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Age-related changes in visual acuity, learning and memory in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice
Aimée A Wong1, Richard E Brown
1Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4J1.
Neurobiology of Aging
|October 3, 2006
Summary
Age-related vision loss in DBA/2J mice, a model for human glaucoma, occurs between 6 and 12 months. This decline significantly impacts learning and memory performance in tasks like the Morris Water Maze.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
Background:
- The DBA/2J mouse strain serves as a valuable model for studying age-related pigmentary glaucoma, a condition affecting humans.
- Understanding the timeline of visual decline in this model is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the progression of visual dysfunction in DBA/2J mice compared to control strains.
- To assess the impact of age-related vision loss on cognitive functions, including learning and memory.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated visual functions (detection, pattern discrimination, acuity) in DBA/2J, C57BL/6J, B6.mpc1d, and D2.mpc1b mice at multiple ages (6, 12, 18, 24 months).
- Assessed cognitive performance using the Morris Water Maze and an olfactory discrimination learning task.
- Analyzed strain differences and the correlation between visual function and cognitive measures.
Main Results:
- At 6 months, DBA/2J and D2.mpc1b mice showed superior visual detection compared to C57BL/6J and B6.mpc1d mice.
- Between 12 and 24 months, C57BL/6J and B6.mpc1d mice outperformed DBA/2J and D2.mpc1b mice in visual tasks and the Morris Water Maze.
- No significant strain differences were observed in the olfactory learning task.
- Visual function decline in DBA/2J mice occurs between 6 and 12 months of age.
- Visual task performance significantly influenced learning and memory in the water maze at later ages.
Conclusions:
- DBA/2J mice experience a significant loss of visual function between 6 and 12 months of age.
- Age-related vision impairment in this model directly affects spatial learning and memory capabilities.
- These findings highlight the critical role of vision in cognitive function and underscore the utility of the DBA/2J mouse as a glaucoma model.
