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Behavior, ectopias and immunity in BD/DB reciprocal crosses.
V H Denenberg1, G F Sherman, L Morrison
1Biobehavioral Sciences Graduate Degree Program, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-4154.
Brain Research
|February 7, 1992
Summary
Maternal environment influences autoimmune disease severity and learning abilities in mice. Autoimmune factors in utero increase paw asymmetry and impair avoidance learning, but some effects are genetically controlled.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Previous research indicated maternal environment impacts autoimmunity and learning in mice.
- Autoimmunity was linked to paw asymmetry and impaired avoidance learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm and extend findings on maternal environment effects on autoimmunity and learning.
- To investigate genetic control of autoimmune traits and learning.
Main Methods:
- Reciprocal crosses of DBA and BXSB mice were performed.
- Immune activity, paw asymmetry, learning (avoidance, discrimination), and cortical ectopias were assessed.
Main Results:
- DB mice (DBA female x BXSB male) showed higher immune activity and poorer avoidance learning.
- BD mice exhibited greater paw asymmetry.
- Cortical ectopias were rare and appeared genetically controlled.
Conclusions:
- A negative correlation exists between immune activity and active avoidance learning.
- Autoimmune uterine factors contribute to increased paw asymmetry in females.
- Cortical ectopias are primarily under genetic influence.
- Early exposure to autoimmunity in utero may induce suppressor systems in offspring.