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Age-related psychomotor and spatial learning deficits in 129/SvJ mice
J M Hengemihle1, J M Long, J Betkey
1Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Molecular Physiology and Genetics Section, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, Gerontology, Research Center, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Abstract:
The 129 mouse strain has been widely used to construct mutations that model behavioral aging in humans. The current study found significant age-related declines in both psychomotor and swim maze performance of 5-, 17-, and 27-month-old 129/SvJ mice. However, the age differences in swim maze acquisition were inconsistent with poor performance in the probe trial which assesses spatial memory. This inconsistency may result from the high degree of genetic polymorphisms and age-related visual pathology which afflicts this mouse strain. Therefore, we concluded that 129/SvJ mice present a problematic model of mammalian cognitive aging and involve a risk for behavioral contamination in studies involving mutant mice derived from this strain.
Insights
The 129/SvJ mouse strain shows age-related cognitive and psychomotor declines, but inconsistencies suggest it is a poor model for studying mammalian cognitive aging due to genetic and visual issues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- The 129 mouse strain is commonly used for modeling human behavioral aging.
- Understanding cognitive aging in animal models is crucial for human health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of the 129/SvJ mouse strain for modeling cognitive and psychomotor aging.
- To identify potential confounds in using this strain for aging studies.
Main Methods:
- Assessed psychomotor performance and spatial learning/memory in 5-, 17-, and 27-month-old 129/SvJ mice.
- Utilized swim maze tasks to evaluate acquisition and probe trial performance.
Main Results:
- Significant age-related declines were observed in psychomotor and swim maze acquisition tasks.
- Inconsistent performance between swim maze acquisition and probe trials suggests a potential deficit in spatial memory assessment.
- High genetic variability and age-related visual impairments in this strain were noted.
Conclusions:
- The 129/SvJ mouse strain exhibits limitations as a model for mammalian cognitive aging.
- Genetic polymorphisms and visual pathology may confound behavioral studies in this strain.
- Caution is advised when using 129/SvJ mice for research on aging and behavioral genetics.