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Cellular prion protein ablation impairs behavior as a function of age
Adriana S Coitinho1, Rafael Roesler, Vilma R Martins
1Centro de Memória, Departmento de Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos 2600, Porto Alegre, Brazil. acoitinho@yahoo.com.br
Neuroreport
|July 24, 2003
Summary
Cellular prion protein (PrPc) is crucial for memory. Mice and rats lacking PrPc show impaired memory and reduced activity by 9 months of age, suggesting PrPc
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Cellular prion protein (PrPc) is increasingly recognized for its physiological roles.
- Previous research has hinted at PrPc's involvement in various cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PrPc in memory and locomotor activity.
- To determine age-dependent effects of PrPc deficiency on behavior.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral testing of 3- and 9-month-old mice genetically engineered to lack PrPc (Prnp0/0).
- Intrahippocampal administration of anti-PrPc IgG in rats.
- Assessment of short- and long-term memory using a step-down inhibitory avoidance task.
- Evaluation of locomotor activity in an open field test.
Main Results:
- No behavioral differences were observed in 3-month-old Prnp0/0 mice compared to controls.
- Nine-month-old Prnp0/0 mice and rats treated with anti-PrPc antibody exhibited significant impairments in both short- and long-term memory retention.
- A notable decrease in locomotor activity was recorded in PrPc-deficient animals during open field exploration.
Conclusions:
- PrPc plays a critical role in the systems responsible for memory formation.
- The necessity of PrPc for memory function appears to increase with age, becoming evident between 3 and 9 months.
- These findings highlight PrPc's importance in maintaining cognitive and motor functions in adult rodents.