, we tested 11-13 month old female 5xFAD and wildtype (WT) control mice in a battery of motor behaviour tasks. The 5xFAD mice showed hind limb clasping, weighed less and had slower righting reflexes than WT mice. In the open field, the 5xFAD mice travelled a shorter distance than the WT mice, spent less time moving and had a slower movement speed. The 5xFAD mice fell faster than the WT mice from the balance beam, wire suspension, grid suspension and rotarod tasks, indicating dysfunctions in balance, grip strength, motor co-ordination and motor learning. The 5xFAD mice had a short, shuffling gait with a shorter stride length than WT mice and had a slower swim speed. The 5xFAD mice also failed to show an acoustic startle response, likely due to motor dysfunction and previously reported hearing impairment. The 5xFAD mice did not show deficits in the ability of peripheral motor nerves to drive muscle output, suggesting that motor impairments are not due to dysfunction in peripheral motor nerves. These results indicate that the aged 5xFAD mice are deficient in numerous motor behaviours, and suggest that these mice may prove to be a good model for studying the mechanisms of motor dysfunction in AD, and motor behaviour might prove useful for assessing the efficacy of AD therapeutics. Motor dysfunction in 5xFAD mice must also be considered in behavioural tests of sensory and cognitive function so that performance is not confounded by impaired locomotor or swimming behaviour.
Collapse
|
26
|
Gouveia K, Hurst JL. Optimising reliability of mouse performance in behavioural testing: the major role of non-aversive handling. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44999. [PMID: 28322308 PMCID: PMC5359560 DOI: 10.1038/srep44999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Handling laboratory animals during test procedures is an important source of stress that may impair reliability of test responses. Picking up mice by the tail is aversive, stimulating stress and anxiety. Responses among anxious animals can be confounded further by neophobia towards novel test environments and avoidance of test stimuli in open areas. However, handling stress can be reduced substantially by using a handling tunnel, or cupping mice without restraint on the open hand. Here we establish whether non-aversive handling, brief prior familiarisation with the test arena and alternative stimulus placement could significantly improve performance of mice in behavioural tests. We use a simple habituation-dishabituation paradigm in which animals must discriminate between two urine stimuli in successive trials, a task that mice can easily perform. Tail handled mice showed little willingness to explore and investigate test stimuli, leading to poor test performance that was only slightly improved by prior familiarisation. By contrast, those handled by tunnel explored readily and showed robust responses to test stimuli regardless of prior familiarisation or stimulus location, though responses were more variable for cup handling. Our study shows that non-aversive tunnel handling can substantially improve mouse performance in behavioural tests compared to traditional tail handling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Gouveia
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Jane L. Hurst
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
This paper highlights a recent report by Roy and colleagues showing that boosting plasticity in synapses activated during initial memory encoding ameliorates memory impairments found in the early stages of the familial version of Alzheimer's disease. Our goal was to describe the main features of the report and evaluate the approach and implications of the work.
Collapse
|
28
|
Sukoff Rizzo SJ, Silverman JL. Methodological Considerations for Optimizing and Validating Behavioral Assays. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 6:364-379. [PMID: 27906464 DOI: 10.1002/cpmo.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical animal models are indispensable tools for translational research for which behavioral characterization and phenotyping are essential to testing hypotheses and for evaluating the potential of novel therapeutic agents to treat diseases. The methods employed for comprehensive behavioral phenotyping and pharmacological experiments are complex and should be conducted exclusively by trained technicians with demonstrated proficiency. The ultimate goal is to identify disease-relevant and translational behavioral endpoints that are robust, reliable, and reproducible, and that can be employed to evaluate potential of novel therapeutic agents to treat disease. The intent of the present article is to provide a pragmatic outline for establishing and optimizing behavioral assays and phenotyping batteries, ensuring that the assays and the data are reliable such that they can be reproduced within and across technicians and laboratories and, more importantly, that the data is translatable to the clinic. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacey J Sukoff Rizzo
- Mouse Neurobehavioral Phenotyping Facility, Center for Biometric Analysis, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
|
30
|
Svirsky N, Levy S, Avitsur R. Prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) increases aggression and modulates maternal behavior in offspring mice. Dev Psychobiol 2015; 58:71-82. [PMID: 26336834 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs in pregnant women. SSRIs cross the placental barrier and affect serotonergic neurotransmission in the fetus. Although no gross SSRI-related teratogenic effects were reported, infants born following prenatal exposure to SSRIs are at higher risk for various developmental abnormalities. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of prenatal SSRI on social and maternal behavior in mice. To this end, pregnant female dams were exposed to saline or fluoxetine (FLX) throughout pregnancy, and the behavior of the offspring was examined. The results indicate that in utero FLX increased aggression in adult males and delayed emergence of maternal behavior in adult females. Social exploration and recognition memory were not affected by prenatal FLX exposure. These findings support the notion that alterations in the development of serotonergic pathways following prenatal exposure to SSRIs are associated with changes in social and maternal behavior throughout life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natali Svirsky
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, 68114, Israel
| | - Sigal Levy
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, 68114, Israel
| | - Ronit Avitsur
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, 68114, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Schubiger MN, Wüstholz FL, Wunder A, Burkart JM. High emotional reactivity toward an experimenter affects participation, but not performance, in cognitive tests with common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Anim Cogn 2015; 18:701-12. [PMID: 25636914 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-015-0837-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
When testing primates with cognitive tasks, it is usually not considered that subjects differ markedly in terms of emotional reactivity toward the experimenter, which potentially affects a subject's cognitive performance. We addressed this issue in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), a monkey species in which males tend to show stronger emotional reactivity in testing situations, whereas females have been reported to outperform males in cognitive tasks. In a two-phase experiment, we first quantified the emotional reactivity of 14 subjects toward four different experimenters performing a standardized behavioral action sequence and then assessed whether and how it affected the subjects' participation and performance in a subsequent object permanence task. A test session was terminated if a subject refused to make a choice in four consecutive trials. Highly emotionally aroused individuals, particularly males, were less likely to participate in the cognitive task and completed fewer trials. However, whenever they did participate and were attentive to the task, their performance was not affected. Our results suggest that differences in emotional reactivity toward an experimenter have no major impact on cognitive performance if strict criteria are applied on when to abandon a test session and if performance is corrected for attention to the test procedure. Furthermore, they suggest that the reported sex differences in cognitive performance in marmosets may be owing to motivational and attentional factors, rather than a difference in cognitive ability per se.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michèle N Schubiger
- Anthropological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pooters T, Van der Jeugd A, Callaerts-Vegh Z, D'Hooge R. Telencephalic neurocircuitry and synaptic plasticity in rodent spatial learning and memory. Brain Res 2015; 1621:294-308. [PMID: 25619550 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Spatial learning and memory in rodents represent close equivalents of human episodic declarative memory, which is especially sensitive to cerebral aging, neurodegeneration, and various neuropsychiatric disorders. Many tests and protocols are available for use in laboratory rodents, but Morris water maze and radial-arm maze remain the most widely used as well as the most valid and reliable spatial tests. Telencephalic neurocircuitry that plays functional roles in spatial learning and memory includes hippocampus, dorsal striatum and medial prefrontal cortex. Prefrontal-hippocampal circuitry comprises the major associative system in the rodent brain, and is critical for navigation in physical space, whereas interconnections between prefrontal cortex and dorsal striatum are probably more important for motivational or goal-directed aspects of spatial learning. Two major forms of synaptic plasticity, namely long-term potentiation, a lasting increase in synaptic strength between simultaneously activated neurons, and long-term depression, a decrease in synaptic strength, have been found to occur in hippocampus, dorsal striatum and medial prefrontal cortex. These and other phenomena of synaptic plasticity are probably crucial for the involvement of telencephalic neurocircuitry in spatial learning and memory. They also seem to play a role in the pathophysiology of two brain pathologies with episodic declarative memory impairments as core symptoms, namely Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Further research emphasis on rodent telencephalic neurocircuitry could be relevant to more valid and reliable preclinical research on these most devastating brain disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Brain and Memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tine Pooters
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, 102 Tiensestraat, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ann Van der Jeugd
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, 102 Tiensestraat, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zsuzsanna Callaerts-Vegh
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, 102 Tiensestraat, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rudi D'Hooge
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, 102 Tiensestraat, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Roddick KM, Schellinck HM, Brown RE. Olfactory delayed matching to sample performance in mice: Sex differences in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Behav Brain Res 2014; 270:165-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
34
|
O'Leary TP, Gunn RK, Brown RE. What are we measuring when we test strain differences in anxiety in mice? Behav Genet 2013; 43:34-50. [PMID: 23288504 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-012-9572-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We examined measures of locomotor and anxiety-like behavior in male and female mice of 15 inbred strains on the elevated-plus maze, light/dark transition box and open field. Strain differences were found on all measures of locomotor activity and anxiety. Strain means for measures of locomotor activity on the three apparatus were significantly correlated, but strain means for commonly used measures of anxiety were not correlated. Principal component analysis revealed a common locomotor activity factor, which accounted for 28.6 % of the variance, but no common anxiety factor. Species-typical behaviors (defecations, stretch-attend postures, grooming) accounted for smaller proportions (<11 %) of the variance. These results plus comparisons with previously published data suggest that the elevated-plus maze, light/dark box and open field measure different facets of anxiety, and that the reliability of genetic differences on anxiety is highly dependent on apparatus, procedural variables and laboratory factors. Locomotor activity, however, is a stable trait that differs across strains and is reliably measured in different apparatus and laboratories. We conclude that anxiety traits of inbred mouse strains are best reflected by species-typical behaviors in each apparatus. These results suggest that new ways of measuring trait anxiety are required in order to determine the neural and genetic correlates of anxiety-like behaviour in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P O'Leary
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
McAllister B, Kiryanova V, Dyck R. Behavioural outcomes of perinatal maternal fluoxetine treatment. Neuroscience 2012; 226:356-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Revised: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
36
|
Bibiloni R. Rodent models to study the relationships between mammals and their bacterial inhabitants. Gut Microbes 2012; 3:536-43. [PMID: 22918304 PMCID: PMC3495791 DOI: 10.4161/gmic.21905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Laboratory rodents have been instrumental in helping researchers to unravel the complex interactions that mammals have with their microbial commensals. Progress in defining these interactions has also been possible thanks to the development of culture-independent methods for describing the microbiota associated to body surfaces. Understanding the mechanisms that govern this relationship at the molecular, cellular, and ecological levels is central to both health and disease. The present review of rodent models commonly used to investigate microbial-host "conversations" is focused on those complex bacterial communities residing in the lower gut. Although many types of pathology have been studied using gnotobiotic animals, only the models relevant to commensal bacteria will be described.
Collapse
|
37
|
Grayson JE, Barton T, Cabot PJ, Souvlis T. Spinal manual therapy produces rapid onset analgesia in a rodent model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 17:292-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Revised: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
38
|
Brown RE. Improving animal models for nervous system disorders. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2012; 11:753-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2012.00808.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
39
|
Stover KR, Brown RE. Age-related changes in visual acuity, learning and memory in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Behav Brain Res 2012; 231:75-85. [PMID: 22409975 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are often tested for learning and memory deficits using visuo-spatial tasks such as the Morris water maze. Performance on these tasks is dependent on vision and the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model has amyloid beta plaques in their retinas which might influence their performance in these tasks. In a visual learning task, old (20-26 months) transgenic mice and their wildtype littermates of both sexes had poorer visual ability than young (5-8 months) mice and old transgenic mice had poorer visual acuity than old wildtype mice. Old transgenic mice also had deficits in visuo-spatial learning and memory on the Morris water maze. The transgenic mice had no deficits in the conditioned odour preference or conditioned taste aversion memory tests at any age. These results indicate that the old APPswe/PS1dE9 mice and their wildtype littermates both have a deficit in their visual ability and that visually dependent measures alone should not be used to assess learning and memory in this strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt R Stover
- Psychology Department and Neuroscience Institute, Dalhousie University, PO Box 1500, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wesson DW, Nixon RA, Levy E, Wilson DA. Mechanisms of neural and behavioral dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurobiol 2011; 43:163-79. [PMID: 21424679 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-011-8177-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This review critically examines progress in understanding the link between Alzheimer's disease (AD) molecular pathogenesis and behavior, with an emphasis on the impact of amyloid-β. We present the argument that the AD research field requires more multifaceted analyses into the impacts of Alzheimer's pathogenesis which combine simultaneous molecular-, circuit-, and behavior-level approaches. Supporting this argument is a review of particular research utilizing similar, "systems-level" methods in mouse models of AD. Related to this, a critique of common physiological and behavioral models is made-highlighting the likely usefulness of more refined and specific tools in understanding the relationship between candidate molecular pathologies and behavioral dysfunction. Finally, we propose challenges for future research which, if met, may greatly extend our current understanding of how AD molecular pathology impacts neural network function and behavior and possibly may lead to refinements in disease therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Wesson
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, New York University School of Medicine, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|